Experience the essence of Paris in 3 days, from the Eiffel Tower and Sainte-Chapelle to the Musée d'Orsay and a day at Versailles. This itinerary captures the greatest hits of the City of Light.
This plan is built around the city’s best-known sights, in a sensible order to keep travel time low. Opening days and times change, so check the official website of each place before you go. Not sure 3 days is right? Read how many days you need in Paris.
Not in this plan. The Louvre is not part of this plan. If you want to add it, give it a half-day of its own: see Louvre tickets and is the Louvre worth it?
Know before you go
Best Time to Visit
May–June is Paris at its finest — mild weather (18–24°C), café terraces in full swing and the city at its most beautiful before the summer crowds arrive. Perfect for outdoor markets and long evening walks.
July–August brings warm weather and the tourist peak. The Louvre and Eiffel Tower queues can be brutal — book everything in advance. Many Parisians leave in August, giving the city a quieter, more local feel.
September–October is the connoisseur's choice: back-to-school Paris, fashion week energy, golden light on the Seine and shorter queues at major attractions. Ideal for first-time and returning visitors alike.
Getting Around Paris
Métro is the fastest way around — 16 lines covering the entire city. Buy a carnet (pack of 10) for savings if staying several days.
Walking is ideal for the central arrondissements (1st–8th). The distance from Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Tower is just 4km — Paris is a wonderfully walkable city when the weather cooperates.
RER Bconnects both airports: CDG to Châtelet-Les Halles takes 35 minutes; Orly via OrlyVal to Antony takes 35 minutes. Taxis are metered and reliable but expensive during peak hours.
More on neighbourhoods, food and practical tips in our Paris city guide.
Iconic Landmarks & River Views
Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe & Seine cruise
- Morning
Eiffel Tower
Ascend to the top of Paris's most iconic monument for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. This is the essential Paris experience.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Afternoon
Lunch at Trocadéro
Enjoy lunch at a café near Trocadéro with views of the Eiffel Tower. A perfect spot to relax and soak in the Parisian atmosphere.
- Afternoon
Arc de Triomphe
Climb to the top of this monumental arch for panoramic views down the Champs-Élysées and across Paris's grand avenues.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Evening
Paris Evening Cruises
Glide along the Seine as Paris lights up at dusk. See illuminated monuments and bridges from the water—the perfect way to end your first day.
🎟️ Book tickets →
Sacred Masterpieces & World-Class Art
Sainte-Chapelle, Musée d'Orsay & Latin Quarter
- Morning
Sainte-Chapelle
Marvel at stunning 13th-century stained glass windows that tell biblical stories in radiant color. A hidden gem of Gothic architecture on Île de la Cité.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Late Morning
Île de la Cité & Sainte-Geneviève Walk
Stroll through the historic heart of Paris, exploring charming streets, bridges, and the exterior of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Free to wander.
- Afternoon
Lunch in the Latin Quarter
Dine at a traditional bistro in the vibrant Latin Quarter, surrounded by bookshops, students, and Parisian charm.
- Afternoon
Musée d'Orsay
Explore one of the world's great collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces in a beautifully converted railway station.
🎟️ Book tickets →
Palace Splendor & Artistic Treasures
Palace of Versailles & Parisian museums
- Morning
Palace of Versailles
Journey to the magnificent royal palace with its opulent Hall of Mirrors, sprawling gardens, and fountains. An absolute must-see symbol of French grandeur.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Afternoon
Lunch at Versailles
Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants within the palace grounds or nearby village of Versailles.
- Late Afternoon
Musée national Picasso-Paris
Return to Paris and discover the world's largest collection of Picasso's works in the beautiful Hôtel Salé mansion in the Marais district.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Evening
Marais District Stroll & Dinner
Walk through the charming Marais neighborhood with its galleries, boutiques, and historic architecture. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Tickets for this itinerary
Popular sights sell out or have long ticket lines in high season. Booking ahead fixes your time slot; prices are shown live on the booking page.