What To See And Do In Paris In 3 Days

Okay, so you have three days in Paris and want to do as much as possible quickly. Then you are in luck. This Paris itinerary has everything from what to pack to what to do and where to stay.

I wouldn’t usually recommend rushing Paris, as it is a city that needs to be explored slowly and appreciated a little bit at a time. But that isn’t always the case, and if you only have a short amount of time, like three days, then let’s build an itinerary that will help you get a glimpse of the city of lights and fall in love with Paris, as I have.

How to Build an Itinerary for 3 Days in Paris

Need more time? No problem! Let’s start building a Paris itinerary with a few top travel tips to help you maximise your time in Paris.

1. Purchase a Paris Museum Pass—With a Paris Museum Pass, you can get free entry to over 50 attractions and skip the lines at popular sites. It’s an excellent value for anyone looking to maximise their time and budget in the city.

2. Purchase tickets online to skip long lines for major attractions, especially in high seasons like summer or during special events.

3 Download convenient apps – my recommendations are City Mapper, Currency Converter, Safetywings, Klook, booking.com and Airalo

4 Organise your e-sim before you leave—I have been using Airalo for the past few months, and it has been easy to set up and use while I am away. Order and download the app before you go; however, ensure you set up the e-sim once you land in France (not before).

5 Remember to check the museum schedules before planning your visit, as many museums in Paris are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

My Favourite Travel Resources to Build a Paris Itinerary

Visa – Ivisa – When planning a trip to France, using iVisa to obtain your visa online can save you time and hassle. iVisa offers a straightforward and convenient online visa application process, eliminating the need to visit embassies or consulates. The platform provides clear instructions and guidance, with 24/7 customer support to assist with inquiries. Choosing iVisa streamlines the visa application process, allowing you to focus on enjoying your upcoming trip to France.

Booking a Flight: CheapOair – I often use CheapOair for its user-friendly platform and competitive pricing when booking my flights. CheapOair provides a wide range of flight options and allows me to compare prices from different airlines easily. Additionally, the platform offers excellent deals on hotels and car rentals, making it a convenient one-stop solution for all my travel needs. Overall, I find CheapOair a reliable and cost-effective option for booking flights.

Travel Insurance: Safetywings – We all know how important travel insurance is when you are abroad, but we also know how expensive it can be, right? Safetywings is affordable, reliable, and, better still, easy to purchase. There are no hidden agendas. Just choose the dates you will be away and check the coverage you need. It is that simple.

Accommodation: Booking.com – Booking.com offers a wide range of accommodation options in Paris and worldwide. With user-friendly search filters and secure booking processes, it’s a convenient choice for finding the perfect place to stay.

Renting a car: DiscoverCars—DiscoverCars is an excellent choice for renting a car in Paris due to its wide range of options, best price guarantee, and user-friendly booking process. It allows for easy price comparison and free amendments, providing a convenient and flexible experience for your trip to Paris.

Tours: Klook – Klook is an excellent platform for booking tours, activities, transfers, and more in Paris. It offers a wide range of options and provides great deals on various attractions and activities. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to book in advance, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free trip. Additionally, Klook often provides exclusive discounts, making it a cost-effective choice for exploring the best of Paris.

Are three Days Enough?

Absolutely not! More than three days in Paris is needed to appreciate and explore everything this incredible city truly offers. Paris is a city rich in history, culture, and art, and rushing through its iconic landmarks and charming neighbourhoods in just three days would not do it justice.

To fully experience Paris’s magic, you need more time to wander its beautiful streets leisurely, visit its world-renowned museums, savour its well-known cuisine, and immerse yourself in the romance and vibrant energy that permeates the city.

Allowing for extra time allows the opportunity to embrace spontaneous discoveries and genuinely connect with Paris’s essence beyond its famous attractions. More time in Paris provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of the city’s allure, making it an unforgettable and enriching experience.

What to Pack for Paris for Any time of the Year

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Smart casual clothes
• Comfortable cross-over bag for easy access
• Water bottle
• Scarf/wrap for women
• Hat for sunny days
• Camera/phone/power chords
• Powerbank
• Tripod for those perfect Paris photos
• toiletries
• Sunglasses
• Jacket (the coverage will depend on the time of year)

Best Time To Visit Paris

The best times to visit Paris are spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. During these seasons, you can enjoy outdoor activities, explore charming neighbourhoods, and visit iconic landmarks without the extreme summer heat or winter cold.

Paris is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring and colourful foliage in the fall, creating a picturesque backdrop for your visit. Travelling during these times also allows you to take advantage of various events, festivals, and cultural activities that showcase the city’s vibrant spirit.

Exploring Paris: The Convenience of Biking Around the City

Biking around Paris is incredibly convenient and a great way to explore the city’s iconic landmarks and charming neighbourhoods. The town offers a bike-sharing program called “Velib’,” with numerous stations throughout Paris, making it easy to find and return bikes as you please.

Cycling allows you to navigate through traffic more swiftly than other modes of transportation while providing a unique perspective of the city’s architecture, parks, and bustling streets. With dedicated bike lanes and paths, getting around Paris by bike is convenient and a fun and environmentally friendly way to experience the city.

3 Days in Paris: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit

Day 1:

Morning: Start your day with a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral. It is worth visiting for its stunning Gothic architecture and historical significance. The cathedral was closed for reconstruction after the fire in 2019, and the reopening date has yet to be announced.

Lunch:– I recommend trying the charming restaurants on Île Saint-Louis near Notre Dame Cathedral. The area offers a variety of dining options, from quaint cafes to gourmet restaurants, providing a delightful experience amidst the historic surroundings.

Afternoon: Head to Sainte-Chapelle, just a short walk from Notre Dame. You should visit Sainte-Chapelle to marvel at its breathtaking stained glass windows, considered among the most stunning in the world.

Evening: Take a relaxing cruise on the Seine River. This will allow you to see some of Paris’s most iconic landmarks from a unique vantage point, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Musée d’Orsay.

Day 2:

Morning: Visit the Louvre in the morning. Avoiding crowds and fully appreciating the art and historical treasures, including the famous Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, is ideal. I highly recommend a tour here, as the guide will take you via a back entrance to reduce the waiting time.

Lunch: Although an Angelina is right next door, the original Angelina (where Coco Chanel frequented) is only a 10-minute walk away. The hot chocolate is by far the best, richest, thickest hot chocolate you will try in Paris. Paris – Rue de Rivoli 226 Rue de Rivoli Paris, Île-de-France 75001

Afternoon:– I highly recommend visiting Tuileries Gardens before Lunch. This gorgeous park is known for its beautiful landscaping, historic significance, and serene atmosphere. It offers a peaceful escape in the heart of Paris. It was built by Catherine de Medicis, the widow of King Henri II, and it served as a royal garden.

Evening: – Discover the artistic and bohemian history of the area and visit the Moulin Rouge in the Pigalle district. The iconic red windmill is a must-see even if you don’t attend a show.

Day 3:

Morning:– Save time and purchase a ticket online to visit the Arc de Triomphe. The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is an iconic monument symbolising France’s military victories. It offers panoramic city views and showcases intricate carvings and reliefs depicting the country’s history and culture. It’s a must-see sight capturing the grandeur of Paris.

Then, head down to Champs-Élysées for a little retail shopping (or at least window shopping) at some of the flagship stores of international brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Guerlain, and Sephora.

Lunch: –Visit the Eiffel Tower and have Lunch in one of the most iconic places in the world. Splurge at the Jule Verne (book way in advance and dig deep, as this is a once-in-a-lifetime splurge) or try Madame Brasserie, a new Parisian venue headed by Chef Thierry Marx on the first floor.

Afternoon: Explore the charming neighbourhood around Montmartre. Visit the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city from the top of the hill.

Evening:– Wrap up your trip with a delightful dinner at a traditional Parisian brasserie and savour the last moments of your first visit to this incredible city.

Where to Stay in Paris

Paris Marriott Champs Elysees Hotel -70 Avenue des Champs-Elysees, 75008 Paris France -The Paris Marriott Champs Elysees Hotel is an excellent choice for a stay in Paris due to its prime location on the famous Champs Elysees Avenue. The hotel offers luxurious accommodations with stunning city views and easy access to iconic landmarks, upscale boutiques, and popular restaurants.

Shangri-La Paris– 10, Avenue D’Lena, 75116 Paris France- Staying at the Shangri-La Paris offers a luxurious and enchanting experience in the heart of the city. The hotel’s prime location near the Eiffel Tower provides exquisite views and easy access to Parisian landmarks. You can indulge in fine dining, unwind in the spa, and experience impeccable service in a truly captivating setting.

Hotel Malte Astotel -63 rue de Richelieu, 75002 Paris France -The Malte Astotel hotel’s central location provides easy access to popular attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas. With its stylish decor and modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi and a delicious breakfast buffet, guests can relax comfortably after exploring the city. The hotel’s attentive and friendly staff is also committed to ensuring a pleasant and memorable stay for everyone.

Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

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