Paris offers a wealth of iconic sights, making it challenging to decide where to begin. This three-day itinerary is designed to help you maximize your visit, especially if you only have a few days to explore the city.
To avoid museum fatigue, we’ve strategically spaced out the major museums across three days, ensuring you can enjoy each one without feeling overwhelmed. Included are tips on skipping queues, finding the best deals on attractions, and recommendations for bars, restaurants, and cafes where you can take a break.
DAY 1: The Left Bank
This area, located south of the river, encompasses the 6th and 7th districts. It’s home to the Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Napoleon’s Tomb, the Rodin Museum, and some of the most picturesque streets in the city.
Morning at the Musée d'Orsay
It’s going to be a packed day, so if your hotel doesn’t include breakfast, fuel up with a hearty meal and a quality cup of coffee at Eggs & Co, or opt for a classic Parisian breakfast at Café de Flore. If you’re watching your budget, grab some pastries from a boulangerie and enjoy them on the go.
Start your day at one of Paris’s most stunning museums, the Musée d’Orsay. This museum, dedicated to 19th and 20th-century art, is located in a beautifully restored old railway station along the Seine, just opposite the Tuileries Gardens. Set aside at least two hours to explore the extensive collection of art, sculpture, and design, and take in the beauty of the space itself.
Aim to arrive by 9:30 am when the museum opens to beat the queues. Keep in mind that museums in France are typically closed on either Mondays or Tuesdays, so double-check before your visit. Both the Musée d’Orsay and the Rodin Museum are closed on Mondays.
Lunch on the River
After immersing yourself in remarkable art, take a 10-minute stroll west along the river, passing the Assemblée Nationale on your way to Les Invalides. For lunch, stop at Rosa Bonheur, a charming restaurant and bar located on a barge moored beside the ornate Alexandre III bridge.
If the weather is pleasant, grab a seat on the terrace, where you can enjoy views of the Grand Palais across the river and the Eiffel Tower to the west.
Les Invalides and the Rodin Museum
After lunch, take a leisurely walk through the gardens of Les Invalides, heading toward the Army Museum, easily recognizable by its golden dome. Military history enthusiasts will find plenty to explore, including a museum dedicated to military models of towns. The main courtyard houses an impressive collection of tanks and artillery, and you can also visit the tombs of notable soldiers, with Napoleon’s tomb taking center stage beneath the dome.
If you’re more interested in sculpture, the Rodin Museum is just a short walk away on Rue de Varenne, adjacent to the Army Museum. Housed in an elegant 18th-century mansion, the museum and its gardens provide a serene setting for Rodin’s exquisite sculptures, offering a peaceful retreat in the midst of a busy day.
The Eiffel Tower and the Champ de Mars
Your next stop is Rue Cler, just a short walk from Les Invalides and one of the finest street markets in Paris, famously loved by Julia Child. Take a stroll down the street and stop by La Fromagerie at number 31 to sample some pungent cheeses, and don’t forget to grab a perfectly ripe Brie. Then head over to Les Grandes Caves at number 55 to pick up a bottle of delightful red wine. With a crusty baguette in hand, you’ll have everything you need for a picnic on the Champ de Mars as the sun sets behind the Eiffel Tower.
If you’re interested in taking in the views from the top of the tower, be prepared for long lines. There are several ticket options available, including fast track tickets that you can purchase online through specialist agencies, though these tend to be quite expensive.
For a more budget-friendly option, and if you’re up for the challenge, you can walk up the stairs to the second floor and then take the lift to the top. This not only reduces wait times but is also much cheaper than taking the lift from the ground floor all the way up.
Keep in mind that the more affordable tickets will only get you access to the lift up to the second floor, not to the summit where the views are most spectacular.
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DAY 2: The Louvre, Centre Pompidou, and the Marais
Today’s itinerary is all about contrasts, starting with the contemporary glass pyramid of the Louvre and leading you through the historic Palais Royal to the charming, narrow streets of the Marais, with a stop at an iconic piece of 20th-century architecture along the way.
Breakfast at the Louvre
Start your morning in style with breakfast and a view of the Louvre Pyramid on the terrace of the glamourous Café Marly, or head upstairs in the Richelieu wing to the Café Richelieu and try the famous Angelina hot chocolate and pastries. Once you’ve had your caffeine and sugar hit you should be ready to head for the Museum. The Louvre is the biggest museum in the world, covering 60,000 square metres (652,300 square feet), so there is no way you can see it all in one day, let alone one morning. In fact, it’s been calculated that it would take 100 days to see everything in the Museum. So, plan what you want to see in advance and be realistic. You can always come back another time.
Top tip Avoid the main entrance when it’s busy and use either Galerie du Carrousel from the Commercial Centre, or Porte des Lions on the river side of the building.
Lunch at Palais Royal
It’s time to relax, enjoy a meal, and rest your feet. After leaving the Louvre via the Rue de Rivoli exit, make your way to Rue de Valois, which is just a short walk away. Enter the Palais Royal through one of the entrances on the left side of the street and stroll into the gardens.
While there are several upscale dining options within the arcades, you’ll also find more casual spots like Café Kitsuné and Villalys on the opposite side of the gardens. Both offer a delightful lunch experience on their terraces.
The Pompidou Centre
From Palais Royal, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the Pompidou Centre. Alternatively, you can take Metro line 1 from Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre to Hôtel de Ville, then walk up Rue du Renard.
The Pompidou Centre is renowned for its modern art and industrial design collections and is hailed as one of the most iconic buildings of 20th-century architecture. Designed by architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers in the 1970s, its striking, brightly-colored exterior has become a major attraction in Paris.
After exploring the Centre, spend the rest of the afternoon in the trendy Marais district, which is just a short walk east of the Centre.
A Walk Around the Marais
From the back of the Pompidou Centre, take Rue Rambuteau and continue past the National Archive building along Rue des Francs Bourgeois into the heart of the Marais. This neighborhood offers a distinct contrast to other parts of Paris, characterized by its narrow, medieval streets rather than the wide boulevards and grand 19th-century architecture.
Here, you’ll find 13th-century mansions hidden behind tall walls and unmarked gates, many of which have been converted into hotels or museums.
As you stroll, you’ll pass by the Musée Carnavalet (which is set to reopen after renovations at the end of 2019) and reach the Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest square, dating back to the 17th century. It’s the perfect spot for an aperitif.
Conclude your evening with dinner at the beautifully ornate Brasserie Bofinger near Bastille, or return to the Marais to Rue des Rosiers for some window shopping and a kosher meal at one of the area’s many Jewish restaurants, a remnant of its historic Jewish quarter.
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DAY 3: Notre Dame and Montmartre
A visit to Paris wouldn’t be complete without exploring these two iconic landmarks, celebrated in both film and literature.
Notre Dame and the Islands
Day 3 begins with a visit to the heart of Paris, Île de la Cité, one of the two islands on the Seine and the official center of the city.
Notre Dame Cathedral opens at 8 am, so arriving early is recommended to avoid the crowds. Entrance to the cathedral is free, but if you wish to visit the tower or the crypt, there is a fee (included with the Paris Pass).
Please note that Notre-Dame Cathedral is currently closed due to a recent fire and will remain so until further notice.
Next, head to Sainte-Chapelle, just a 5-minute walk away, to admire the stunning stained-glass windows of this 13th-century Gothic chapel.
Lunch in Montmartre
Next, head to Montmartre for lunch. Take Metro line 4 from Cité (heading towards Porte de Clignancourt) and disembark at Barbès-Rochechouart. Although it’s not the closest stop, it eliminates the need for a transfer and provides a less crowded route compared to the main Abbesses Metro access.
Upon exiting the Metro, walk west along Avenue Rochechouart, then turn onto Rue de Clignancourt. From there, take the third street on the left, Rue André del Sarte. Don’t be deterred if the street seems a bit run-down; the area is undergoing revitalization, with stylish, upscale restaurants moving in. At the end of the street, climb the flight of stairs on the right to reach a charming square with various dining options and terraces for a delightful lunch.
Palais Garnier and the big department stores
On your final afternoon in Paris, it’s the perfect time to shop for souvenirs and gifts. From Montmartre, head to Abbesses Metro and take line 12 towards Mairie d’Issy, then disembark at Saint-Lazare station. Walk down Rue du Havre to the junction with Boulevard Haussmann. On your left, you’ll find Printemps, one of Paris’s largest and most renowned department stores.
A little further along the street, you’ll come across Galeries Lafayette, known for its breathtaking stained-glass dome. This iconic store spans several buildings, providing a vast array of shopping options.
Just across from Galeries Lafayette, you can see the rear of Palais Garnier, the historic opera house. Walk around to Place de l’Opéra to admire the stunning Neo-Baroque façade, and consider taking an English-language guided tour to explore the interior.
