Three days is the perfect length for a first taste of Paris — enough to see the headline icons, wander the great neighbourhoods, and still leave time for café terraces and the Seine. This long-weekend itinerary covers the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame and the Latin Quarter, and bohemian Montmartre, grouped geographically so you spend your time enjoying the city rather than crossing it.
It assumes you arrive into one of the Paris airports — see our Paris CDG airport guide for the easiest routes in. For where to base yourself, see where to stay in Paris and the best areas to stay in Paris, and for more ideas, things to do in Paris.
April to June and September to October offer the most pleasant weather and beautiful light. Spring brings blossom and mild days; autumn is golden and slightly quieter. Summer is warm and busy; winter is atmospheric, especially around the Christmas markets.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Eiffel Tower & the Grand Avenues
Begin with the icon: the Eiffel Tower, ideally first thing or pre-booked to skip the lines. Take in the views from the Trocadéro across the river, then walk the grand axis — the Champs-Élysées up to the Arc de Triomphe — before a sunset Seine river cruise to see the city light up.
- ✓ Eiffel Tower & Trocadéro
- ✓ Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe
- ✓ Sunset Seine river cruise
🛏 Where to stay: Le Marais or Saint-Germain — central and walkable; see our where to stay in Paris guide.
💡 Tip: Pre-book timed Eiffel Tower tickets weeks ahead — same-day tickets mean long queues or sell out entirely.
The Louvre, Notre-Dame & the Latin Quarter
Spend the morning at the Louvre — focus on a few wings rather than trying to see it all — then walk through the Tuileries Gardens to the Île de la Cité for Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle. Finish exploring the lively Latin Quarter and elegant Saint-Germain on the Left Bank.
- ✓ The Louvre
- ✓ Notre-Dame & Sainte-Chapelle
- ✓ Latin Quarter & Saint-Germain
🛏 Where to stay: Paris (second night).
💡 Tip: Book the Louvre online with a timed slot and enter via a less-crowded entrance to skip the main pyramid queue.
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Montmartre & Musée d'Orsay (or Versailles)
Climb to bohemian Montmartre for the white domes of Sacré-Cœur, the artists' square, and sweeping city views, then come down for the Impressionist masterpieces of the Musée d'Orsay. Travelers with more time can instead dedicate the day to a Palace of Versailles excursion.
- ✓ Sacré-Cœur & Montmartre
- ✓ Musée d'Orsay
- ✓ Optional Versailles day trip
🛏 Where to stay: Paris (third night).
💡 Tip: For Versailles, go early and pre-book — it is one of the busiest attractions in France, especially on weekends.
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Budget & Practicalities
Roughly $150–280 per person per day including a central hotel, meals, attractions, and the Métro.
Paris is compact and walkable; a contactless card or Navigo Easy pass covers the Métro and buses for longer hops.
Eiffel Tower summit tickets, a Seine dinner cruise, and a Versailles guided tour.
Tips for This Trip
- → Pre-book the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Versailles online with timed entry to skip the worst queues.
- → Paris is walkable — group sights by area (as above) and use the Métro only for longer hops.
- → A contactless bank card or Navigo Easy pass works across the Métro, buses, and trams.
- → Many museums are closed one day a week (often Monday or Tuesday) — check before you go.
- → Carry a refillable water bottle; Paris has ornate Wallace drinking fountains across the city.
- → Check entry rules in our Europe visa requirements guide before you travel.
What to Pack for Paris
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Cobbles and museums
Paris is a walking city of cobbled lanes and long museum galleries. Supportive, stylish-enough shoes let you cover the icons without sore feet.
Check Price on AmazonA Crossbody Anti-Theft Bag
The Métro and busy sights
Crowded Métro trains and tourist sights attract pickpockets. A zippered crossbody keeps your phone, cash, and passport secure.
Check Price on AmazonA Compact Travel Umbrella
Changeable weather
Paris weather turns quickly in spring and autumn. A compact umbrella tucks into a daypack and saves a sightseeing day from a sudden shower.
Check Price on AmazonA Refillable Water Bottle
Sightseeing days
Paris has free public drinking fountains across the city. A refillable bottle keeps you hydrated between cafés and museums.
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Three days is enough to see Paris's headline sights — the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Montmartre — and soak up the café culture, making it an ideal first-time long weekend. To add more museums, day trips like Versailles or Giverny, and a slower pace, four or five days is better.