Paris in 3 days: a day-by-day itinerary

Three days let you cover the big Paris icons and still wander at an easy pace. This plan groups visits by area: the Île de la Cité and Latin Quarter on day one, the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower on day two, and Montmartre and the Marais on day three.

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Day 1. Île de la Cité and the Latin Quarter

  1. Notre-Dame de Paris

    Reopened in December 2024 after its restoration. Entry to the cathedral is free; queues are shorter first thing.

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  2. Sainte-Chapelle

    Five minutes from Notre-Dame. Its 13th-century stained glass is the highlight of the island. Buy a timed ticket.

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  3. Jardin du Luxembourg

    Walk through the Latin Quarter to these gardens, with the Senate at the far end. A good place to rest.

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  4. Pont Neuf

    At dusk, take a Seine cruise from Pont Neuf to see the monuments lit up.

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Day 2. From the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower

  1. Musée du Louvre

    Closed on Tuesdays. Book an entry time and pick two or three sections: the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory and the Egyptian antiquities.

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  2. Jardin des Tuileries

    Leave the Louvre heading west through the Tuileries Garden.

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  3. Musée d'Orsay

    If you still have energy, the Impressionist museum is just across the river. Closed on Mondays.

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  4. Tour Eiffel

    Go up at sunset. Buy tickets on the official site in advance: queues without a booking are long.

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  5. Trocadéro

    The Trocadéro esplanade has the best view of the tower, especially when it lights up after dark.

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Day 3. Montmartre and the Marais

  1. Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre

    Climb early to the Sacré-Cœur basilica (free entry) and wander around Place du Tertre and its lanes.

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  2. Place des Vosges, Le Marais

    In the afternoon, the Marais: Place des Vosges, old mansions, shops and falafel on Rue des Rosiers.

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  3. Canal Saint-Martin

    Finish along the Canal Saint-Martin, with café terraces and a local feel.

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💡 Many Paris shops close on Sundays, but much of the Marais stays open.

Practical tips

  • Book the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Sainte-Chapelle in advance.
  • The metro is the fastest way around. A rechargeable Navigo Easy pass saves buying single tickets.
  • The Louvre closes on Tuesdays and the Musée d'Orsay on Mondays, so plan your days around them.
  • Staying in the Marais, the Latin Quarter or Saint-Germain puts many sights within walking distance.

Frequently asked questions

Are 3 days enough for Paris?

For the big must-sees, yes: Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre and the Marais. With more time, add Versailles, the Rodin Museum or Père-Lachaise Cemetery.

Do you have to pay to enter Notre-Dame?

No, entry to the cathedral is free. You can reserve a free time slot to skip the queue.

Which days are Paris museums closed?

The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays and the Musée d'Orsay on Mondays. Check their websites before you go, as hours can change on public holidays.

Make it yours

Plannit builds an itinerary around your interests and dates, with a map, photos and transport between stops.

Personalise this itinerary →

Opening hours and rules can change: check the official websites before you go.