You might be wondering if it’s possible to visit Paris in 3 days. You won’t get to see everything, but this fast-paced itinerary will allow you to make the most of your 3 days in Paris. If you’re planning on spending a whole day at the Louvre or lingering at a café to just soak up the atmosphere, this isn’t the right schedule for you. But if you have limited time and a desire to see and do as much as possible, read on.

The best way to accomplish this three-day Paris itinerary is to buy a Paris Museum Pass. This schedule makes use of late evening hours that the Louvre and Orsay museums hold on certain nights during the week. Make sure to look up the current late night schedules and you can swap days around accordingly. If you’re looking for a place to stay while visiting, check out these quirky hotels in Paris.

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Your first day in Paris

Invalides | Eiffel Tower | River Cruise

This is a slower day to accommodate morning flights or jet lag adjustments. Start by exploring the city a bit and take a quick visit to see Napoleon’s tomb at Invalides. Book your Eiffel Tower tickets in advance so you don’t have to wait in line. Try to go up in the late afternoon just before sunset so that you can enjoy the view in the daylight, watch the sunset, and see the city light up below you. Read more about that here.

Take your time and enjoy a glass of champagne at the top and then take the elevator back down. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from for dinner in the area. Take an evening cruise along the Seine to enjoy views of the city at night and an introduction to some of the other highlights you’ll be visiting during your stay.

Looking for hotels right in the thick of things? Check out these Paris hotels with a view! While you’re out and about exploring Paris’ top tourist attractions, you’ll also want to be sure to avoid these common tourist scams.

Your second day in Paris

Versailles | Notre Dame | Louvre | Arc de Triomphe

Start the day by taking an early train to Versailles. Take your time touring the palace and grounds, and enjoy lunch on site in the tea room. Take a mid-afternoon train back to Paris and head to Notre Dame.

Explore inside of the cathedral and then head up to the top for some close-up views of the famous gargoyles and the belfry. Once you’ve had your fill of the view, grab dinner at one of the restaurants on Ile de la Cite.

Walk or take a train to the Louvre to enjoy their late evening hours. You’ll have a few hours to explore the museum and see highlights like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Make sure to enjoy the view of the famous pyramid lit up at night – it’s even better after dark than it is during the day.

Your third day in Paris

Pantheon | Sainte Chappelle | Sacre Coeur | Arc de Triomphe | Musee d’Orsay

Begin your day at the Pantheon, France’s collection of national heroes all entombed together. From there, you can walk to the Ile de la Cite to see the beautiful Sainte Chappelle. It’s not as famous as Notre Dame, but the interior is a must-see and the second level will leave you mesmerized.

The Pantheon

Hop a train to Montmartre and grab lunch there before heading up to Sacre Coeur. There is an inclined railway up to the top if you don’t want to climb the stairs. On your way back, you can take a detour to visit the Moulin Rouge before catching another train to the Champs Elysses.

Start at the Arc de Triomphe. Make sure to take the underground walkways to get to the center of the famous traffic circle surrounding it. A climb to the top offers beautiful views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. Have dinner at one of the many restaurants on the Champs Elysees.

Your final stop for your 3 days in Paris will be the Musee d’Orsay for its evening hours. Here you can enjoy impressionist paintings in the beautiful setting of a former train station. Be sure to climb all the way to the top of the main hall for a bird’s eye view.

Are you planning a trip to Paris? Check out more guides here:

• Should You Buy A Paris Museum Pass?
• The Best Time to Visit the Louvre and Orsay
• An Evening on the Seine
• Sainte Chappelle: Paris’ Hidden Gem
• Notre Dame: Birds, Gargoyles, and an Incredible View
• The Best Time to Visit the Eiffel Tower

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