Why This Itinerary?

Paris, the City of Light, is one of the world's most beloved destinations. This 3-day itinerary has been carefully crafted using AI-powered recommendations to help you experience the best of Paris without feeling rushed. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to discover new corners of this magical city, this guide will help you make the most of your time.

We've balanced must-see attractions with local favorites, leaving you time to wander, discover, and truly soak in the Parisian atmosphere. From world-class museums to charming cafés, from historic monuments to trendy neighborhoods, this itinerary covers it all.

Day 1: Iconic Paris

Start your Parisian adventure with the city's most famous landmarks.

9:00 AM Eiffel Tower

Begin your day at Paris's most iconic symbol. Book tickets in advance to avoid long queues. Take the elevator to the top for breathtaking 360° views of the city. Pro tip: Visit in the morning for the best light and fewer crowds.

Duration: 2 hours | Cost: €17-26 per person

12:00 PM Lunch at Café de l'Homme

Enjoy lunch with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower from this elegant restaurant at Trocadéro. Perfect for a leisurely meal with incredible photo opportunities.

Duration: 1.5 hours | Budget: €€€

2:30 PM Seine River Cruise

Take a relaxing cruise along the Seine River to see Paris from a different perspective. You'll pass by Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and many beautiful bridges while learning about the city's history through audio commentary.

Duration: 1 hour | Cost: €15-20 per person

4:00 PM Latin Quarter Exploration

Wander through the charming streets of the Latin Quarter. Visit the historic Sorbonne University, browse Shakespeare and Company bookstore, and enjoy the bohemian atmosphere of this intellectual neighborhood.

Duration: 2 hours | Cost: Free

7:00 PM Dinner in Le Marais

End your first day in the trendy Le Marais district. This historic neighborhood offers countless dining options, from traditional French bistros to international cuisine. Try L'As du Fallafel for incredible falafel or Breizh Café for authentic crêpes.

Duration: 2 hours | Budget: €€

Day 2: Art & Culture

Immerse yourself in Paris's world-renowned art scene and cultural treasures.

9:00 AM Louvre Museum

Home to over 35,000 artworks including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Book a timed entry ticket online to skip the lines. Focus on a few sections rather than trying to see everything – it's impossible in one visit!

Duration: 3-4 hours | Cost: €17 per person

1:00 PM Lunch at Palais Royal Gardens

Grab a sandwich from a nearby boulangerie and enjoy lunch in the beautiful Palais Royal gardens. Don't miss the iconic striped columns of Buren in the courtyard.

Duration: 1 hour | Budget: €

2:30 PM Musée d'Orsay

This former railway station houses the world's finest collection of Impressionist art. See masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and many others in this stunning Beaux-Arts building.

Duration: 2-3 hours | Cost: €14 per person

6:00 PM Montmartre at Sunset

Head to Montmartre to watch the sunset from Sacré-Cœur Basilica's steps. Explore the charming streets where artists like Picasso once lived, visit Place du Tertre for street art, and soak in the village-like atmosphere.

Duration: 2-3 hours | Cost: Free

8:30 PM Dinner in Montmartre

Stay in Montmartre for dinner at a cozy bistro. Try La Maison Rose for its Instagram-worthy pink facade and classic French cuisine, or Le Consulat for traditional fare in a historic setting.

Duration: 2 hours | Budget: €€€

Day 3: Palace & Parisian Life

Venture beyond central Paris and live like a local.

8:30 AM Palace of Versailles

Take a 30-minute train ride to the magnificent Palace of Versailles. Explore the opulent state apartments, the breathtaking Hall of Mirrors, and the vast formal gardens. Book skip-the-line tickets in advance for the best experience.

Duration: 4-5 hours (including travel) | Cost: €20-27 per person

2:00 PM Lunch at Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Return to Paris and have lunch in the elegant Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood. Visit the famous Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots where intellectuals like Sartre and Hemingway once gathered.

Duration: 1.5 hours | Budget: €€€

4:00 PM Luxembourg Gardens

Spend a relaxing afternoon at Luxembourg Gardens. Rent a toy sailboat for the fountain, watch a chess match, or simply relax in a green chair with a good book. This is Paris at its most charming.

Duration: 1-2 hours | Cost: Free

6:00 PM Sunset at Pont Alexandre III

Head to Paris's most ornate bridge for golden hour photos. The view from here towards the Invalides is spectacular, especially at sunset.

Duration: 30 minutes | Cost: Free

7:30 PM Farewell Dinner on the Champs-Élysées

End your Paris journey with a memorable dinner near the Champs-Élysées. Stroll down this famous avenue, see the Arc de Triomphe lit up at night, and toast to an unforgettable trip.

Duration: 2-3 hours | Budget: €€€

💡 Essential Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds
Getting Around: The Paris Metro is efficient and affordable. Buy a Navigo pass for unlimited travel
Book in Advance: Reserve tickets for major attractions online to skip long queues
Budget: Expect to spend €100-150 per person per day (excluding accommodation)
Language: Learn basic French phrases – locals appreciate the effort!
Safety: Paris is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets in tourist areas and on public transport
Dining: Lunch menus (menu du jour) offer better value than dinner
Free Attractions: Many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month

🏨 Where to Stay

For the best experience, consider staying in central neighborhoods like Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or near the Louvre. These areas offer easy access to major attractions, excellent restaurants, and authentic Parisian atmosphere.

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✈️ Getting to Paris

Paris is served by two major airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY). CDG is the larger international hub located about 25km northeast of the city center. Both airports are well-connected to central Paris via RER trains, buses, and taxis.

The RER B train from CDG to central Paris takes about 35 minutes and costs €10.30. From Orly, take the Orlyval shuttle to Antony station, then connect to RER B (total cost €12.10).