You have 72 hours in the French capital. You need a 3 day Paris itinerary that balances world-famous landmarks with the city’s best neighborhoods. This guide covers the essential stops: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the hilltop beauty of Montmartre. You will move from the historic islands in the Seine to the modern streets of Le Marais. Paris is best seen on foot, but the Metro is your tool for speed. Follow this plan to see the best of Paris without burnout.
Day 1: The Seine and Icons
Start with the heavy hitters. You will spend day one tracking the river and seeing the monuments that define the skyline.
Morning: The Iron Lady and the Trocadéro
Begin at Trocadéro at 08:00. This is the best platform for photos of the Eiffel Tower before the crowds arrive. Walk down through the gardens, cross the Pont d’Iéna, and head to the tower base. If you plan to go up, book your tickets months in advance for the first time slot. If you prefer to stay on the ground, walk through the Champ de Mars, a long green park that offers excellent views of the architecture. Grab a coffee at a side-street cafe in the 7th Arrondissement nearby.
Afternoon: Architecture and Art
Take the RER C train from Champ de Mars to Musée d'Orsay. This museum is housed in a converted Beaux-Arts railway station. It holds the world’s largest collection of impressionist masterpieces. Focus on the top floor for Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Spend two hours here. After the museum, walk across the Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor, a pedestrian bridge, into the Tuileries Garden. Walk the central path toward the Place de la Concorde to see the Luxor Obelisk.
Evening: The River from a Boat
As the sun sets, head to the Pont Neuf. Board a Bateaux-Mouches or Vedettes du Pont Neuf cruise. These 1-hour boat tours show you Notre Dame, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower illuminated from the water. For dinner, walk into Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This neighborhood was once the haunt of Hemingway and Sartre. Eat at a traditional brasserie like Le Relais de l'Entrecôte or Brasserie Lipp.
Day 2: History and Markets
Day two focuses on the historic heart of Paris and the trendy eastern districts.
Morning: The Louvre and Palais Royal
Arrive at the Louvre for the 09:00 opening. Use the Carrousel du Louvre entrance (underground) to bypass the longest lines at the glass pyramid. Do not try to see everything. Pick two wings. The Denon wing houses the Mona Lisa and the Winged Victory. Use the "Louvre" app to navigate; the building is a maze. Afterward, walk five minutes north to the Palais Royal. Walk through the black-and-white Buren Columns in the courtyard for a quiet, high-design break from the museum crowds.
Afternoon: Île de la Cité and Le Marais
Walk toward the river to Île de la Cité. Visit Sainte-Chapelle. It is famous for its 13th-century stained glass windows that wrap around the entire upper chapel. Book a timed entry. Then, walk past the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral to see the progress of its restoration. Cross the bridge into Le Marais. This district is full of narrow medieval streets. Stop at L'As du Fallafel on Rue des Rosiers for a quick legendary lunch, then browse the boutiques around the Place des Vosges.
Evening: Rooftops and Cocktails
Finish your day at the Centre Pompidou. Even if you don't go inside for the modern art, the external escalators offer a great view of the city. For dinner, stay in Le Marais or head toward the Canal Saint-Martin. The area near Place de la République is filled with locals rather than tourists. Try a cocktail at Little Red Door or eat at a modern French neo-bistro like Septime (if you booked weeks ahead) or a more accessible spot like Les Enfants du Marché inside the Marché des Enfants Rouges.
Day 3: Heights and Villages
The final day of your 3 day Paris itinerary takes you to the highest point in the city and through its most artistic corridors.
Morning: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
Get to Montmartre early to avoid the midday crush. Take the Metro to Abbesses or Anvers. Walk up to the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur. The view from the front steps is the best free view in Paris. After seeing the interior, wander away from the touristy Place du Tertre. Find the Maison Rose on Rue de l'Abreuvoir and the "Le Passe-Muraille" (The Passer-through-Walls) statue at Place Marcel Aymé. This area feels like a village separate from the rest of the city.
Afternoon: Opéra and Department Stores
Take the Metro Line 12 south toward the Palais Garnier. This 19th-century opera house is a masterpiece of marble and gold. You can take a self-guided tour of the grand staircase and the auditorium. From there, walk behind the opera house to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. Go to the rooftop terrace for a 360-degree view of the city. It is free and offers a direct line of sight to the Eiffel Tower and the Opera house roof.
Evening: Pigalle and Final Toasts
Walk down from the department stores toward South Pigalle (SoPi). This once-gritty area is now the center of Paris's nightlife scene. Have your final dinner at one of the lively spots on Rue des Martyrs or near Place Clichy. If you want a classic experience, catch a late show at the Moulin Rouge or find a jazz club like Le Duc des Lombards in Châtelet. End your night with a walk along the illuminated Seine to say goodbye to the city.
Where to stay for this itinerary
Stay in Le Marais (3rd/4th Arrondissement) or the Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement). Both are central, highly walkable, and connected to major Metro lines. You will save hours on transit. Le Marais offers boutique hotels and nightlife. The Latin Quarter is more historic and generally offers better value for mid-range budgets.
Add a day if you have time
If you have 4 days, take the RER C train to the Palace of Versailles. It is a 40-minute trip from central Paris. Spend the morning in the Hall of Mirrors and the afternoon exploring the Gardens and the Trianon. Alternatively, spend a full day in Père Lachaise Cemetery to see the graves of Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison, followed by a walk through the elevated Coulée verte René-Dumont park.