Day 1: Iconic Paris — The Must-See Landmarks

Your first day in Paris should be dedicated to the city’s most iconic landmarks, all conveniently located within walking distance of each other. Start early at the Eiffel Tower — arrive by 8:30 AM to beat the queues and enjoy the views in the soft morning light. Book your tickets online in advance to skip the ticket line. After descending, take a leisurely stroll through the Champ de Mars gardens and cross the Seine to the Trocadéro for the most photographed view of the tower.

Walk along the Seine to the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées. Climb the 284 steps to the observation deck for one of the best panoramic views in Paris — on a clear day, you can see from the Sacré-Cœur to La Défense. For lunch, head to a classic bistro in the nearby 7th or 8th arrondissement. In the afternoon, explore the Louvre Museum, focusing on the highlights: the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, and the Apollo Gallery. Three hours is sufficient for a highlights tour. End your evening with a Seine river cruise at sunset — Bateaux Mouches and Vedettes du Pont Neuf both offer excellent one-hour cruises.

Day 2: Bohemian Paris — Montmartre and the North

Begin Day 2 in Montmartre, Paris’s most romantic and artistic neighborhood. Start at the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for breathtaking views over the entire city. Wander down the hill through charming cobblestone streets, past the artist square at Place du Tertre, and visit the Moulin Rouge on Boulevard de Clichy. Stop for coffee at one of the many pavement cafés on Rue Lepic, best hotels in Paris Amélie was filmed.

After lunch in Montmartre, take the metro to the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a stunning former railway station. This museum holds the world’s finest Impressionist collection — don’t miss Monet’s Water Lilies, Renoir’s Bal du Moulin de la Galette, and Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône. In the late afternoon, explore the elegant Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, stopping at the famous Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots for a coffee in the spot best restaurants in Paris Sartre, de Beauvoir, and Hemingway once held court. For dinner, the Latin Quarter offers excellent value restaurants.

Day 3: Royal Paris — Versailles and Hidden Gems

Take a best day trips from Paris to the Palace of Versailles (RER C train, 45 minutes from central Paris). Arrive when the palace opens at 9 AM to avoid crowds. Tour the breathtaking Hall of Mirrors, the King’s State Apartments, and the Queen’s Chambers. The palace alone takes 2–3 hours. Afterward, spend at least 2–3 hours exploring the magnificent gardens, the Grand Trianon, and Marie Antoinette’s private estate (the Hameau de la Reine). Pack a picnic or grab lunch at one of the on-site cafés. Return to Paris in the late afternoon.

If you prefer to stay in Paris, replace Versailles with the Musée de l’Orangerie (Monet’s enormous Water Lilies murals), a walk through the beautiful Tuileries Garden, and shopping at the Galeries Lafayette or along the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. In the evening, treat yourself to a farewell dinner at a classic French bistro or a sunset drink at a rooftop bar like Le Perchoir or Georges at Centre Pompidou.

Budget for 3 Days in Paris

Here is a realistic budget breakdown for a solo traveler for 3 days: For more details, check out our 5 days in Paris. For more details, check out our 7 days in Paris. For more details, check out our Paris bucket list.

  • Accommodation: €180–€300 (3 nights in a budget/mid-range hotel)
  • Food: €90–€180 (mix of markets, cafés, and restaurants)
  • Attractions: €60–€130 (Louvre €17, Musée d’Orsay €16, Arc de Triomphe €16, Versailles €21, Seine cruise €15)
  • Transport: €30–€40 (carnet of 10 metro tickets + RER to Versailles)
  • Total: €360–€650 for 3 days

Buy the Paris Museum Pass (€55 for 2 days) to save on museum entries and skip lines. A carnet of 10 metro tickets (€18.90) is the cheapest way to get Paris metro guide. Eat lunch at bakeries and markets to save money — a baguette sandwich from a boulangerie costs just €4–€6 and is delicious.

Essential Tips for First-Timers

Book everything online in advance — the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Versailles all have separate lines for pre-booked tickets that are dramatically shorter. Wear comfortable shoes — you will walk 15,000–25,000 steps per day on Paris’s cobblestone streets. Learn a few French phrases — saying “Bonjour” before any interaction is essential French etiquette and will get you much better service. Carry a reusable water bottle — Paris has excellent public water fountains (many with sparkling water). Be aware of pickpockets in tourist areas, on the metro, and at major landmarks — use a crossbody bag and keep your phone secure.

Related: best things to do

Ready to book? skip-the-line Eiffel Tower tickets.

Ready to book? purchase the Paris Museum Pass.