Itineraries / Paris
3 Days in Paris: A First-Timer's Itinerary
Paris is easy to overpack. This three-day plan picks the essentials and leaves room to sit in a cafe: the big museum and the river on the first day, the Left Bank, a second museum and Montmartre on the second, and a day trip to Versailles on the third.
Book the popular tickets before you fly, and let the rest of the day be loose. Add any stop, or a whole day, straight into your trip.
Day 1: Museums and the river
The first day stays close to the Seine. You can cover the Louvre, the island and the tower with one Metro ride and a lot of walking along the water.
Louvre Museum
The largest art museum in the world, and too big to see in one visit. Pick two wings, such as the Italian paintings and the Egyptian antiquities, and book a timed entry. The Mona Lisa is busy all day, so see it first or last.
Sainte-Chapelle
A 13th-century royal chapel whose walls are almost entirely stained glass. It is small, so the visit is quick, and the upper chapel is the one to see. Go on a bright day and book ahead.
Notre-Dame de Paris
The cathedral sits a few steps from Sainte-Chapelle on the same island. Even if you do not go inside, the front and the river side are worth a look. Check the current visiting rules before you go.
Eiffel Tower
You can go up, or you can watch it from the lawn of the Champ de Mars. After dark the tower sparkles for a few minutes at the top of every hour, which is worth waiting for.
Day 2: Left Bank and Montmartre
The second day starts with a slow coffee on the Left Bank and ends with the view from the hill of Montmartre.
Café de Flore
A classic Left Bank cafe that has hosted writers and artists for generations. Expect Paris prices, and expect to sit a while. A coffee and a croissant here is a fine start to the day.
Musée d'Orsay
A museum in a former railway station, with one of the best collections of Impressionist paintings anywhere. It is smaller and easier to manage than the Louvre. Look for the big clock windows on the upper floor.
Jardin du Luxembourg
A garden of gravel paths and green chairs around a central pond. It is the place to rest your feet before the last stop of the day. Grab a chair by the water and stay a while.
Sacré-Cœur
A white basilica on top of Montmartre hill, with steps out front that look over the whole city. The climb is steep, so take your time. The streets around it are full of cafes and small galleries.
Day 3: Day trip to Versailles
Versailles is about 40 minutes from central Paris by RER C train. Go early, book a timed entry, and note that the palace is closed one day a week.
Palace of Versailles
The former home of the French kings, best known for the Hall of Mirrors and the grand state apartments. Book a timed ticket in advance. The palace is closed one day a week, so check before you go.
Gardens of Versailles
Enormous formal gardens with fountains, hedges and long paved paths. Entry is free on most days, with a paid ticket on the days the fountains run to music. Bring water and comfortable shoes.
Grand Canal
A long cross-shaped canal at the far end of the gardens. It takes a while to walk to, so many visitors rent a bike or take the small train. It is quieter than the area near the palace.
Île Saint-Louis
A calm island just behind Notre-Dame, with narrow streets, small shops and ice cream stands. It is an easy place to end the day after the train back into the city.
Common questions about Paris
Is 3 days enough for Paris?
Three days covers the highlights and one day trip. Add a fourth day for a slower day in the Marais.
Do I need to book Paris attractions ahead?
Yes for the Louvre, Sainte-Chapelle and the Eiffel Tower. Timed entry saves you from waiting in line, and it takes only a few minutes to book.
How do I get around Paris?
The Metro covers nearly everything, and this itinerary keeps each day in one part of the city. Walking along the Seine between stops is pleasant and often quicker than the train.
Plan it with your group
Jornada keeps the ideas, the days, the map and the shared costs for everyone coming on the trip. Start with this itinerary and change whatever you like.
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