3 Day Itinerary For Paris If You’re Short On Time

3 Day Itinerary For Paris If You’re Short On Time

Visiting Paris, France but only have a few days? Don’t worry — you can still experience the magic of the City of Light even if you’re short on time. This 3 day itinerary for Paris is perfect for first-time visitors, layover travelers, or anyone looking to make the most of a quick getaway.

From iconic landmarks to charming cafés, this plan covers the best of Paris in just 72 hours. It’s fast-paced but balanced, designed to help you soak in the city’s beauty without rushing past the magic.

Day 1

Morning

• Start at the Eiffel Tower. Snap a few photos or ride to the top if the line isn’t too long.
• Walk along the Champ de Mars for a peaceful view and great angles.
• Grab a light breakfast nearby (like croissants from La Fontaine de Mars).

Afternoon

• Head to the Louvre Museum. You won’t see it all, but focus on the highlights (Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo and Napoleon’s Apartments).
• Stroll through the Tuileries Garden after your museum visit.
• Stop for lunch at Café Marly with a Louvre courtyard view.

Evening

• Make your way to Montmartre for sunset at the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
• Wander through the cobbled streets, peek at Place du Tertre, and enjoy the bohemian vibes.
• Dinner at Le Consulat or La Maison Rose for classic Parisian charm.

Day 2

Morning

• Start at Notre-Dame Cathedral. Even post-fire, the area and nearby Seine views are stunning.
• Visit Sainte-Chapelle, a hidden gem with breathtaking stained glass.
• Walk to Île Saint-Louis for a calm stroll and maybe a Berthillon ice cream.

Afternoon

• Explore the Latin Quarter. Visit the Panthéon, wander Rue Mouffetard, or peek at Shakespeare and Company bookstore.
• Lunch at a classic bistro like Au Vieux Paris.
• Cross the Pont des Arts for a scenic moment over the Seine.

Evening

• Take a Seine river cruise at dusk (Bateaux Mouches or Vedettes du Pont Neuf).
• Watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle on the hour from the water or Trocadéro.
• Dinner near the tower, like at Les Ombres, with rooftop views.

Day 3

Morning

• Grab coffee and a pastry at Carette (Place des Vosges location).
• Visit Le Marais for a mix of boutiques, galleries, and the Carnavalet Museum.
• Explore Place des Vosges, one of Paris’s oldest and most beautiful squares.

Afternoon

• Walk through the Palais Royal and enjoy Les Deux Plateaux (“Colonnes de Buren”).
• Visit the nearby Galeries Lafayette rooftop for stunning city views.
• Lunch at Café de la Paix or Bistro Vivienne near Palais Garnier.

Evening

• Spend your final evening in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood.
• Browse bookstores, sip wine at a sidewalk café, and savor your last dinner at Le Procope or Semilla.
• End with a nighttime stroll along the Seine or Pont Alexandre III.

This 3 day itinerary for Paris proves that even a short trip can be filled with unforgettable moments. By focusing on the essentials and adding just a few hidden gems, you’ll leave feeling like you truly experienced the best of Paris.

Whether it’s your first visit or a quick return, Paris never disappoints. Bon voyage!

Have more time to spend in Paris? Read how you can expand your itinerary with my One Week In Paris Itinerary.

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