3 Days in Paris

Day 1: Icons and First Impressions

Morning — Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro

Start early at the Trocadéro Gardens for that jaw-dropping first view of the Eiffel Tower without the midday crowds. Walk across the Pont d’Iéna and take the stairs up to the second floor — it’s free-ish, cheaper than the elevator, and the views are honestly better. Grab a crêpe from one of the stands along the Champ de Mars and eat it on the grass like a proper tourist.

Afternoon — Seine Walk and Notre-Dame

Stroll along the Seine toward Île de la Cité. Pop into Shakespeare and Company, the legendary English-language bookshop, then cross over to see Notre-Dame’s ongoing restoration. Even from outside, it’s stunning. Continue along the Left Bank, stopping at whatever café catches your eye — this is Paris, after all. A café crème and people-watching counts as a legitimate activity.

Evening — Le Marais and Dinner

Head to Le Marais for dinner. This neighborhood has some of the best falafel in Europe (L’As du Fallafel, the line is worth it) plus trendy wine bars and galleries. End the night with a walk along the Seine — the bridges lit up at night are unforgettable.

Budget tip: A carnet of 10 metro tickets saves about 30% compared to buying singles.

Day 2: Art, Gardens, and Hidden Gems

Morning — The Louvre (Strategically)

You cannot see the entire Louvre in a morning. Don’t try. Pick two or three things you actually want to see — the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo — and let yourself wander between them. Enter through the Passage Richelieu entrance to skip the pyramid line. Arrive right at opening (9 AM) for the smallest crowds.

Afternoon — Tuileries and Musée d’Orsay

Walk through the Tuileries Gardens to decompress after the museum. If you still have art energy, the Musée d’Orsay is right there and houses the Impressionist masterpieces — Monet, Renoir, Degas. It’s smaller and less overwhelming than the Louvre. Alternatively, grab a baguette sandwich and sit by the fountain in the Luxembourg Gardens.

Evening — Montmartre at Sunset

Take the metro to Montmartre and climb up to Sacré-Cœur for sunset. The view over all of Paris from the basilica steps is one of those moments you’ll remember forever. Afterward, wander the cobblestone streets, peek into artist studios at Place du Tertre, and find a cozy bistro for dinner. Try the duck confit or a classic steak frites.

Budget tip: The first Sunday of each month, many museums (including the Louvre) offer free entry.

Day 3: Local Life and Farewell

Morning — Market and Breakfast

Visit a local marché (market) like Marché Bastille or Marché d’Aligre. Pick up fresh pastries, cheese, and fruit for a picnic breakfast. This is where Parisians actually shop, and the energy is wonderful. Try a pain au chocolat from any boulangerie with a line out the door — the line means it’s good.

Afternoon — Canal Saint-Martin or Versailles Day Trip

You have two options: for a chill final afternoon, head to Canal Saint-Martin for a waterside walk past iron footbridges and quirky boutiques. For something grander, take the RER C to Versailles (about 40 minutes) and spend the afternoon in the palace gardens — you can enter the gardens for free and they’re enormous.

Evening — Final Seine Cruise

Splurge on a Bateaux Mouches sunset cruise along the Seine. Seeing all the landmarks from the water — the Louvre, Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower sparkling on the hour — is the perfect Paris finale. Or save money by simply sitting on the Pont des Arts with a bottle of wine and some cheese from the morning market.

Budget tip: The Paris Museum Pass (2 or 4 days) pays for itself if you visit three or more museums.