How to spend 3 days in Paris

Guest post by Alexander & Laura of the expert travel blog, Lost Between Oceans.

Welcome to Paris, the city that never gets old. It does not matter how many times you visit it; it keeps amazing you! Based on our experience, 3 days is the perfect amount of time to discover the city of love. Below, you’ll be able to find our itinerary based on multiple visits to Paris. We have included traditional spots such as the Eiffel Tower but added in some special places for food to maximise your time during 3 days in Paris.

Day 1

We recommend starting your day with a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Make sure to book your tickets well in advance so you can go to the first or second floor! The view over Paris is amazing! After your visit, you can walk through the Champs de Mars (the long green park next to the tower). It’s the perfect spot to have a breakfast picnic or just chill for a moment.

Afterwards, take the metro and go to Montmartre for lunch. This is perhaps one of the most special places in Paris. You can visit the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica and overlook a view over Paris on top of the stairs! We recommend La Taverne de Montmartre for their special raclette for lunch! We hope you love it as much as we did!

After lunch, you should walk over the cobblestone streets and discover the secret staircases and shops. Make sure that you don’t miss the Place du Tertre, where artists display their work and cafes line the square. It’s a typical Parisian vibe, as you get to see in the movies!

After dinner, or if you want to be really special, you can take your dinner on a romantic boat ride along the Seine River. The boat tour will take you past some of the most beautiful historical buildings and monuments (that are beautifully lit up), including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum. It will even pass the Neuilly-sur-Seine quarter in Paris! Ending your evening should be with a traditional French dessert, such as crème brûlée or macarons. They will not disappoint you!

Day 2

Today might be your most special day in Paris! Be prepared for a lot of walking, but it will be totally worth it!

You should start your day off with a visit to the Louvre Museum. We recommend getting there early to avoid crowds and spending the morning admiring some of the most famous works of art in the world, including the Mona Lisa and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

Insider Tip: Download the Louvre app beforehand to guide you through the museum easily. You can also buy your tickets beforehand, which will save you some time when you’re there. If you are more of a fan of creative art and illusions, make sure to visit the Musée de l’Illusion Paris! This is a perfect activity for families with children.

After lunch, head to the Marais district (near Place des Vosges) for some shopping. The Marais is known for its fashion boutiques, art galleries, and vintage stores. The small and narrow streets, the atmosphere—it’s just amazing! If you are interested in the famous painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso, be sure to check out the Picasso Museum!

For the evening activity, we want you to do something you would otherwise never do. Visit a flea market! Specifically, head to the Saint-Ouen Flea Market, where every weekend you’ll find everything from vintage clothing and antiques to artwork and furniture. You don’t have to buy anything, but you’ll be immersed in French culture. However, it is, of course, the perfect opportunity to pick up souvenirs for your loved ones back home, which have a special story attached to them.

Day 3

For the last of your 3 days in Paris, we recommend starting your day with breakfast at a traditional Parisian café. Try a croissant or a pain au chocolat at Blé Sucré, traditional Parisian café.

After breakfast, there are still 3 things you should do before calling it a 3-day Parisian trip. One of those things is the Musée d’Orsay. It’s one of the most beautiful museums in the world related to impressionist and post-impressionist art! You don’t need to be an expert to admire the paintings and look at the details and years it has cost artists to create their masterpieces.

Insider tip: make sure you don’t miss the impressive clock inside the museum! It’s really special!

In the afternoon, it’s time for a small history class by heading to the Palace of Versailles. The palace is located just outside of Paris, but it’s worth the trip by train. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance as they always quickly sell out. We have been there three times now, and it keeps amazing us! From the biggest Hall of Mirrors in the world (at that time), to the beautiful gardens and their fountains that are kept in service due to an immense force of gardeners,

Insider tip: the gardens are so large that it’s best to explore them by bike!

Head back to Paris, as your train or flight probably leaves the city. If you still have some time, make sure to visit the famous Moulin Rouge for a cabaret show! You will experience what you have seen in movies: can-can dances, extravagant costumes, and live music. Even though entry is expensive, it’s a one-in-a-lifetime experience and the perfect way to end your 3-day itinerary in Paris!

So, there you have it—the Lost Between Ocean’s guide to spending 3 days in Paris. You will have had the opportunity to visit the traditional tourist spots you need to visit when in Paris, as well as some great Parisian cafés and restaurants. Check out the full portfolio of homes on Oliver’s Travels and don’t hesitate to get in touch with our concierge team for tips about your stay in Paris and help booking any extras!