Planning your first trip to Paris? Three days gives you enough time to explore famous landmarks, visit historic attractions, enjoy French food and discover some of the city's most beautiful neighbourhoods.

From the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum to Montmartre and the River Seine, you can experience the highlights of Paris with a well-planned itinerary.

For visitors arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport or Beauvais Airport, arranging transport before arrival can also help make the journey to your hotel easier to manage. Paris Disney Cabs offers private transfer enquiries for travellers planning trips around Paris and Disneyland Paris.

Day 1: Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe

Begin your first day with some of the most recognisable landmarks in Paris. These attractions are ideal for first-time visitors who want to enjoy the city's architecture, take photographs and experience its famous streets.

Morning: Visit the Eiffel Tower

Start your Paris trip at the Eiffel Tower, one of the city's most famous attractions. You can admire the tower from the surrounding gardens or book a ticket to visit its viewing levels for panoramic views across Paris.

The area around the tower is also a good place to take photographs. Arrive early if you want time to explore without rushing, and book your preferred entry time in advance if you plan to go inside.

Late Morning: Explore Trocadéro

Walk or travel to the Trocadéro area for another popular view of the Eiffel Tower. The gardens and viewing terraces provide excellent photo opportunities, particularly on clear days.

You can spend some time here before continuing towards the other attractions on your itinerary.

Afternoon: Walk Along the Champs-Élysées

Head towards the Champs-Élysées, a famous avenue lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. It is a popular place for visitors who want to experience the shopping and street life of central Paris.

Take a break for lunch at a nearby café or restaurant. If you enjoy shopping, allow extra time to explore the stores along the avenue.

Evening: Visit the Arc de Triomphe

Finish the afternoon at the Arc de Triomphe, a major monument at the top of the Champs-Élysées. You can admire the monument from the surrounding area or book entry to access the rooftop viewpoint.

If you want to see Paris illuminated after sunset, consider spending the evening around the Eiffel Tower or enjoying a sightseeing cruise along the River Seine.

Day 2: Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame and Historic Paris

Use your second day to discover Paris's art, history and architecture. The Louvre, Île de la Cité and Latin Quarter offer a mix of famous attractions and traditional Parisian streets.

Morning: Explore the Louvre Museum

The Louvre is one of the world's best-known art museums. Its collections include the Mona Lisa, ancient sculptures, Egyptian artefacts and works from different periods of art history.

The museum is extensive, so choose the collections you most want to see instead of trying to cover everything in one visit. Reserve your entry time in advance and check the official opening schedule, as the Louvre is generally closed on Tuesdays.

Afternoon: Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral

Continue towards Île de la Cité, the historic island in the River Seine. Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of Paris's most important architectural landmarks and a popular stop for first-time visitors.

You can admire its Gothic architecture, explore the surrounding streets and walk along the riverbanks. Check the cathedral's official visitor information before your visit for current entry arrangements and any restrictions.

If you have additional time, consider visiting Sainte-Chapelle, known for its impressive stained-glass windows. Advance reservations are worth considering, particularly during busy travel periods.

Late Afternoon: Discover the Latin Quarter

Walk towards the Latin Quarter, a lively area known for its historic streets, bookshops, cafés and restaurants. It is a good place to experience a different side of Paris after visiting the main attractions.

You can explore the neighbourhood on foot, stop for a coffee or try French pastries at a local bakery.

Evening: Enjoy a Seine River Cruise

End the day with a sightseeing cruise on the River Seine. Depending on the route, you may see landmarks such as Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay and the Eiffel Tower from the water.

An evening cruise is especially appealing when the city's monuments are illuminated. Check departure locations and timings before booking.

Day 3: Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur and Parisian Neighbourhoods

Spend your final day exploring Montmartre and other areas that show the artistic and local character of Paris. This is also a good opportunity to enjoy cafés, small shops and relaxed sightseeing.

Morning: Explore Montmartre

Montmartre is known for its artistic history, hillside streets and village-like atmosphere. Wander through its narrow lanes, discover small boutiques and stop at a café for breakfast or a morning drink.

Visit Place du Tertre, where artists display their work and create portraits. The surrounding streets offer plenty of opportunities for photographs and casual exploration.

Late Morning: Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Continue to Sacré-Cœur Basilica, which sits on the hill overlooking Paris. The area outside the basilica offers broad views across the city and is a popular spot for visitors.

Allow enough time to explore the surrounding neighbourhood. Montmartre has steep streets and steps, so wear comfortable shoes.

Afternoon: Choose a Museum or Shopping Area

Depending on your interests, use the afternoon to visit another museum or explore a shopping district.

Art lovers may prefer the Musée d'Orsay, which houses an important collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works. Check its opening days before planning your visit, as it is generally closed on Mondays.

Alternatively, visit the Marais for independent boutiques, historic squares and cafés. Place des Vosges is a particularly pleasant stop if you want to take a break from sightseeing.

Evening: Enjoy Your Final Paris Dinner

Spend your final evening enjoying French food at a local restaurant. You could try traditional dishes, visit a neighbourhood bistro or choose a restaurant with views of the city.

If you have an early flight the following morning, plan your return journey to the hotel in advance and allow enough time to pack and prepare for departure.

How to Travel Around Paris in Three Days

Paris has a public transport network that includes the Metro, buses, RER trains and trams. These options are useful for travelling between major attractions, especially when distances are too long to cover on foot.

Walking is often the best way to explore individual neighbourhoods. For example, you can combine the Champs-Élysées with the Arc de Triomphe or explore Notre-Dame and the Latin Quarter during the same day.

For longer journeys, check current routes and ticket options before travelling. Keep in mind that large attractions may have queues, and walking between locations can take longer than expected.

Airport Transfers for Your Paris Trip

Your journey begins before you reach the city centre. Choosing the right airport transfer can help you plan the trip from your arrival point to your accommodation.

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): CDG is a major international airport serving Paris. Visitors can compare train connections, shuttle services and private transfers according to their arrival time and destination.
Orly Airport: Orly is another option for international and domestic flights. Check the available connections and the distance between the airport and your hotel.
Beauvais Airport: Beauvais is farther from central Paris than CDG and Orly. If you choose a flight arriving here, allow additional time for onward travel.

If you prefer to travel directly to your hotel, you can enquire about a private transfer from CDG Airport to Disneyland Paris or a Beauvais Airport to Disneyland Paris transfer if your trip includes the Disney resort.

Paris Disney Cabs also provides a way to enquire about private journeys for visitors travelling around Paris and Disneyland Paris. Confirm the route, availability, fare and pickup arrangements before booking.

Tips for Planning Your First Visit to Paris

A little preparation can help you make better use of your three days.

Book popular attractions early: Reserve tickets for the Eiffel Tower and Louvre if you want to visit inside.
Check museum closing days: The Louvre is generally closed on Tuesdays, while the Musée d'Orsay is generally closed on Mondays. Verify dates before finalising your schedule.
Group nearby attractions: Visit places in the same area together to avoid spending too much time travelling across the city.
Wear comfortable shoes: Many Paris attractions are best explored on foot, and some neighbourhoods have cobbled streets and steps.
Plan meals around your route: Choose cafés and restaurants near the attractions you are visiting.
Check transport before leaving: Review current Metro routes, service changes and airport connections.
Keep essential bookings accessible: Save your hotel details, attraction tickets and transfer confirmation on your phone.

Where to Stay in Paris for Three Days

For a short first visit, consider accommodation with convenient access to public transport and the attractions on your itinerary.

The Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés are useful bases for visitors interested in historic streets, cafés and central landmarks. The Marais offers shopping, restaurants and access to several historic sites.

Areas near the Eiffel Tower may suit travellers who want to stay close to the monument.

Compare hotel prices, transport connections, check-in times and cancellation conditions before booking. A hotel farther from the centre may cost less per night, but include the additional travel time and transport expenses in your budget.

Explore Paris with Paris Disney Cabs

A three-day visit to Paris can include famous monuments, historic neighbourhoods, museums and a memorable evening along the Seine. Planning each day by location helps you spend more time enjoying the city and less time travelling between attractions.

If your trip includes an airport arrival, hotel stay or visit to Disneyland Paris, arrange your transport details in advance. Visit Paris Disney Cabs to enquire about private transfers and confirm the available options for your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is three days enough for a first visit to Paris?

Yes. Three days is enough to explore major attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe and Montmartre. You will need to prioritise the places you most want to visit.

What should I book before travelling to Paris?

Consider booking the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and any other attractions that require timed entry. It is also useful to reserve accommodation and arrange airport transfers before your trip.

What is the best way to travel around Paris?

The Metro and buses are useful for longer journeys, while walking is ideal for exploring neighbourhoods. Combining public transport with walking can help you see more of the city in three days.

Can I visit Disneyland Paris during a three-day Paris trip?

Yes, but visiting Disneyland Paris takes a substantial part of your trip. If you want a full day at the resort, adjust the city itinerary and arrange transport between your accommodation and the park in advance.

THREE-DAY PARIS ITINERARY FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS