Paris: The City of Lights
Paris: 3 Day Essentials Itinerary
Paris is the most elegant city we have ever visited. Picturesque streets, elaborate monuments, and art literally everywhere makes you appreciate every corner of the city.
With that being said, many people have the wrong idea of Paris. It is still a major city which means there is trash, homelessness, and some areas can smell pretty bad!
There is a right way and a wrong way to see Paris. Read this guide to ensure you travel Paris the right way!
Three Days or More?
In our opinion, 3 days in Paris is perfect. It is the right amount of time to see the highlights, eat some incredible food, relax at cafes, and not get too overwhelmed by the city.
In this guide we’ll cover restaurants, sights, and museums that you absolutely must visit while you’re here in Paris.
Three days is the perfect amount of time to get acquainted with the city and to get to see the highlights of Paris.
Getting to Paris
Before we start day one, we have to get to the city. You have several ways to travel from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Paris city center:
Roissybus: The Roissybus provides a direct link between CDG and several key locations in Paris, including the Opéra area. The journey takes approximately 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
RER B Train: The RER B train connects Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to central Paris. It runs frequently, takes about 30-40 minutes, and is an economical option.
Airport Shuttle Services: Various private shuttle services operate between CDG and the city. These can be booked in advance and offer a convenient door-to-door option.
Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport and can provide a direct ride to your desired location in Paris. The trip can take about 35-60 minutes, depending on traffic, and fares are fixed from the airport to different zones in the city.
Ride-Sharing Services: Companies like Uber operate at CDG and can be a convenient option for travelers who prefer a personal ride.
Car Rentals: Renting a car is an option for those wishing to explore the surrounding areas or have specific travel plans. However, driving in Paris can be challenging due to traffic and parking.
Private Transfers: For a more personalized experience, you can arrange a private transfer service that will meet you at the airport and take you directly to your accommodation.
Public Bus: The local bus service (such as Bus 350 and Bus 351) offers an economical solution, though they may take longer due to stops along the route and are less direct than other options.
Each option has its advantages, so choose what suits your schedule and budget best. We always opt to take the train because it is the best bang for your buck. It isn’t too expensive but it still gets you there quickly.
Day 1: Slowly Enjoying the City
Day One Itinerary in Paris
Today is the perfect day to take it slow and wander around the city. Don’t feel too rushed to do anything specific because Paris itself is the main attraction here. This is also your day to potentially get over the jet lag so make sure to take it easy!
Morning
Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe, a monumental arch located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées in Paris, serves as a tribute to those who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806, it stands at 50 meters tall and 45 meters wide, featuring intricate sculptures that illustrate French military victories.
The Champs-Élysées, often referred to as the "most beautiful avenue in the world," stretches for nearly two kilometers and is lined with a mix of cafes, luxury shops, and theaters, making it a vibrant hub of culture and commerce in the heart of Paris.
Mid-Morning
Walk Along the Seine
Under a mile and a half walk away from the Arc is the Eiffel Tower. From the Arc, turn right on Ave. George V and take that road all the way to the Seine (the river that runs through Paris). Along the way you will find tons of bakeries and grocery stores where you need to buy a baguette, some meat and cheese, and the drink of your choice so you can have a picnic.
Lunch
Your Own Picnic
Make sure to have already grabbed your supplies and find a spot along the river where you have a view of the Eiffel Tower to enjoy your lunch. This is the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon and helps you experience the local vibe of the city.
Afternoon
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre
From the Eiffel Tower, the best way to get to this spot is by taking the metro! It is about an hour trip but it is well worth it.
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, located at the highest point in the city of Paris, is a stunning example of Romanesque-Byzantine architecture. Completed in 1914, this iconic basilica features a striking white domed exterior made of travertine stone that remains brilliant even in the rain. The views of the city from this spot are stunning and make this place a must visit. The interior boasts intricate mosaics and an impressive organ, making it a significant spiritual and cultural landmark.
Dinner
Bouillon Julien
Bouillon Julien is renowned for its traditional French onion soup, featuring rich flavors and perfectly caramelized onions. Seriously, the french onion soup here was incredible. Additionally, the coq au vin is a standout dish, with tender chicken simmered in a robust red wine sauce.
Night
If you’re not too tired you can head back to see the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night. Otherwise just head back to your hotel and get ready for a big day tomorrow.
Day 2: Museums
The Louvre and Musée d'Orsay
Morning
The Louvre
The Louvre opens at 9am but that time is very deceiving. People can start lining up at 7:30 or earlier so you can get lost in a sea of people long before the museum even opens. It is so important for you to get there around 8:00 in order to beat the lines.
Listed below are the must see pieces of art while at the Louvre. We think you should spend at least half a day here but if your time is limited you should at least see these:
Mona Lisa - The main attraction at the Louvre but far from the most impressive. If you don’t go here first there will be a massive line in order to get close to it.
Venus de Milo - A striking ancient Greek statue celebrated for its beauty and historical significance.
Winged Victory of Samothrace - A remarkable example of Hellenistic art, showcasing dynamic movement and elegance.
Liberty Leading the People - Easily one of our favorite in the museum. Very inspiring and absolutely beautiful.
The Coronation of Napoleon - This painting is massive and seriously impressive and intricate. We spent awhile just looking at all of the different aspects of this piece.
The Wedding at Cana - An impressive painting by Paolo Veronese, showcasing a lavish banquet scene.
The Code of Hammurabi - An ancient stele featuring one of the earliest written legal codes.
The Great Sphinx of Tanis - A significant artifact from ancient Egypt, embodying historical curiosity and majesty.
Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss - A stunning marble sculpture by Antonio Canova that captures a moment of love.
The Lacemaker - A delicate painting by Johannes Vermeer, illustrating a young girl absorbed in her craft.
Lunch
Le Petit Vendome
Lunch at Le Petit Vendôme presents dishes such as Coq au Vin and Duck Confit. If you’re a fan of the movie Ratatouille then this is an excellent place to try it.
Their french onion soup is to die for and for dessert, the Crème Brûlée delivers a classic finish, with its creamy texture and caramelized sugar topping that adds a delightful crunch.
Afternoon
Musee d’Orsay
Make sure to book your tickets in advance so you can skip the line and secure your spot.
A couple things to note for hours: The museum is open from 9:30am-6:00 pm every day besides Monday, when the museum is closed, and Thursday when they extend the closing time to 9:45.
Impressionist Paintings: The museum houses an impressive collection of Impressionist works by artists such as Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Their vibrant use of color and light is a highlight for visitors.
The Café: Kind of random but the cafe is beautiful. Located on the top floor, the museum's café offers stunning views of the Seine and the surrounding city. It’s a great spot to relax and reflect on the artworks you've seen.
Sculptures: The Musée d'Orsay features an extensive collection of sculptures from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Notable pieces include works by Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel, showcasing the evolution of sculptural forms.
The Building Itself: Housed in a former railway station, the Beaux-Arts architecture of the museum is as captivating as the art within. The grand clock and decorative details make for a striking experience.
Post-Impressionist Works: In addition to Impressionism, the museum is home to significant Post-Impressionist pieces. Look out for works by Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne, which illustrate the transition to modern art styles.
You’re going to want to spend around 2-3 hours here unless you’re a major art buff then we’d suggest 3-4.
Late Afternoon
Jardin des Tuileries
The Jardin des Tuileries is a historic public garden in the heart of Paris, nestled between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde. Originally designed in the 16th century for Catherine de' Medici’s Tuileries Palace, it was later transformed by renowned landscape architect André Le Nôtre into a formal French garden. Today, it offers elegant tree-lined pathways, fountains, sculptures, and vibrant flowerbeds, making it a beloved spot for both Parisians and visitors to relax and take in the city's beauty.
This is the perfect place to get some fresh air after being inside most of the day. Just take time to wander around the gardens and enjoy reminiscing about all the art you saw today.
Dinner
Miznon
This is a lively Israeli street food restaurant known for its creative and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dishes, particularly its signature stuffed pitas. Miznon brings a casual yet vibrant dining experience, offering options like roasted cauliflower, lamb kebabs, and ratatouille-filled pitas, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. We loved coming here just to taste the diversity of Paris and because the stuffed pitas were delicious.
Day 3: Palaces and Cathedrals
Breakfast
Coffee & Croissant at Café Kitsuné, Palais Royal
Why here? The main reason we went here is because it wasn’t too far from our airbnb but it is a great stop. Tucked under the arcades of the Palais Royal, Café Kitsuné offers top-tier coffee (try the flat white or matcha latte) in a serene, historic setting. You can sip your coffee while strolling through the gardens just outside — a peaceful Parisian start before the grandeur of Versailles.
Head to The Palace of Versailles
From Palais Royal, walk (~10 minutes) or take Metro Line 14 to Saint-Lazare. This is one of the main train stations with direct connections to Versailles.
Alternatively, if you’re closer to the RER C line (e.g. from Musée d'Orsay or Champ de Mars), you can go that route instead (see below).
Option 1 – RER C (Most direct to Versailles Château – Rive Gauche):
Take the RER C heading toward Versailles Château – Rive Gauche.
Travel time: ~40 minutes
This station is a 10-minute walk to the palace gates.
Option 2 – SNCF train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Versailles Rive Droite:
Slightly farther walk (~15 minutes), but often less crowded.
Travel time: ~35 minutes
Buy a “Paris – Versailles” ticket (zone 1–4) either via the machine or the Île-de-France Mobilités app. Make sure to get the right ticket! We did not buy the right one and get fined 100 euro for it!
Walk to the Palace of Versailles, enjoying the royal town on the way.
Make sure to buy a ticket in advance!! It will save you so much time.
Palace of Versailles
1. Outside of the Palace
After entry, take a moment to admire the grandeur of the palace from the outside. The architecture and gardens set the stage for your visit.
2. Explore the State Apartments
Head directly to the State Apartments, which include the King’s Grand Apartments.
Pay special attention to the Hall of Mirrors, an iconic space adorned with 357 mirrors and lavish chandeliers. This area offers a glimpse into the opulence of the French monarchy.
As you navigate the different rooms, take note of the intricate details, including the paintings and the furnishings that reflect the artistry of the time.
3. Visit the Gardens
The gardens were probably our favorite part of the entire palace. It is the perfect place to just slowly stroll and relax, especially if the weather is nice. You should absolutely find a place to just sit and people watch for awhile.
Lunch
Creperie du Marche
We highly suggest eating near Versailles instead of taking the train back into Paris and then eating. You’re going to be so hungry after exploring the entire palace that it’s best to just eat first.
This crepe spot is soooo good and is well worth a stop. The crepes are all reasonably priced around 10 euros and there are lots of good options. Their ingredients are also super fresh.
Afternoon
Notre Dame
The cathedral is now open so make sure to go inside! It is free of charge and a ticket is not necessary.
When we went the Notre Dame was closed and we still ended up spending about an hour walking around and admiring the architecture.
Walk along the Seine
In our opinion, you should do this at least twice on your trip in Paris. The walk from Notre Dame to the Seine is about an hour long and you should take at least that long to slowly admire the city of Paris. Make sure to enjoy this time before you leave the next morning!
La Fin
Paris is a fascinating city with fascinating history and incredible art. When experienced properly it is one of the best cities in the entire world. We’ve never enjoyed just sitting and watching the city go by more than when we were in Paris.
There is so much to do in Paris so do not feel the need to do everything at once. We feel like this is the perfect itinerary for somebody’s first time in the beautiful City of Lights.