Perfect 3-Day Paris Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Perfect 3-Day Paris Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Perfect 3-Day Paris Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

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alt="Stunning view of the Eiffel Tower from a scenic vantage point in Paris, showcasing its iconic structure against the Parisian skyline."

 

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Visiting Paris for the first time?

With its famous landmarks, beautiful streets, world-class museums, and amazing food, Paris is a dream destination.

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"Exterior view of the Louvre Museum in Paris, featuring the iconic glass pyramid entrance and surrounding classical architecture."

 

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This 3-day itinerary will take you through the must-see attractions while leaving time to enjoy the Parisian atmosphere.

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Day 1 - Iconic Landmarks and Classic Paris


Morning - Eiffel Tower and Trocadero

Start your day at Trocadero for the best views of the Eiffel Tower.

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"Morning view of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro, with clear skies and a peaceful atmosphere, showcasing the iconic landmark and surrounding gardens.

 

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Arrive early to avoid crowds.

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"Morning view of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro, with clear skies and a peaceful atmosphere, showcasing the iconic landmark and surrounding gardens."

 

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Walk down to Champ de Mars for another beautiful perspective.

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"Morning view of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro, with clear skies and a peaceful atmosphere, showcasing the iconic landmark and surrounding gardens."

 

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alt="Stunning view of the Eiffel Tower from a scenic vantage point in Paris, showcasing its iconic structure against the Parisian skyline."

 

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If you want to go up the tower, book your tickets online in advance.

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Eiffel Tower ticket tip

Book tickets on the official Eiffel Tower website or through a guided tour. Prices range from 11 euros for the second floor by stairs to 29 euros for the summit by elevator.

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alt="Stunning view of the Eiffel Tower from a scenic vantage point in Paris, showcasing its iconic structure against the Parisian skyline."

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Alternative views include Avenue de Camoens,

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alt="Stunning view of the Eiffel Tower from a scenic vantage point in Paris, showcasing its iconic structure against the Parisian skyline."

 

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Pont d''ena, and Avenue de New York along the Seine.

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alt="Stunning view of the Eiffel Tower from a scenic vantage point in Paris, showcasing its iconic structure against the Parisian skyline."

 

alt="Stunning view of the Eiffel Tower from a scenic vantage point in Paris, showcasing its iconic structure against the Parisian skyline."

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Midday - Seine River Walk and Arc de Triomphe

Walk along the Seine and stop for photos.

Then, head to the Arc de Triomphe at the top of Champs Elysees.

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"View of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, showcasing its grand architecture and intricate sculptures, standing prominently at the top of the Champs-Élysées."

 

 

You can climb to the top for panoramic views for 13 euros.

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Afternoon - Champs Elysees and Louvre Museum

Take a stroll down Champs Elysees, stopping by cafes and boutiques.

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alt="Charming Parisian café adorned with blooming pink flowers, creating a picturesque and vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Paris."

 

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Then visit the Louvre.

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"Exterior view of the Louvre Museum in Paris, featuring the iconic glass pyramid entrance and surrounding classical architecture."

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"Exterior view of the Louvre Museum in Paris, featuring the iconic glass pyramid entrance and surrounding classical architecture."

 

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If you want to explore it fully, plan at least half a day.

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Louvre ticket tip

Entry costs 17 euros online or 15 euros at the museum. The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. The best time to visit is early in the morning or during evening hours. Use the Carrousel du Louvre underground entrance to skip the main line.

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Evening - Dinner and Seine River Cruise

Enjoy a classic French dinner near the Louvre at Le Fumoir or Cafe Marly.

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"Exterior view of the Louvre Museum in Paris, featuring the iconic glass pyramid entrance and surrounding classical architecture."

 

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alt="A plate of Duck Confit (Confit de Canard), featuring slow-cooked duck with crispy skin, golden and tender, paired with a glass of red wine."

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Take a Seine River cruise for beautiful nighttime views of the city.

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alt="A scenic view of Paris showcasing iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, charming streets, and local cafés, inviting travelers to explore the city's beauty and culture."

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alt="A scenic view of Paris showcasing iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, charming streets, and local cafés, inviting travelers to explore the city's beauty and culture."

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Day 2 - Montmartre, Notre Dame, and the Latin Quarter

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Morning - Montmartre and Sacre Coeur

Start at Sacre Coeur Basilica, one of the best sunrise spots in Paris.

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"Charming view of Montmartre, Paris, with its cobblestone streets, quaint cafés, and the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica perched atop the hill, offering panoramic views of the city."

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Wander through Montmartre, stopping at Place du Tertre, Le Consulat Cafe, and La Maison Rose.

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"A picturesque view of La Maison Rose in Montmartre, Paris, featuring its iconic pink exterior, charming window shutters, and the rustic Parisian atmosphere of this historic café."

 

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The "I Love You Wall"

Le Mur des Je t’aime (The "I Love You Wall") is one of Paris' most romantic hidden gems. This artistic masterpiece, located in Square Jehan Rictus, features "I love you" written in over 250 languages, making it a beautiful symbol of love and unity.

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"A close-up view of the 'I Love You Wall' in Paris, showcasing the wall's vibrant blue tiles with 'I love you' written in various languages, surrounded by a peaceful garden setting."

 

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Designed by Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito, the wall is made up of blue enamel tiles, with white script forming a mosaic of romantic declarations. 

📍 Location: Square Jehan Rictus, Place des Abbesses, 75018 Paris
🚇 Nearest Metro: Abbesses (Line 12)

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Moulin Rouge: The Iconic Cabaret of Paris

Moulin Rouge, with its famous red windmill, is the heart of Parisian nightlife and the birthplace of the modern can-can dance. Located in Montmartre, this legendary cabaret has been dazzling audiences since 1889, offering spectacular performances filled with extravagant costumes, mesmerizing choreography, and a touch of Parisian glamour. Whether you watch a show or simply admire it from the outside, Moulin Rouge is a must-visit for a taste of historic Parisian entertainment.

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"A stunning view of the Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris, featuring its iconic red windmill and illuminated sign, set against the night sky in the lively district of Montmartre."

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Midday - Ile de la Cite and Notre Dame

Visit Ile de la Cite, the medieval heart of Paris. Stop by Notre Dame Cathedral and the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore.

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"A beautiful exterior view of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, showcasing its Gothic architecture, flying buttresses, and intricate stone carvings against a clear blue sky."

 

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"A beautiful exterior view of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, showcasing its Gothic architecture, flying buttresses, and intricate stone carvings against a clear blue sky."

 

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Afternoon - Latin Quarter and Jardin du Luxembourg

Explore the Latin Quarter, full of historic charm, student cafes, and lively streets.

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"Beautiful view of the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris, featuring lush green gardens, tranquil fountains, and vibrant flowers, with the grand Luxembourg Palace in the background."

 

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Walk through Jardin du Luxembourg, one of the most beautiful parks in Paris.

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"Beautiful view of the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris, featuring lush green gardens, tranquil fountains, and vibrant flowers, with the grand Luxembourg Palace in the background."

 

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Evening - Sunset at the Seine and Rooftop Drinks

Catch the sunset at Pont des Arts or Pont Neuf.

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"Stunning sunset over the Seine River in Paris, with golden hues reflecting off the water, iconic bridges in the foreground, and the silhouette of the Eiffel Tower in the distance."

 

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Enjoy drinks at a rooftop bar like Terrass Hotel or Perruche for a great night view of Paris.

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"Enjoying drinks at a rooftop bar in Paris, like Terrass Hotel or Perruche, with stunning views of the city skyline and iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, illuminated at night."

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Day 3 - Palace of Versailles and Le Marais


Morning - Visit the Palace of Versailles

Take an early train on the RER C to Versailles, about 45 minutes from Paris.

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"Stunning view of the Palace of Versailles, showcasing its grand architecture and beautiful gardens, a symbol of French royal history and elegance."

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"Stunning view of the Palace of Versailles, showcasing its grand architecture and beautiful gardens, a symbol of French royal history and elegance."

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"Stunning view of the Palace of Versailles, showcasing its grand architecture and beautiful gardens, a symbol of French royal history and elegance."

 

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Explore the Palace, Hall of Mirrors, and gardens. Plan at least half a day for this visit.

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"Stunning view of the Palace of Versailles, showcasing its grand architecture and beautiful gardens, a symbol of French royal history and elegance."

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"Stunning view of the Palace of Versailles, showcasing its grand architecture and beautiful gardens, a symbol of French royal history and elegance."

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"Stunning view of the Palace of Versailles, showcasing its grand architecture and beautiful gardens, a symbol of French royal history and elegance."

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Versailles ticket tip

Entry to the Palace costs 19 euros. The best days to visit are Wednesday or Thursday to avoid large crowds. Get tickets in advance to skip the long lines.

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Afternoon - Explore Le Marais and Seine River Walk

Walk around Le Marais, one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Paris.

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"Charming streets of Le Marais in Paris, featuring historic architecture, trendy boutiques, and cozy cafés, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll."

 

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Visit Place des Vosges, the citys oldest planned square, and stop by cute cafes and boutiques.

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"Charming streets of Le Marais in Paris, featuring historic architecture, trendy boutiques, and cozy cafés, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll."

 

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"Charming streets of Le Marais in Paris, featuring historic architecture, trendy boutiques, and cozy cafés, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll."

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"Charming streets of Le Marais in Paris, featuring historic architecture, trendy boutiques, and cozy cafés, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll."

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Evening - Dinner and Eiffel Tower Night Show

Wrap up your Paris adventure with a final Eiffel Tower sparkle show, which happens every hour after sunset.

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"Stunning view of the Eiffel Tower illuminated at night during its sparkling light show, with the iconic monument glowing against the dark Parisian sky."

 

"Stunning view of the Eiffel Tower illuminated at night during its sparkling light show, with the iconic monument glowing against the dark Parisian sky."

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Celebrate with a dinner of oysters and champagne at a classic French brasserie such as Cafe de la Paix, Le Dome, or Huitrerie Regis.

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"Elegant dinner setting at a classic French brasserie, featuring fresh oysters on ice and a glass of champagne, embodying the essence of Parisian dining."

 

"Elegant dinner setting at a classic French brasserie, featuring fresh oysters on ice and a glass of champagne, embodying the essence of Parisian dining."

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Final Paris Travel Tips


Get a Navigo Easy Pass for metro and bus travel.

Book attractions in advance to avoid waiting in long lines.

Wear comfortable shoes because you will walk a lot.

The best time to visit Paris is in spring from April to May or in fall from September to October.

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KK destinations

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Find my others Paris travel guides with hidden photo spots.

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