“Visiting Paris was definitely one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in my life.” Paris is a city that overflows with ‘love’ and is also known as the city of ‘lights’. Walking along the Seine River, the Parisians’ favorite, and seeing the Eiffel Tower from different angles is something that will stay in your memory forever. So, let’s take a look at an optimized itinerary so you don’t miss the main details of this wonderful destination.
Content:
- Day 1: The Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe that you’ve always dreamed of
- Day 2: Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame
- Day 3: Sacré-Cœur Basilica and “I Love You” Wall
- Typical Foods
- Practical Tips
Day 1: The Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe that you’ve always dreamed of.
Where to start:
- Eiffel Tower
Start your day in the best way possible and with one of the most wonderful views of your life, visiting the most famous landmark in Paris. This place will certainly surprise you with the size of the 330-meter tower, which was quite impressive considering it was built in 1889 and was the tallest structure in Europe for years and is still one of the most visited places in Europe. Tickets to go up the tower can cost from €35.30 (elevator) to go up to the top or €14.20 (stairs to the second floor). For more tips, visit the tower’s official website.
Tips:- Stroll along the Champ de Mars to capture amazing photos of the Eiffel Tower, a popular picnic spot.
- There is always a long line to buy tickets at the time, so a great tip is to make your reservation through GetYourGuide where you can enjoy bilingual guides and learn more about the Tower.
- For an iconic view of the tower, walk to the Trocadéro for wonderful photos like this one.
- We can’t miss seeing the tower on metro line 6 between Bir-Hekeim and Passy stations.
Afternoon:
- Alexandre III Bridge
It is one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris, built in the 19th century, decorated with golden sculptures, perfect for photos with the River Seine in the background. - Champs Elysees
This street, which leaves the Arc de Triomphe, offers a wonderful view of the arch, with a mix of one of the most chic streets in Paris and large galleries, second only to Av Montaigne, where there are truly luxurious stores. - Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe, located in Paris, is an iconic monument built in honor of French soldiers, especially those of the Napoleonic Wars. Located in Place Charles de Gaulle, at the top of the Champs-Élysées Avenue, it symbolizes victory and memory, with reliefs and names engraved on its walls. - Tips: Climbing the arch near sunset provides an incredible experience of the City of Light lights being turned on and costs €16.
Night:
- If you are near the Champs-Élysées mentioned above, enjoy the shops or dine at one of the local restaurants and be sure to try some French cuisine such as:
- Escargots – Snails prepared with butter, garlic and parsley.
- Foie Gras – Duck or goose liver, a sophisticated dish rich in flavor.
- More options.
Day 2: Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame
Morning:
- Louvre Museum
Have you ever imagined seeing the Mona Lisa in person? Yes, she is in the largest art museum in the world along with more than 35,000 works of art. Remember that it is recommended to book a ticket with a guided tour and reserve at least 3/4 hours to tour the main works and be sure to photograph the iconic Louvre Pyramid.
Top Highlights:- Mona Lisa (Leonardo da Vinci) – The most famous painting in the museum.
- Venus de Milo – One of the most iconic sculptures of Ancient Greece.
- Victory of Samothrace – Greek sculpture representing the goddess Nike.
- Liberty Leading the People (Eugène Delacroix) – Symbol of French Romanticism.
- The Edding at Cana (Veronese) – One of the largest paintings in the museum.
- Collections of Egyptian, Islamic, Roman and Renaissance artifacts.
Afternoon:
- Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the world’s most iconic Gothic landmarks, located on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, the cathedral is renowned for its majestic architecture, stunning stained glass windows and historical significance, and is now open after a fire in 2019. Don’t miss out on visiting it and admiring one of the largest organs in the world, with over 8,000 pipes. - Hotel de Ville
Just a few minutes’ walk from Notre-Dame, the Paris City Hall building enchants with its Renaissance architecture. Ideal for taking photos and stopping for a coffee. - Le Centre Pompidou
Located in the heart of Paris, the building is famous for its futuristic design, with exposed structures and colorful pipes visible on the exterior. It combines art, culture and technology, making it one of the most important cultural centers in Europe. - Rue des Rosiers
This street, located in the chalá district of Paris, is the historic heart of the city’s Jewish community. This charming street combines culture, history and gastronomy in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Among the main dishes to try are chalá and the delicious borekas and chalá.
Night:
- Explore the surroundings and the Galeries Lafayette and for dinner, a good option for those who want to have an unforgettable tour in Paris is to enjoy dinner on one of the beautiful and luxurious cruises on the Seine River with a view of the wonderful Eiffel Tower, book here.
Day 3: Sacré-Cœur Basilica and “I Love You” Wall
Morning:
- Sacré-Cœur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart)
Located at the top of Montmartre hill, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris. With its impressive white dome, it is visible from many parts of the city and offers stunning panoramic views..
Tips:- It can be accessed via its 197 steps or by the funicular which costs a metro ticket t+.
- Access is free, but we recommend choosing times when there is less demand, such as early morning and late afternoon. I personally found it more beautiful at night.
- Visit the church at night, it looks wonderful with its lights.
- Montmartre
One of the most charming and bohemian neighborhoods in Paris, known for its artistic atmosphere, winding streets and incredible views. Located at the highest point in the city, it is a place full of history and culture, having been home to artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec, so be sure to visit Place du Tertre and also have lunch at one of the restaurants. - “I Love You” wall
Located in Jehan Rictus Square, this mural features “I love you” written in over 250 languages. A romantic photo stop.
Afternoon:
- Le Centre Pompidou
Take the metro to Rambuteau (line 11) and explore the Centre Pompidou (€14). Its modern architecture and views of the city from the top floor are highlights. - Montparnasse Tower
A skyscraper tower over 210 meters high that contrasts with the old buildings of Paris and divides opinions about the Parisian style, but on the other hand it has an extraordinary view of the entire city.
Night:
- End the day with dinner at a bistro near the Seine and a last walk around the Île de la Cité.
Tradicional Foods:
In Paris, some tradicional foods you must try include:
- Croissant – The classic buttery French bread, perfect for breakfast.
- Baguette – Traditional French bread, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Escargots – Snails prepared with butter, garlic and parsley.
- Foie Gras – Duck or goose liver, a sophisticated and flavorful dish.
- Quiche Lorraine – A savory pie made with cream, eggs and bacon.
- Cassoulet – A white bean stew with meats such as sausage and duck.
- Ratatouille – A vegetarian dish of cooked vegetables, typical of the south of France.
- Soupe à l’Oignon – Onion soup gratin, with melted cheese and bread.
- Macarons – Colorful and light sweets made with almond flour.
- Crêpes – Thin pancakes, sweet or savory, filled with various ingredients.
Don’t forget to also try the French cheeses and local wines to complete the experience!
Practical Tips:
- Discounts: If you are under 25, be aware that you can get discounts at practically all museums and attractions.
- Paris Museum Pass: An interesting option for those who want to visit the various museums in Paris and other attractions is the Paris Museum Pass, with options of 2, 4 and 6 days for those under 25 or under..
- Transportation: Use o metrô (passes diários a partir de €12) that can be purchased via the Île-de-France Mobilités website or via the APP.
- Schedule: Book tickets online to avoid queues at the busiest spots, such as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.
- Photos: To capture the best light, visit the sites early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
With this itinerary, you can enjoy the best of Paris in 3 days, experiencing unforgettable moments in every corner of the city!