3 Day Paris Itinerary: Iconic Sights, Local Cafés & Hidden Gems

Paris, the city of love and timeless beauty, welcomed us with its charming streets, rich history, and unforgettable moments. From indulging in sweet treats to exploring breathtaking landmarks, every corner of Paris felt magical. But the most special memory? A romantic proposal at Pont de Bir-Hakeim.

This 3 day Paris itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want to see iconic sites without feeling rushed. It balances must-see attractions with relaxed walks, local cafés, and a few hidden spots we discovered along the way.

Why This 3-Day Paris Itinerary Works

This route maximizes landmarks, local secrets, and relaxed strolls so you enjoy the city, not just run through it. It blends:

• Iconic sights (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Sacré-Cœur)
• Neighborhood charm (Le Marais, Montmartre)
• Hidden gems locals love (Avenue de Camoëns, Sainte-Chapelle)
• Sweet experiences (pastries, gelato, café culture)

Day 1: Louvre Museum, Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

Morning: Arrival & Check-In

After landing in Paris, we headed straight to our Airbnb near the Eiffel Tower. The apartment instantly made us feel at home, with classic Haussmannian-style windows, elegant wooden floors, and vintage details that gave it so much character. Being within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower was a huge bonus—perfect for peaceful late-night strolls and early mornings watching Paris slowly wake up.

Before starting our sightseeing, we stopped for breakfast at Café du Trocadéro. Sitting at a traditional outdoor café, sipping rich hot chocolate and enjoying a warm, flaky croissant while the Eiffel Tower stood right in front of us felt unreal. It was the perfect introduction to Parisian life.

Afternoon: Louvre Museum & Montmartre’s Charm

We spent our afternoon exploring the Louvre Museum, and honestly, it felt surreal walking through one of the most famous museums in the world. Seeing the Mona Lisa in person was exciting, but what stayed with us even more was the experience of simply wandering through the palace itself. The Louvre isn’t just a museum — it’s a masterpiece. From the grand staircases and ornate ceilings to the endless corridors filled with history, every room felt like stepping into a different era of Paris.

The museum can feel overwhelming, so we found it helpful to focus on a few must-see sections rather than trying to see everything. Slowing down and soaking it all in made the visit far more enjoyable and less rushed, something I’d highly recommend if you’re visiting Paris for the first time.

💡 Tip: The front entrance lines can be really long! Instead, use the Carrousel du Louvre entrance on Rue de Rivoli. It leads through an underground shopping mall and takes you to a much shorter security line near the inverted pyramid.

After the Louvre, we headed to the Palais Garnier, one of the most stunning opera houses in Paris. The moment we walked inside, we were surrounded by marble staircases, golden details, and rich red velvet interiors. Looking up at the famous Marc Chagall ceiling was one of those quiet “wow” moments that instantly made us appreciate Paris’s deep love for art and architecture.

From there, we made our way to Montmartre, one of Paris’ most charming neighborhoods, known for its artistic history and cobblestone streets.. Our first stop was the Wall of Love, a romantic mural displaying “I love you” in over 250 languages. It’s a small stop, but a meaningful one — perfect for couples and a sweet photo memory.

We then wandered through Place du Tertre, where Montmartre truly comes alive. Local artists painted portraits, street musicians filled the air with music, and cafés buzzed with conversation. Walking through this area felt like stepping back in time. The cobblestone streets, tucked-away art studios, and historic buildings gave Montmartre a charm that felt untouched and deeply Parisian.

Evening: Sunset at Sacré-Cœur & A Hidden Gem for Photos

As evening approached, we climbed up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, sitting at the highest point in Montmartre. The walk up was a bit of a workout, but the view at the top made it completely worth it. We stood there watching the sky slowly change into soft shades of pink and gold while Paris stretched out beneath us.

From this viewpoint, we could spot iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the winding Seine River glowing in the evening light. There was something incredibly peaceful about watching the city transition from day to night.

Before heading back, we stopped at Avenue de Camoëns, a hidden gem for photos. This quiet street has one of the most beautiful Eiffel Tower backdrops in Paris. It felt like a perfect, romantic way to end our first day in the City of Love.

Day 2: Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe

Morning: Eiffel Tower & Parisian Treats

We started our day with breakfast at Café Carette, where the flaky croissants and hot chocolate were amazing and it instantly became one of our favorite Paris memories. After our delicious meal, we made our way to Trocadéro Square, the best place to see the Eiffel Tower in all its glory. The golden morning light made it look even more beautiful, and since it was still early, the area wasn’t too crowded. It was the perfect spot to take in the view and snap some photos.

From there, we walked over to Champ de Mars, the park right below the Eiffel Tower. We enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, watching people stroll by and the occasional street musician playing nearby, all while taking in the stunning sight of the tower above us. After soaking in the ambiance, we took a leisurely walk down the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous streets in the world. Lined with luxury shops, charming cafés, and bakeries, it was fun just to window-shop and take in the lively energy of the city. Of course, we couldn’t pass up a visit to Ladurée Paris, known for its world-famous macarons. Each bite was soft, sweet, and delicious—a real treat!

Afternoon: Famous Landmarks & Rooftop Views

Our next stop was the Arc de Triomphe, one of Paris’s most famous monuments. Standing at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, it looked even more impressive up close. We took our time admiring the details and learning about its history before climbing to the top. The view from up there was amazing! We could see the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, and even the Sacré-Cœur in the distance. It was one of the best panoramic views of Paris.

Later in the afternoon, we made our way to Galeries Lafayette. Even if shopping isn’t on your list, this place is an experience on its own. The stunning glass dome is breathtaking, and wandering through the building feels very Parisian. We then headed up to the Galeries Lafayette rooftop, which offers one of the best free viewpoints in the city. Watching Paris stretch out below us with the Eiffel Tower standing tall in the background was a moment we won’t forget.

Evening: A Romantic Proposal at Pont de Bir-Hakeim

As the sun started to set, we made our way to Pont de Bir-Hakeim, a bridge with an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower. The lights of the city began to glow, and soon, the tower started to twinkle, making everything feel even more magical.

And then, in this perfect setting, my husband proposed.It was just the two of us, standing there with the Eiffel Tower twinkling behind us. It felt intimate, emotional, and straight out of a dream. There truly couldn’t have been a more perfect place or moment to say yes.

To celebrate, we ended our night with a lovely dinner at Il Vino, a cozy Michelin-starred restaurant. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was perfect for our first dinner as an engaged couple. With the city lights twinkling around us, we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect ending to the day.

💡 Tip: If you’re looking for an extra romantic touch, consider adding a Seine River cruise in the evening. Seeing Paris illuminated from the water, with landmarks reflecting on the river, is a dreamy way to experience the city after dark.

Day 3: Le Marais, Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle & Musée d’Orsay

Morning: A Sweet Start in Buci & Exploring Le Marais

We started our day in the charming Buci area, a lively neighborhood filled with cafés, bakeries, and quaint little shops. The morning air smelled of fresh pastries, and the streets were buzzing with locals enjoying their coffee. We treated ourselves to gelato at Amorino, where the ice cream is beautifully shaped like a flower. Each bite was creamy, rich, and full of flavor—one of the best gelatos we’ve ever had!

After our sweet start, we made our way to Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris. The moment we stepped in, we were surrounded by perfectly symmetrical red-brick buildings, shady trees, and quiet benches. It felt like a peaceful escape from the city’s busy streets. We sat for a while, just soaking in the relaxed atmosphere before heading to Maison de Victor Hugo, the former home of the famous writer of Les Misérables. Walking through his old rooms and seeing his personal belongings made us feel like we had stepped back in time.

Afternoon: History, Culture & Gardens

By midday, we were ready to explore some of Paris’s iconic landmarks. First, we visited Notre Dame Cathedral, an incredible Gothic masterpiece. Even though it was under renovation, we were amazed by its towering structure and detailed carvings. Seeing it up close reminded us of its rich history and timeless beauty.

Just a short walk away, we discovered Sainte-Chapelle, a true hidden gem. The moment we stepped inside, we were left speechless by its stunning stained glass windows. The sunlight streaming through the colorful glass created a magical glow inside the chapel. It was like stepping into a kaleidoscope of colors.

After soaking in the beauty of these historic sites, we relaxed at Luxembourg Gardens. Watching Parisians picnic, jog, or stroll with their families felt like a small glimpse into everyday life in Paris. We lingered here, enjoying the calm and capturing some photos of the perfectly manicured gardens — a serene break from sightseeing.

Our final museum stop was Musée d’Orsay, a dream for art lovers. Set in a former train station, the museum holds an amazing collection of Impressionist paintings. We admired works by Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, and Degas, standing in front of paintings we had only seen in books before. The museum’s grand clock window also offered a beautiful view of the Seine River and the Parisian rooftops. Note: The museum closes at 6 pm (except on Thursdays when it stays open until 9:45 pm). If you visit in the late afternoon, make sure you have enough time to enjoy the Impressionist masterpieces.

Evening: Paris by Night – The Best Way to End Our Trip

As the sun set, we wanted to experience Paris in its most magical form—illuminated at night. We rode our scooter through the city (Lime Paris), feeling the cool evening breeze as we passed glowing streetlights, lively cafés, and grand monuments. Our first stop was the Eiffel Tower, which looked even more breathtaking against the night sky. We waited until the top of the hour to watch it twinkle, and when it did, the whole scene felt straight out of a fairytale.

For one final unforgettable moment, we returned to Trocadéro Square, where we stood one last time in awe of the Parisian skyline. The city sparkled all around us, and we took in every detail, knowing this was a memory we would cherish forever.

Late Night: Heading Back

Back at our hotel, we packed our bags and reflected on everything we had experienced in Paris—the beauty, the history, the romance, and of course, the proposal that changed our lives forever. With a 6:20 am check-out, we knew it was time to say goodbye to the city that had given us some of the most magical days of our lives.

FAQs — Planning a 3-Day Paris Itinerary

How much time do I need at the Louvre Museum?
The Louvre is massive, so plan 2–3 hours for a focused visit. If you want to see every wing, it could take a full day! Booking a timed entry ticket in advance will help you avoid long lines.

How much time should I spend in Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur?
Allocate 2–3 hours. Stroll through cobblestone streets, enjoy street art, and take in the panoramic view from Sacré-Cœur. Add extra time if you want to stop for coffee or street performances.

How much time should I spend at the Eiffel Tower & Champ de Mars?
Budget 2–3 hours. If you plan to go up the tower, lines can add time. Walking and relaxing in Champ de Mars or Trocadéro with photos will take at least an hour.

How long does it take to explore the Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe?
Walking the Champs-Élysées can take 1–2 hours, depending on stops at shops or cafés. Climbing the Arc de Triomphe takes 30–60 minutes, including time for photos and panoramic views.

How much time do I need in Le Marais?
Spend 1–2 hours wandering the streets and enjoying boutique shops, cafés, and Place des Vosges. Add more time if you plan to shop or stop for lunch.

How long should I plan for Notre-Dame & Sainte-Chapelle?
About 1–1.5 hours. Even if Notre-Dame is under renovation, its façade is breathtaking. Sainte-Chapelle takes about 30–45 minutes, especially if you want to admire the stained glass in sunlight.

How much time do I need at Musée d’Orsay?
Plan for 2–3 hours. Focus on the Impressionist collection if you’re short on time, but the building itself is worth exploring.

How do I get around Paris?
Walking: Many attractions are close enough to walk, especially around Montmartre, Le Marais, and the Eiffel Tower.
Metro: The Paris Metro is efficient, cheap, and easy to navigate. Buy a carnet of tickets for multiple trips.
Taxi / Ride-share: Useful late at night or for less-connected areas.
Bike / Scooter: Electric scooters and bike rentals (Vélib) are popular for short distances.

Is 3 days enough for Paris?
Yes, 3 days is perfect for first-time visitors to see the major landmarks while enjoying a few local neighborhoods. If you prefer a slower pace or are traveling with kids, you may want to spread the plan over 4–5 days.

Best time to visit each attraction to avoid crowds?
Louvre: Arrive at opening or book evening tickets on Wednesdays/Fridays.
Eiffel Tower / Trocadéro: Early morning or after sunset for photos without crowds.
Montmartre: Late afternoon when tourist buses leave.
Musée d’Orsay: Mid-morning on weekdays for smaller crowds.