3 Day Paris Itinerary: Discover Paris Over A Long Weekend!

The 3 Day Paris itinerary from the insiders in the know…

Have you been been lucky enough to book three days in Paris, and want to maximise your time here while seeing all that makes this world city great? We’ve got you covered.

We hope you’ve packed good walking shoes, because our local-curated itinerary will take you all over this iconic city.

Sightseeing, art, culture, history, entertainment, shopping, the great outdoors and French food await you in spades.

Are you ready to go?

Touching down in the glittering “City of Lights” in 3…2…1….

Day 1 in Paris: World famous sightseeing!

If it’s your first time in Paris, you’ll be eager to hit the ground running and see some of the sights that make this city one of the most visited in the world. Expect to do lots of walking! The best part is that Paris is extremely walkable, and it’s a joy to wander around!

Day 1: Morning

The Champs-Élysées

One of the most famous streets in Paris stretches 2km, from the historic Place de la Concorde to the grand Arc de Triomphe. The Champs-Élysées is a melting pot of both high-end and budget shopping, museums, cafés and restaurants, hotels, monuments and street vendors. In the lead up to Christmas, the Champs-Élysées is a magical place to be where stall holders serve up hot crepes, fresh coffee, Christmas treats and souvenirs. There is something for everyone here.

Metro stations on the Champs-Élysées: Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau, Franklin D. Roosevelt, George V, Charles de Gaulle – Étoile.

https://en.parisinfo.com/transport/73130/Avenue-des-Champs-Elysees

Arc de Triomphe

Once you reach the end of the Champs-Élysées, you’re in for a treat. The Arc de Triomphe, a Napoleonic-era marvel of a monument stands proud as a testament to those who fought and died for France, and draws in tourists year-round. Underneath is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where you can pay your respects. You can even climb the monument to its rooftop and look across the famous panorama of 12 avenues that radiate out from the Arc. This is known as the “Étoile” – the star.

Nearest Metro station to the Arc de Triomphe: Charles de Gaulle – Étoile (it’s right underneath!)

https://www.paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr/en/

The Eiffel Tower

There’s no landmark more famous than the Eiffel Tower, so of course you’re going to want to see it up close and personal during your time in Paris and get lots of snaps! The famous icon of the Paris skyline was constructed for the 1889 World’s Fair held in Paris, and was only meant to be erected for a few years. However it still stands today, and seven million visitors head here a year!

You can climb the Tower (or take the lift), for unbeatable views across Paris. There are also three restaurants within the Tower to treat yourself to an unforgettable meal at. If you visit in sunny weather, take some time to sit in the Champ de Mars to take it in in all its splendour, or from the Trocadéro across the river.

Nearest Metro stations to the Eiffel Tower: Bir-Hakeim, Passy.

https://www.toureiffel.paris

Day 1: Afternoon

Palais Garnier

The Paris Opera House (“Palais Garnier” or “Opéra Garnier”) is world renowned. A majestic 19th century building located on the Place de l’Opera, the Palais Garnier and its history has been immortalised by works like Phantom of the Opera.

The interior theatres and auditoriums are lavish and grand, decked out in gold and velvet and feature the iconic “Grand Escalier” staircase. You can take guided tours of the Paris Opera, do a self-guided tour, of if you’re lucky, even see a production here yourself!

Nearest Metro station to the Palais Garnier: Opéra.

https://www.operadeparis.fr

Notre-Dame Cathedral

As many of you know, Paris’ famed Notre-Dame Cathedral was damaged by fire in 2019, but at the time of writing this, you can still view the stunning French Gothic church from the exterior – and it’s well worth it.

The soaring cathedral was constructed in the 13th century, and is still the beating heart of Paris, one of our most visited landmarks and potentially, the home of Victor Hugo’s literary hunchback, Quasimodo.

Notre-Dame is located on the island strip of the Seine known as the Île de la Cité. Take time to sit in the square outside and rest your weary feet while taking in one of the greatest architectural works in history.

Nearest Metro stations to Notre-Dame: Cité, Saint-Michel Notre-Dame.

https://www.notredamedeparis.fr

First day in Paris recap

It’s been a packed first day in Paris for you! You’ve seen some of the world’s most famous landmarks, walked a lot, learned about some of our history and really started to immerse yourself in what this city is all about! Hopefully you’ve also stopped to eat some authentic French food and discover some of the hidden pockets of the “City of Lights” on the way.

Until tomorrow! Bon nuit!

Day 2 in Paris: Culture & History

Salut! We hope you had a good rest last night. You’re up bright and early and ready to set out into Paris to see even more of the city. Start the day with a French-style breakfast of pastries, fruit and tea or coffee. Breakfast is important to Parisians, and any time is a good time to eat local baguettes and croissants.

You’ve ticked many bucket list items off already, and today is a day to discover more of the culture and history of Paris. It will be a mixed bag of indoor and outdoor fun and discovery.

Day 2: Morning

The Louvre

Head to the Louvre first thing to beat the crowds and to give yourself ample time to explore the world’s most famous museum.

The Louvre is renowned for being the home of Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, but it’s also the home of 35,000 other works, all well organised into their own categories and eras over 652,000 square feet of museum space! It really is an enormous museum! Expect to spend at least a few hours at the Louvre. Many people with more time in Paris spend days here.

A guided tour of the Louvre is a great way to see the most important works, learn about them and to maximise your time. You can also do your own self-guided tour.

Closest Metro station to the Louvre: Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre, Louvre – Rivoli, Pont Neuf.

https://www.louvre.fr

If you have more time and want to visit another Paris museum, the city has hundreds! Check out our guide to the 10 best Paris museums. https://paristeachersclub.com/the-10-best-paris-museums-for-your-bucket-list/

Day 2: Afternoon

The Seine

From the Louvre, head down to stretch your legs with a long, slow wander along the Seine. Paris’ central river divides the city between the Left and Right Banks, and there’s always something to see or experience here. In the warmer months, there’s obviously a lot more happening by the Seine, like the summer-season Seine beaches, but year-round it’s a magical spot. The 37 bridges that cross the Seine are their own historic points of significance and beauty, including the Pont des Artes, Pont Alexandre III and France’s oldest bridge, the Pont Neuf.

The Paris Bouquinistes are used booksellers that operate year-round from their recognisable “book boxes” along the Seine. The tradition of the Paris bouquiniste dates back over 500 years, and today dealers here are still limited to selling secondhand books and other select antique wares. There are over 900 “book boxes” dotted along the banks of the Seine, and a meander along here will almost always result in a bargain buy.

See the city by water by joining one of the many Seine river cruises that depart day and night, or book a speedboat tour for you and your group. Our founder Kathryn recently rediscovered her city on a speedboat tour and loved it!

Parks and gardens in Paris

Paris is home to more than 500 parks and gardens, and each is distinct in its landscape, history and beauty. Take some time this afternoon to explore at least one while you’re in town. The most famous Paris gardens include the Tuileries Gardens, Jardin des Plantes and Luxembourg Gardens.

Can’t decide which garden to visit during your three days in Paris? Check out our guide to the 10 best Paris parks and gardens to visit for what each park offers, directions using the Metro, opening hours, activities within the parks and more! https://paristeachersclub.com/best-paris-parks-and-gardens/

Day 2: Night

The Paris Catacombs

We hope you had an afternoon rest, and maybe took part in a spot of Paris’ terrasse culture (sitting and people watching), because tonight, you’re in for a treat!

It’s time to head deep down under the city to explore the Paris Catacombs. These underground ossuaries are the final resting place of more than six million people from the early 19th century, and the tunnels are now an official museum with guided tours run by local historians.

Experts believe that the true length of the Paris Catacombs exceeds 300km, but your tour will take you about 2km. Wear comfortable shoes and be aware that parts of the tour involve steep descents and ascents, lots of walking – and some tight spaces!

Insider tip: The tour ends only 500m from the original starting point and there’s some great local bistros on Place Denfert-Rochereau to enjoy a delicious dinner at after your tour.

Nearest Metro station to the Paris Catacombs: Denfert-Rochereau.

https://www.catacombes.paris.fr

Second day in Paris recap

What a day! You’ve experienced some world class art in the flesh, spent time exploring the riversides and gardens of Paris and capped off the day with a spooky look at the dark side of the city. Sleep well tonight, tomorrow is another action-packed day!

Day 3 in Paris: Experience Paris like a local!

Bonjour! It’s your final day in Paris, and we are sure you’re already sad about bidding goodbye to this magnificent city! But today is for enjoying, and we’ve put together a final day itinerary for you that will immerse you into the lifestyle and culture of the city like a true Parisian.

Day 3: Morning

Shopping in Paris

After a hearty breakfast, we are sure you will want to tick some shopping off your list of things to do. Luckily, Paris is a world hotspot for shopping, and shopping here is an experience all of its own.

Even if you aren’t planning on buying anything, Paris’ department stores are beautiful, quintessentially French and architecturally fascinating. Head to the the iconic Galleries Lafayette for upscale shopping in a grand Art Nouveau building. It is Europe’s largest department store. For a similarly sophisticated shopping experience, we also love Printemps Haussmann – if only for its incredible glass domes. Both not only sell high end French fashion from brands like Chanel and Dior, but also high-quality French food and perfume.

Paris also has some fantastic open air markets and flea markets to trawl through.

For budget buys head to Marché d’Aligre or Brocante des Abbesses. If you’re a foodie looking to take some French cheese or other delicacies back home, make your way to Marché des Enfants Rouges, Marché International de Rungis or Rue Montorgueil. Always check each market’s operating hours before setting off, as some markets are weekend-only. If you are in Paris on a weekend, head to Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen to experience the largest flea market in the world!

Keen to pick up some budget Parisian souvenirs to take home? Each landmark you’ve visited already has on-site souvenir and gift stores, but you can also head back to the Champs-Elysées or to the super popular Paris souvenir store Bring France Home, located near the Place de La Bastille.

Many visitors love doing a spot of shopping in Montmartre, and that brings us to your afternoon activity…

Day 3: Afternoon

Montmartre

No trip to Paris is complete without a visit discovering the cobblestone laneways and endless surprises of the hilltop district of Montmartre. A historic district of creatives, writers and artists, Montmartre was the famous home of famous names like Hemingway, Picasso, Matisse, Degas and Van Gogh.

Climb the steps to Sacré Coeur Basilica and take in the vast views of Paris this location offers. Enjoy a bite to eat while watching street vendors in the Place du Tertre or Square Louise Michel. Visit the Dali Museum or the Montmartre Museum. Visit the “Love Wall”. Walk in the steps of Amelie and simply immerse yourself in the charming culture of Montmartre. There’s so much to fill an afternoon here.

Montmartre is also peppered with exceptional cafes, restaurants, bistros, bars and nightclubs and promises a fantastic night out.

And that brings us to your evening activity…

Metro stations in Montmartre: Abbesses, Funiculaire, Funiculaire de Montmartre – Basse, Anvers.

The Moulin Rouge

Cap off your final night in Paris in quintessential French style – with a traditional can can show at the Moulin Rouge! Located on the Boulevard de Clichy on the edge of Montmartre, the famous “red windmill” puts on nightly cabaret shows led by some of the most impressive Paris show girls. Enjoy dinner, drinks and a show before heading out into the night to enjoy your last hours in this unforgettable city.

https://www.moulinrouge.fr/en/homepage/

Final day in Paris recap

Your time in Paris has come to an end, and it’s time to head home with a heavy heart. We know you’ll miss this city – but you can always move here and become an English teacher like our community did!

We hope our three day Paris itinerary helped you make the most out of your visit to the French capital. What were your favourite parts?

If you have more time in Paris…

It’s impossible to see everything you could possibly want to see in Paris in just three days – that’s why we moved here!

If you more time or want to mix up the above itinerary, here’s a few extra sightseeing recommendations!

Père Lachaise – Paris’ historic city cemetery, and the final resting place of famous names like Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison, Chopin and Oscar Wilde.

Shakespeare and Company – one of the most well known bookstores in the world, Shakespeare and Co is a literature-lovers paradise.

Versailles – an unmissable day trip from Paris, the Palace at Versailles is a palace, museum and jaw-dropping historical must-see.

Disneyland Paris – many people visit Paris simply to spend days at Disneyland Paris, so we don’t recommend it on a tight trip. Got more time? Absolutely!

How to get around Paris

There’s many ways to get around Paris, the most popular and efficient being the Paris Metro. It is so easy to navigate even for foreigners, there’s a stop every 500 metres and its stops are well-marked, with many named after nearby attractions.

In addition, Paris has an extensive RER, tram, bus and tram started, a plethora of taxis and ride share companies, bike rental kiosks and, if you want to explore Paris like a local, the city is easily walkable and extremely enjoyable to do so.

The Paris Teachers Club blog features a detailed guide to how to get around Paris.

Where to stay in Paris

Paris has an accommodation offering to match any travel budget, style or group size. There’s pricey city penthouses with unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower, mid-range hotels a stone’s throw from major sights, cosy Airbnbs set amongst the Paris hubbub and lots of cool hostels to experience the city on a shoestring.

Where and what to eat in Paris

To narrow down our favourite cafes, bistros, restaurants and bars in Paris, we would be here all day. The city is bursting with them. However, we can tell you what to eat when you get there!

Do macarons, steak frites, pastries, French onion soup and duck confit sound good? Read through out guide to the best French foods to try in Paris.

3 Day Paris Itinerary: Discover Paris Over A Long Weekend!

The 3 Day Paris itinerary from the insiders in the know…

Day 1 in Paris: World famous sightseeing!