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3 Days in Paris Itinerary: First-Timer's Guide | TravelOS

3 Days in Paris Itinerary

The Perfect First-Timer's Guide to the City of Light

TravelOS Team

3 day itinerary

Paris is a city that needs no introduction. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to world-class museums, charming cafes to elegant boulevards, the French capital offers an experience like no other. This carefully crafted 3-day itinerary will help you discover the best of Paris, whether you're travelling as a couple, with family, or solo. We've balanced must-see landmarks with hidden gems, ensuring you experience both the Paris of postcards and the authentic city that locals love.

Before You Go: Essential Planning Tips

Paris is well-connected by air, with two main airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY). From the UK, Eurostar offers a convenient 2.5-hour journey from London St Pancras directly to Gare du Nord. The best time to visit is spring (April-June) or autumn (September-October) when crowds are manageable and weather is pleasant. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter offers a magical atmosphere but shorter days.

Money-Saving Tip

Purchase a Paris Museum Pass (2-day pass around £45) if you plan to visit multiple museums. It covers over 50 attractions including the Louvre and Versailles, plus you skip most queues. For transport, buy a carnet of 10 Metro tickets (around £15) or use the Navigo Easy card.

Day 1: Iconic Paris - Eiffel Tower & Champs-Élysées

Your first day focuses on Paris's most recognisable landmarks. We start early to beat the crowds at the Eiffel Tower, then work our way through the elegant 7th and 8th arrondissements.

Day 1: Iconic Paris - Eiffel Tower & Champs-Élysées

08:00

Eiffel Tower

Arrive early at the Iron Lady to avoid the worst queues. Pre-book your tickets online to save time. Take the lift to the second floor for stunning views across Paris. The brave can continue to the summit for panoramic vistas stretching up to 80km on clear days. The tower's intricate ironwork is fascinating up close.

2-3 hours£22-35

Children under 4 go free. The ground floor has a glass floor section that kids love. Bring snacks as food on the tower is expensive.

11:30

Champ de Mars Picnic

After descending, grab a baguette, cheese, and fruit from a nearby boulangerie and enjoy a classic Parisian picnic on the Champ de Mars gardens. This is the perfect spot for photos with the tower behind you.

1 hour£8-12

The gardens have plenty of space for children to run around. There's a playground at the southern end near Avenue de Suffren.

13:00

Seine River Walk to Invalides

Stroll along the Seine towards Les Invalides, the stunning gold-domed complex that houses Napoleon's tomb. The walk takes about 20 minutes and offers beautiful river views. Pop inside to see the impressive military museum and the emperor's ornate final resting place.

1.5 hours£12

The Army Museum has tanks and weapons that fascinate many children. The grounds are free to explore if little ones need a break.

15:00

Walk to Champs-Élysées via Pont Alexandre III

Cross the Seine via the most beautiful bridge in Paris, Pont Alexandre III, with its ornate gilded sculptures. Continue through the Grand and Petit Palais gardens to reach the Champs-Élysées, the world's most famous avenue.

30 minutesFree

The bridge is perfect for photos. Point out the golden statues to children - they represent arts, sciences, commerce and industry.

15:30

Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

Walk up the grand avenue, window shopping at luxury boutiques and flagship stores. At the top, climb the Arc de Triomphe for spectacular views down the avenue and across to La Défense. The eternal flame at the base commemorates the Unknown Soldier.

2 hours£11 for Arc rooftop

Access the Arc via an underground passage - never try to cross the roundabout! The 284 steps might tire young children, but the views are worth it.

18:00

Dinner in the 8th Arrondissement

Head to Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré for upscale dining, or find a more casual bistro on a side street. Try classics like steak frites, duck confit, or French onion soup. Book ahead for popular restaurants.

2 hours£25-50 per person

French restaurants typically serve dinner from 7pm. Earlier bookings are easier with children. Most restaurants offer a children's menu or will adapt dishes.

20:30

Eiffel Tower Light Show

Return to Trocadéro for the magical light show when the tower sparkles for 5 minutes every hour after dark. The fountains and wide terrace offer the best viewing spot.

30 minutesFree

The sparkle show happens on the hour until 1am. Earlier shows (9pm or 10pm) are better for families. Bring a blanket to sit on.

Tip

The Paris Metro runs until around 12:40am on weekdays and 1:40am on weekends. Uber and taxis are readily available but can be expensive. Walking is often the best way to experience Paris - most central attractions are within 30 minutes of each other on foot.

Day 2: Art & Culture - Louvre, Marais & Montmartre

Today is dedicated to world-class art and quintessentially Parisian neighbourhoods. From the vast collections of the Louvre to the bohemian charm of Montmartre, you'll discover why Paris has inspired artists for centuries.

Day 2: Art & Culture - Louvre, Marais & Montmartre

09:00

The Louvre Museum

The world's largest art museum demands an early start. Enter via the Carrousel du Louvre underground entrance to avoid the pyramid queues. Focus on highlights: the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the French Crown Jewels. Don't try to see everything - it would take weeks.

3-4 hours£14

Free for under-18s. Grab a family trail map at the information desk - they have themed routes designed for children. The Egyptian antiquities section is particularly popular with kids.

13:00

Lunch at Palais Royal

Exit the Louvre and cross to the beautiful Palais Royal gardens. Café Kitsuné offers excellent coffee and light bites, or find a seat at one of the arcade restaurants. The striped columns by Daniel Buren in the courtyard make a great photo backdrop.

1 hour£12-20

Children love running between the Buren columns. The gardens are enclosed so safe for little ones to explore. Ice cream is available from the arcade shops.

14:30

Walk through Le Marais

Head east into the Marais, Paris's trendiest neighbourhood. Wander through narrow medieval streets lined with boutiques, galleries, and falafel shops. Visit Place des Vosges, Paris's oldest planned square, with its elegant arcades and central garden.

2 hoursFree

Stop at L'As du Fallafel on Rue des Rosiers for the best falafel in Paris - filling and affordable. The Marais has many toy shops and sweet shops that children will enjoy.

16:30

Metro to Montmartre

Take Metro line 12 from Arts et Métiers to Abbesses (the deepest station in Paris - take the lift!). You'll emerge in the heart of bohemian Montmartre.

30 minutes£2

The Abbesses station has a famous wall with 'I love you' written in 250 languages - try to find English and other languages you know.

17:00

Sacré-Cœur & Artists' Square

Climb the steps (or take the funicular) to the white-domed Sacré-Cœur basilica. The views from the steps are spectacular at sunset. Inside, the vast mosaic of Christ is one of the largest in the world. Afterward, visit Place du Tertre to watch artists at work.

2 hoursFree (£5 for funicular round trip)

The dome climb is 300 steps but offers incredible 360-degree views. The carousel at the base of Sacré-Cœur is a classic French treat for children.

19:30

Dinner in Montmartre

Stay in Montmartre for dinner at a traditional bistro. Le Relais Gascon serves giant salads in a cosy atmosphere, while Pink Mamma offers Italian in a spectacular multi-floor setting. Avoid the tourist traps directly on Place du Tertre.

2 hours£20-40 per person

Pink Mamma has a jungle-themed interior that children love, but expect queues. Booking at traditional bistros is easier with families.

Warning

Montmartre has steep hills and cobblestone streets - wear comfortable shoes. Pickpockets operate around Sacré-Cœur and on the steps, so keep valuables secure and be wary of anyone approaching with petitions or string bracelets.

Day 3: River Seine & Optional Versailles Day Trip

Your final day offers two options: a relaxed exploration of the Seine islands and Latin Quarter, or an early start for a half-day at the magnificent Palace of Versailles. Both options end with a memorable Seine cruise.

Day 3: River Seine & Optional Versailles Day Trip

08:00

Option A: Versailles Day Trip

Take the RER C train from central Paris to Versailles Château (40 minutes). Arrive early before the crowds descend on the palace. The Hall of Mirrors, Royal Apartments, and Queen's Chambers are breathtaking. The gardens are vast - rent a golf cart or bike to explore, or take the mini-train.

4-5 hours£18 palace only, £27 with gardens and Trianon

The gardens are where children can let loose. The fountain shows run on weekends and some weekdays (April-October) and are magical. Pack a picnic - food at Versailles is expensive.

08:00

Option B: Île de la Cité & Notre-Dame

Start on the Île de la Cité, the heart of Paris. While Notre-Dame is still being restored after the 2019 fire, you can admire the exterior and visit the archaeological crypt beneath the parvis. Sainte-Chapelle nearby has the most stunning medieval stained glass in existence.

2 hours£10 for Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle is spectacular in sunlight - aim for late morning. The crypt has Roman ruins that help children understand Paris's ancient history.

10:30

Option B: Latin Quarter Exploration

Cross to the Left Bank and wander through the Latin Quarter, home to the Sorbonne university since 1257. Browse the Shakespeare and Company bookshop (watch the cat!), explore narrow medieval streets, and sample crepes from a street vendor.

2 hoursFree (£5-8 for crepes)

Shakespeare and Company has a children's section upstairs. The nearby Square René Viviani has a children's playground with views of Notre-Dame.

12:30

Lunch in Saint-Germain

Continue into Saint-Germain-des-Prés for lunch. This intellectual heart of Paris, once home to Sartre and Beauvoir, now offers excellent restaurants alongside designer boutiques. Try Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots for a classic experience.

1.5 hours£15-30

Historic cafés are expensive for what you get - local brasseries offer better value. Pierre Hermé on Rue Bonaparte has incredible macarons as a treat.

14:30

Musée d'Orsay (or Return from Versailles)

If you skipped Versailles, spend the afternoon at the Musée d'Orsay, home to the world's greatest Impressionist collection. Monet's water lilies, Van Gogh's self-portraits, and Renoir's dancers fill this converted railway station. The restaurant behind the giant clock face offers unique views.

2-3 hours£13

Free for under-18s. The museum offers family activity booklets. Children often prefer the top floor with its Van Goghs and the views through the clock.

17:30

Seine Cruise

Board a Bateaux Mouches or Vedettes du Pont Neuf for a magical cruise past illuminated monuments. As dusk falls, the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre are beautifully lit. Commentary explains the history of each landmark.

1 hour£12-15

Evening cruises are magical but can be chilly - bring layers. Some boats offer dinner cruises, but these are expensive and less suitable for children.

19:00

Final Dinner & Evening Stroll

End your Paris trip with a memorable meal. For a special occasion, book at a classic bistro like Le Comptoir du Panthéon. Afterward, stroll along the illuminated Seine or through the Tuileries Gardens back to your hotel.

2 hours£30-60 per person

Brasserie Lipp in Saint-Germain has served families for over a century. Many restaurants offer prix fixe menus that are better value than à la carte.

Family Tip

Paris with children is magical but tiring. Build in rest time at your hotel or a park each afternoon. French children typically eat at restaurants, so staff are generally accommodating. Most museums have cloakrooms where you can leave pushchairs and bags.

Where to Stay in Paris

For first-timers, the 1st, 4th, 6th, and 7th arrondissements offer the most central locations within walking distance of major sights. The Marais (3rd/4th) is perfect for trendy boutiques and excellent dining. Saint-Germain (6th) offers classic Parisian charm. Budget travellers should consider the 11th or 18th arrondissements, which offer good value with easy Metro access. Expect to pay £100-200 per night for a decent hotel room, or £150-300 for family-sized apartments.

Getting Around Paris

The Paris Metro is efficient and covers the entire city. Buy tickets at station machines or use contactless payment on newer gates. Walking is the best way to experience Paris - most central attractions are surprisingly close together. The Vélib bike share system is excellent for confident cyclists. Taxis and Uber are widely available but expensive, especially during rush hour. Avoid driving in central Paris - traffic is chaotic and parking nearly impossible.

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