Best Attractions, Budget Tips & Travel Guide

Paris—the City of Lights, romance, and world-class attractions—is a dream destination for travelers. But with so much to see, how do you make the most of 3 days in Paris?

This detailed Paris travel guide covers a perfect 3-day itinerary, including must-visit landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Montmartre, and Versailles, plus budget tips, estimated expenses, and insider hacks to make your trip unforgettable.

If you’re planning a first-time visit to Paris, this guide will help you experience the best of the city without feeling rushed.

Let’s dive in!

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Day 1: Classic Paris – Louvre, Notre-Dame & Eiffel Tower at Night

Morning: Louvre Museum & Tuileries Garden

Kickstart your Paris adventure with an early visit to the Louvre Museum, home to Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and thousands of masterpieces. Since the Louvre is huge, focus on the Denon Wing for iconic paintings and sculptures.

📍 Louvre Museum Entry: €17 (Book online to skip queues)
📍 Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
📍 Budget Tip: Free entry for EU residents under 26 on Friday evenings!

After soaking in the art, take a leisurely walk through the Tuileries Garden, one of the best places in Paris for relaxing and snapping Insta-worthy pics.

Afternoon: Le Marais, Notre-Dame & Sainte-Chapelle

Head to Le Marais, a trendy district with quaint cafés, boutique shops, and historic streets. Grab a quick bite—either a falafel from L’As du Fallafel (€8) or a delicious crêpe from a street vendor.

Next, visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral (under restoration but still breathtaking) and the stunning Sainte-Chapelle, known for its gorgeous stained-glass windows.

📍 Sainte-Chapelle Entry: €11.50
📍 Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM

Evening: Eiffel Tower at Night & Seine River Cruise

No Paris itinerary is complete without a magical Eiffel Tower experience at night! Arrive before sunset at Champ de Mars, grab a baguette, cheese, and a bottle of wine (€5) for a cozy picnic, and watch the tower sparkle every hour after sunset.

For an unforgettable view, take a Seine River Cruise (€15) and admire the illuminated Paris skyline.

💰 Day 1 Estimated Expenses: ~€60-70
🎒 Paris Travel Tip: Use the Navigo Easy Card (€2) with 10 Metro tickets for €16.90—cheaper than single tickets!

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Day 2: Exploring Montmartre, Arc de Triomphe & Wine Tasting

Morning: Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

Start the day with breakfast at a Parisian café—croissants, jam, and café crème. Then, take a scenic stroll down the Champs-Élysées, home to luxury brands and flagship stores.

Climb to the top of Arc de Triomphe for stunning 360° views of Paris, with a direct view of the Eiffel Tower.

📍 Arc de Triomphe Entry: €13
📍 Opening Hours: 10 AM – 11 PM

Afternoon: Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

Hop on the Metro to Montmartre, one of the most charming and artistic neighborhoods in Paris. Walk through its cobblestone streets, get your portrait drawn at Place du Tertre, and visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for breathtaking views.

For lunch, grab a classic French sandwich (€5-7) from a local bakery or dine at Le Consulat, a historic café once visited by Picasso.

📍 Budget Tip: Paris bakeries offer delicious sandwiches at half the price of sit-down restaurants!

Evening: Wine & Cheese Tasting in a Cozy Bistro

End the day with a wine and cheese tasting session in a cozy Parisian wine bar. This is a great way to experience French culture while learning about regional wines and artisanal cheeses.

💰 Day 2 Estimated Expenses: ~€50-60
🎒 Paris Travel Hack: Walk as much as possible—Paris is a walkable city, and you’ll save money while exploring hidden gems!

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Day 3: A Royal Experience & Farewell to the Eiffel Tower

Morning: Palace of Versailles – A Fairytale Escape

Start your final day in Paris with a day trip to the Palace of Versailles, home to King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette’s legendary lifestyle.

Explore the Hall of Mirrors, Royal Apartments, and beautifully manicured gardens.

📍 Versailles Entry: €19.50
📍 Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6:30 PM
📍 Train from Paris: RER C (€8 round-trip)

Afternoon: Picnic at Luxembourg Gardens & Saint-Germain

After returning to Paris, grab a baguette, fresh fruit, and cheese for a relaxing picnic at Luxembourg Gardens—one of the most beautiful parks in Paris.

Then, explore Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a stylish district known for its historic cafés, bookshops, and art galleries.

Evening: One Last Eiffel Tower Moment

Before saying au revoir to Paris, take one final stroll by the Eiffel Tower and soak in the magic one last time.

💰 Day 3 Estimated Expenses: ~€50-60
🎒 Paris Budget Tip: Buy an unlimited Metro pass (€22.80 for 3 days) if you plan to use public transport frequently.

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Paris Travel Costs: Estimated Budget for 3 Days

Category	Budget (€)	Mid-Range (€)
Accommodation (3 nights)	€150 (hostel)	€300 (budget hotel)
Food	€75	€150
Transport	€30	€50
Attractions & Activities	€80	€150
Souvenirs	€20	€50
Total	€355-€700

📍 Budget Tip: Stay in areas like Montmartre, Bastille, or the Latin Quarter for affordable accommodation.

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Essential Paris Travel Tips

✅ Book tickets online to avoid long queues.
✅ Use public transport—it’s cheap and efficient.
✅ Learn basic French phrases like “Bonjour” and “Merci” (locals appreciate the effort!).
✅ Avoid eating near tourist spots—opt for local bakeries and cafés.
✅ Visit museums on free-entry days (first Sunday of the month for many museums).

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Final Thoughts: Is 3 Days Enough for Paris?

Absolutely! While Paris deserves a lifetime to explore, 3 days is perfect for first-timers who want to experience the best of Paris without feeling rushed.

With this ultimate 3-day Paris itinerary, you’ll see the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Montmartre, Versailles, and more, while enjoying delicious food, hidden gems, and budget-friendly travel hacks.

What’s your favorite thing about Paris? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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