Paris 3-Day Classic
The first-timer's Paris: islands and the Louvre, Montmartre and the Marais, and the grand axis to the Eiffel Tower — grouped by neighborhood to beat the crowds.
Trip overview
- Louvre's first-entry slot
- One long formule lunch
- The tower from Trocadéro, not the queue
Best time to visit
April–June and September–October are ideal. December is festive and cold; August means quieter streets but closed bistros.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · The Islands & the Louvre
- 🖼️09:00Louvre at first entry (timed ticket)
- ⛪12:30Sainte-Chapelle's stained glass
- 📚15:00Île Saint-Louis & the Latin Quarter
- 🍷20:00Saint-Germain bistro dinner (booked)
- 🖼️
Day 2 · Montmartre & the Marais
- ⛪09:00Sacré-Cœur before the crowds
- 🎨11:30Montmartre's back lanes & Place du Tertre
- 🛍️15:00Place des Vosges & Marais boutiques
- 🥖20:00Marais bistro dinner
- ⛪
Day 3 · The Grand Axis
- 🌳10:00Tuileries to Place de la Concorde
- 🍽️13:00Long formule lunch (the meal of the trip)
- 🗼17:00Trocadéro gardens & the Eiffel Tower at golden hour
- 🌊21:00Seine at night — free and better than most tickets
- 🌳
Budget
Estimated total cost: 450 USD for 3 days.
Includes accommodation, local transport, food, and activities. International flights not included.
Travel tips
- April–June and September–October are ideal. December is festive and cold; August means quieter streets but closed bistros.
- Carry local currency for small eateries and street food; cards are widely accepted in cities.
- Book popular restaurants in advance during peak season.
- Use public transit where possible — most stops in Paris are tourist-friendly.
Recommended restaurants
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