Looking for the perfect 3 days in Paris itinerary? I couldn’t believe we didn’t have a Paris itinerary, so it was time to fix that with this 3 day guide. Let me start by saying, 3 days in Paris is not enough time, but if that’s all you have, you can get a good taste of the beautiful city with this Paris travel guide. Don’t stress out about the time you have, we’ll help you make the most of your 3 days in Paris!

In my opinion, Paris is not a once and done type of city. It’s not a city to just check off your travel bucket list. It’s one you return to again and again, slowly discovering new gems. Paris is so incredibly vast and there are so many nooks and crannies to explore. I once spent 10 days in Paris with a goal to walk every single street. I did it and I still feel like I could’ve spent more time there. I tell you this, because I don’t want you to stress about doing it all with the 3 days in Paris that you have. It will be a magical 3 days in Paris, but you won’t do it all, and you can always go back.

Paris is one of our favorite cities to visit and we find it’s often easy to add 3 days in Paris to other travel itineraries as Paris is easy to get to from other cities in Europe and is a popular layover spot. I’ve been to Paris over a dozen times and every single trip is a completely new experience. Paris is the ultimate city for wanderers. If you’re someone who loves to take a slower pace, wander, and explore, this is the city for you. Personally, if I had 3 days in Paris I would spend the entire time just wandering, but if you’d like a bit more structure we have a 3 days in Paris itinerary laid out for you. 

Before we get to the 3 days in Paris itinerary, I’d like to share this quote with you from one of my favorite books on Paris, A Paris All Your Own. I feel it embodies the energy and spirit of Paris perfectly.

“What is it about Paris? No other city’s name conjures the same weight and cachet. To invoke Paris means something, makes whatever it touches more beautiful, more elegant, more…well, Parisian. Paris is berets and cafes, is romance and lights on the Eiffel Tower, is wide boulevards and window boxes bright with flowers, is Les Miserables and Picasso and Chanel. Paris is so many things, all of them wonderful…All that weight it carries, all the associates, can actually be a good thing- if you come at it with the right attitude… When you go, you are in Hemingway’s Paris and Victor Hugo’s Paris…and yet you are in a Paris all your own.”

We hope our 3 days in Paris itinerary helps you create a magical Paris that’s all your own. Wishing you the most wonderful 3 days in Paris! Bon Voyage! 

The Perfect 3 Days in Paris Itinerary

Best time of year for 3 days in Paris:

In the words of Audrey Hepburn, “Paris is always a good idea”, but each season has its own pros and cons. My absolute favorite time is early June, followed by April/May and fall. Read on for our opinion on when you should plan your 3 days in Paris Itinerary

3 Days in Paris in the Winter:

The best time to get great travel deals! This is the low season of the year.  December is a beautiful time to experience the French Christmas markets. January can be a bit quiet after the holiday rush. February picks up a bit with Valentine’s Day festivities. March can sometimes be very dreary and other times provide a glimpse of spring. Winter is a time to spend indoors in Paris; snuggling up in warm cafes, shopping the winter sales, and exploring museums. If you are a museum fan, this is a great time to visit as the museums are much quieter than any other time of year. I would not recommend winter to first time visitors as I just don’t feel like you get to experience the true beauty of Paris, but if you’ve been before, it can be a great way to see the city from a new perspective. Winter is also a great option for 3 days in Paris as you can often find great travel deals for a long weekend away in Paris. You’ll also feel like a true local as it’s not very tourist heavy this time of year.

What to wear for her: Waterproof boots, warm parka, cozy sweater, jeans or leather leggings, warm scarf, warm gloves

What to wear for him: Waterproof boots, warm parka, cashmere sweater, button down, jeans or slacks, scarf, wool gloves

Packing List for your 3 day Paris Itinerary

3 Days in Paris in the Spring:

This is one of my favorite times of year to visit Paris! The cherry blossoms are in bloom, the gardens are in bloom, the whole city is just framed by gorgeous florals. The spring produce is in market and is so fresh and delightful. Plus, after a long winter spent indoors, the locals are ready for outdoor dining and picnics again, so the city feels very lively. I really can’t think of any cons other than you still might get bursts of colder weather and rain. Make sure to pack layers and a travel umbrella. This is a really lovely time for your 3 days in Paris!

What to wear for her: A dress for layering, chic jeans, cozy cardigan, classic trench coat, comfy flats or comfy waterproof booties, stylish scarf

What to wear for him: Slacks or jeans, button down, cashmere v-neck sweater, blazer, comfy loafers

Packing List for your 3 day Paris Itinerary

3 Days in Paris in the Summer:

One of the most popular times of the year to visit Paris and for good reason! There’s a lot going on this time of year with all kinds of outdoor concerts, events and Bastille Day celebrations. The weather is sunny and gorgeous, without being too hot and humid. The sun doesn’t set until 9 or 10pm, leaving plenty of glorious hours for exploring. There are amazing sales late June through July, so keep that in mind if you’re hoping to shop. All that being said, everyone wants to visit Paris in the summer and so the city can be very crowded and accommodations and flight prices can be steep. Also, the French take August off, so you might find a lot of closed establishments and mainly tourists out and about. If you plan to go in the summer, make sure to book in advance and make dining reservations. If you want to experience summer before it gets too crowded, shoot for early June. I’m not a huge fan of Paris travel July and August, but early June is one of my favorite times of the year in Paris. There’s nothing quite like a Parisian summer sunset! For a 3 day Paris trip, summer might be a little hard to pack in all the sights, but if you’re okay with not fitting everything in this trip, you’ll be fine!

What to wear for her: Cute summer dress, comfy but cute sandals for lots of walking, chic sunglasses

What to wear for him: Light weight slacks or jeans, short sleeve button down, comfy loafers

Packing List for your 3 day Paris Itinerary

3 Days in Paris in the Fall:

Another one of my favorite times to travel to Paris. {Can you tell I like shoulder season travel?} The city is just starting to get back to work life and you’ll still see many French people out enjoying the last bits of warm weather. The French even have a word for this transition from summer to fall: “À la rentrée”, loosely translated to “See you in the fall!” The changing leaves are so beautiful and the crisp air is perfect for long walks exploring the city. Just like with spring, you’ll need to pack layers and a travel umbrella to prepare for potentially cooler weather and rainy days. Fall is a great choice for 3 days in Paris!

What to wear for her: A warm layering dress and tights or chic jeans and cozy sweater, cozy cardigan, waterproof comfy booties or waterproof comfy boots. trench coat, warm scarf

What to wear for him: Slacks or jeans, button down, cashmere v-neck sweater, blazer, comfy dressy loafers, scarf

Packing List for your 3 days Paris Itinerary

Tips to make the most of your 3 days in Paris

We often find that people either LOVE or HATE Paris. The beautiful city tends to evoke strong reactions and feelings in visitors! We have a few tips that we think will help you love your 3 days in Paris experience.

1. Wander

I know with only 3 days in Paris you may feel like you don’t have time for wandering, but please make time for it! I truly think wandering will enhance your 3 days in Paris experience. Paris is a city that was made to be wandering. As you slowly walk, taking the time to experience the city with all of your 5 senses, you will come across joys and beauties that a fully packed itinerary just doesn’t leave time for. Almost anytime I speak to someone who didn’t like Paris, I find that they spent their time checking off sight after sight. While some cities can be seen this way, Paris is not one of them. The French even have a word for one who wanders: un flaneur. It directly translates to someone who strolls and wanders aimlessly.

If you don’t want to spend you’re whole 3 days in Paris wandering, I totally get it. I promise that 3 days in Paris itinerary is coming! But please, take at least half a day, to experience the magic of wandering in Paris. Pick an area that intrigues you and simply wandering, following your curiosity and seeing what you discover. You can do this in any part of Paris you desire, but if you’re looking for some direction, here are a few of my favorite areas to wander: Le Marais, The Latin Quarter, Saint Germain, and Montmartre.

If you’re a Type A planner type, I totally get it. When I travel I always worry I’m not going to have time to see everything, but Paris is one of those cities that if you wander you are guaranteed to run into something amazing. It’s also not a city where you can plan to see everything in one trip; you must plan to come again. There is just something so magical about letting Paris reveal herself to you and I hope you will give yourself that gift at least one day of your 3 day Paris itinerary.

If you truly feel you can fit wandering into your 3 day Paris itinerary, at least try walking everywhere. That’ll be a great opportunity to come across hidden gems!

2. Linger

Similarly as above, don’t be afraid to linger. This really is the French way. Paris is more fast paced than any other part of France, but the art of savoring and lingering is still strong here. Spend some time lingering over a coffee or over a meal during your 3 days in Paris.

3. Follow a few basic French etiquette rules when in Paris

Following French etiquette is really important when visiting Paris and can really enhance your 3 days in Paris experience. I often find that when people don’t have a good time or find the French to be rude, it’s because they didn’t understand some important parts of the ettiquete. Try your best to follow these tips during your 3 days in Paris.

1. Speak in French as much as you can. It’s okay if you don’t actually speak French, just trying is really appreciated. We memorized a few key words (hello, thank you, goodbye) and used Google Translate for anything else. We noticed the French really appreciated us trying and they were so much friendlier to us. If you need to speak in English that’s completely fine, just ask first IN FRENCH if the person speaks English, before jumping straight into speaking in English – “Parlez vous anglais” {do you speak English}. This will go a long way!
2. Always great shopkeepers or vendors when you walk into any establishment. It is considered extremly rude not to say hello and goodbye. Say “bonjour madame or monsieur” {hello ms or sir} when entering and “au revior, merci” {goodbye, thank you} when leaving
3. Be mindful of your speaking volume. The French tend to keep their voices low and find it rude when others are speaking loudly
4. Don’t worry if people are staring at you! People watching is partically a sport in France! Feel free to sit at a cafe and people watch yourself! It’s pretty fascinating! 
5. If people aren’t smiling at you, no need to smile at them. Coming from Southern California, this one was a little hard for me
6. It is considered GOOD service if your waiter doesn’t check on you, takes forever with your courses, and doesn’t bring you the check. If they check on you, it means they are interrupting your dining. If they bring you the check, it means they are kicking you out. Just flag them down if you need anything. It’s funny, I got so used to this on our last trip that I had a hard time adjusting when we got back to the states! Now I always feel offended when a waiter brings me a check 😆 
7. Keep basic dining etiquette in mind:
   • Bread is broken, not cut
   • Bread goes directly on the table, unless they bring you a bread plate, more places are doing this now to accommodate tourists.
   • Salad leaves are folded with a fork and knife and not cut
   • Place your napkin on your lap when you’re seated and placed it on your chair if you get up to use the restroom
   • Avoid resting your elbows on the table
8. When dining, plan to eat dishes as they are described on the menu. They generally do not accommodate requests for changes and it’s considered rude to the chef who has taken time to specially curate the dish
9. Try your best not to rush during mealtimes. Meals are sacred in France and meant to be slowly enjoyed and savored. All meals are eaten sitting down and not on the go. Your waiter will give you time to “rest” between courses and will generally not accommodate requests to rush. Consider this built in time for lingering in your 3 days in Paris itinerary 

If you liked these tips and want more tips on etiquette, safety, transportation and dining, check out our guide to Paris for first timers

Paris Itinerary 3 days:

Here are three suggested itineraries for your 3 days in Paris itinerary.  I’m intentionally not over packing each day so you can still feel like you have time to wander and linger over your meals, since as I mentioned above, that’s part of the Parisian charm! Try to start each day early to be able to fit in as much as possible. Popular spots are also less crowded in the mornings.

If you have extra time on any of your 3 days in Paris, you may want to consider fitting in a museum. Here are a few suggestions:

• The Louvre {1st arrondissement} – The most popular museum in Paris among tourists. It can be pretty packed, so we suggest going late night if you can. The Louvre is open until 10pm on Wednesday and Fridays. If you cannot make it then, strive for early morning. Even if you don’t plan to go inside, aim to visit the outside of the Louvre as the architecture is stunning and worth a look
• Musee d’Orsay {7th arrondissement} – My favorite museum in Paris. It’s not as crowded as the Louvre, so you don’t need to worry about picking the “right” time to go. The d’Orsay has a great number of famous Impressionist paintings if you’re a fan!
• Institut du Monde Arabe {5th arrondissement} – My second favorite museum in Paris. It’s a very niche museum so this may not appeal to everyone, but I feel they do an amazing job of curating exhibits from the past and modern Arab world. The architecture of the building is also very interesting so it’s worth checking out even if you are just walking by. Whether or not you go to the museum, if you get a chance, visit the Grand Mosque of Paris afterwards for a cup of Moroccan mint tea. The patio feels like a hidden oasis right in the middle of Paris. It’s very unique and beautiful

Paris Itinerary 3 Days – Day 1

Day 1 of the 3 days in Paris itinerary explores the 7th and 8th arrondissements. You’ll get a good amount of Eiffel Tower {since everyone is always anxious to see the Eiffel Tower immediately on their trip} and do plenty of eating {well, actually, that’ll be every day}.

Champs Elysee and Rue Saint Honore

Start day 1 of your 3 days in Paris exploring the glamorous streets of the Champs Elysee and Rue Saint Honore. The Champs Elysee used to evoke thoughts of glamour, but it has become very touristy now. It’s worth it to walk through quickly, but I wouldn’t spend too much time here. I much prefer Rue Saint Honore for a glam experience. There are tons of high end stores and cafes here, as well as some mid range spots as well. I bought my all time favorite perfume on this street at Rose Desgranges 

Food recommendations: 

• Laudree – traditional French breakfast and fantastic macarons and pastries
• L’Avenue – a fun and trendy cafe
• Hotel Costes – wonderful hidden patio

Arc de Triomphe

The second most famous monument in Paris, after the Eiffel tower, is the Arc de Triomphe. It’s very majestic and worth checking out from the outside, but we also loved going up to the very top. I think the view here is better than the one on top of the Eiffel Tower because you’ll have the Eiffel Tower IN your view. It’s also cheaper and quicker than going up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. This isn’t a tip everyone knows about and we highly recommend maximizing on that!

Keep in mind the Arc de Triomphe doesn’t open until 10am. If possible, buy your tickets online in advance so you can avoid waiting in line and avoid wasting any time during your 3 days in Paris.

Rue Cler

Rue Cler is one of the cutest market streets! There is a specialty store here for almost anything you can think of: bread, flowers, wine, tea, whipped cream, cookies, fish, and so much more! Spend some time exploring the street and all the cute little shops. Pick up a few picnic essentials for the next stop on the itinerary.

READ THIS for all my favorite Rue Cler spots and for exactly what to do and see here

A few highlights from the post include:

• Mariage Freres – a really high quality tea shop and cafe
• Amorino – my second favorite gelato in the city. Order a gelato filled macaron to be placed on top!
• Cafe du Marche
• Tribeca
• L’Eclair
• Brasserie aux PTT

Picnic at the Eiffel Tower or along the Seine

Next up: a Parisian picnic! This is actually one of my favorite things to do in Paris and a must for your 3 day Paris itinerary. No matter how little time you have, make time for this during your 3 days in Paris!

There are two great picnic spots conveniently located to Rue Cler. If you still have some time before it gets dark, you might be able to picnic along the Seine and then catch the Eiffel Tower light show. If not, choose one for your picnic:

Eiffel Tower – This is a Paris bucket list must! Especially if you get there around sunset and can watch the Eiffel Tower light show. This is actually one of the few touristy things in Paris I absolutely love and find it totally lives up to the hype.

Along the Seine – More locals tend to picnic here, especially in the spring and summer months. It’s such a relaxing way to spend an evening and you’ll get a beautiful sunset view.

Dinner with a view

Freshen up after your picnic and then head out for a nice dinner on night 1 of your 3 day Paris itinerary. Here are a few recommendations:

Monsieur Blu – The restaurant is located directly across from the Eiffel Tower and if you’re seated on the outside patio you get a gorgeous view of both the Eiffel Tower AND the Seine. It’s a very chic place and full of glam Parisians. The food and service is fantastic, although getting a table can be tough. We had to wait over an hour even though we had reservations! Don’t let that deter you, just continue to bug the hostess until you get seated.

We haven’t tried the following spots, but they look gorgeous, very romantic, have a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower, and great reviews:

Les Ombres

Chez Francis

Maison Blanche

La Ciel de Paris

Le Restaurant Café Georges

Paris Itinerary 3 Days – Day 2

Day 2 of the 3 day Paris itinerary explores the 4th, 5th, and 6th arrondissements. Today is the busiest of the 3 days in Paris. Feel free to break it up if you’d prefer to move at a slower pace.

Notre Dame

On day 2 of your 3 days in Paris we’ll start at the Notre Dame. You can get an early start here, as the Notre Dame opens at 8am, a little earlier than other spots in the city. The Notre Dame is one of the most visited spots in Paris and you’ll have to visit for yourself to determine if it’s worth seeing. For what it’s worth, in my multiple Paris trips, I’ve only been inside one time. It is certainly beautiful, but I probably wouldn’t go inside again, unless my travel partners wanted to. That being said, sight seeing is not really my travel style. I much prefer viewing the Notre Dame when I’m taking a sunset stroll from a bridge far enough away that I can get a good view. It’s absolutely magical set against the candy colored Parisan sunset.

Note: after a recent fire at the Notre Dame, the inside is currently not available for viewing. I still recommend you take a look from the outside. 

Île de la Cité

After visiting the Notre Dame, explore the rest of the island of Île de la Cité. I prefer this area around sunset as you get gorgeous views, but I’m trying to make the geography of this itinerary be as convenient as possible. If you don’t mind coming back, visit Île de la Cité in the late afternoon. No matter what time you visit, make sure to have ice cream at Berthillon: the iconic family run French ice cream shop. They sell their ice cream to lots of cafes in the city, but you have it try it at their original location. It’s made fresh daily and you can taste the difference. I tried other cafes that sell their ice cream, but it’s way better at the original Berthillon location. I came back 3x in 2 days!

Points of interest:

• Paris Point Zero – the city’s center, leave change here if you believe the rumors that it’ll bring you good luck
• The flower market – a daily open air market
• Place Dauphine – a charming little square full of wine bars and cafes
• Sainte Chapelle – a Gothic style royal chapel
• La Conciergerie – a former castle where French royalty would live when they were in Paris. You can get a combined pass with Sainte Chapelle. I’ve never been inside but it’s beautiful and majestic to view from the outside
• Pont Neuf – the oldest standing bridge across the Seine

Food recommendations:

• Le Saint Regis – a classic Parisian cafe with good and reasonably priced food
• Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole – incredibly pretty and instagrammable
• Berthillon – the best ice cream in Paris!

Shakespeare and Co.

Next up, visit one of the most famous independent bookstores in the world. The original location used to be a favorite of Hemingway, but unfortunately it’s now closed. Although the bookstore is not large, it’s full of quirky and charming details, giving you plenty to explore. There are often readings hosted here and they will not kick you out if you just want to sit and read. The shop offers to host anyone who needs a place to stay for the night, in exchange for a bit of help around the store. Such a cute spot, reminiscent of Paris’ bohemian and literary past.

Latin Quarter

From there, head on to the Latin Quarter, which will give you a glimpse of medieval Paris. The charming cobbled streets are just made for wandering and the area truly captures the iconic spirit of Paris. Fun Fact: it’s named the Latin Quarter because students at Sorbonne University spoke exclusively in Latin in the Middle Ages! There are several hot spots you can check out in the Latin Quarter, but my favorite thing here is just to wander. I once stumbled upon a great spot for drinks that served all of their drinks with sparklers, it was so fun! Unfortunately, I cannot remember the name of the bar

Points of interest:

• Rue Mouffetard – one of the oldest and most picturesque street in Paris. This street was inspiration for Victor Hugo when he wrote Les Miserables. It’s a very lively street full of markets, cafes, and so much good food!
• The Pantheon – a former church now mausoleum. I’ve only checked it out from the outside, but if you want to go in it could be cool to check out the Fouquet Pendulum, which was built to prove the earth is round, or witness the view from the top of the dome
• The Sorbonne – the historic university that was built in the 13th century. The Sorbonne has really shaped the culture of The Latin Quarter and continues to be a lively student town
• Jardin des Plantes – one of the largest gardens in the city. it was once home to a 17th century herb and medicinal garden and is now the Natural History Museum. There’s also a really unique carousel here

Food recommendations: 

• Strada Cafe – cute spot across from The Sorbonne, perfect for coffee! 
• La Mosquee – a seriously idyllic oasis with amazing architecture. Great Moroccan food, but even if you don’t eat a meal here, have a glass of mint tea 

Saint Germain des Pres

Saint Germain is my second favorite part of Paris and another area I could wander for hours. This is the chicest neighborhood in Paris and one that a lot of people often cite as their favorite neighborhood in Paris. This is the place to go for chic stores, great cafes, and tons of picture opportunities. A lot of the cafes are iconic here due to their history and ambiance. It was quite the lively literary cafe scene back in the day. Close your eyes and imagine the likes of Hemingway and Picasso roaming around here 

Points of interest:

• Jardin des Tuileries – one of my favorite gardens in Paris
• Wander – this is really a great place to wander as you will encounter tons of interesting stores and cafes. Take the many side streets to stumble upon some hidden gems. I could explore the charming boutiques here for hours

Food recommendations: 

• Claus – a light and airy cafe, serving breakfast all day, which is a newer and more unique concept in France
• Cafe de Flore – touristy, but also also one of the most well known and oldest cafes in Paris and not to be missed. If you’re ending your day in Saint Germain, Cafe de Flore is open until 1:30am and is a good late night option. This is a pricey cafe and I don’t necessarily think the quality justifies it, so maybe just go for a coffee or drink 
• Brasserie Lipp -a classic since 1880, this iconic resutraunt has welcoming kinds of political and literary figures over the years
• Les Deux Magots – another classic since 1885, this light and airy cafe is popular spot in Saint Germain
• Cafe Le Bonaparte – another classic that’s a great spot to sit for a drink

Paris Itinerary 3 Days – Day 3

On day 3 of of your 3 days in Paris itinerary we’ll be taking it a little lighter and slower, to give you plenty of time to wander and explore. I love these two areas so much for exploring, as there are so many hidden gems to be found. Every time I wander their cobblestoned charming streets, I find new things.

Montmartre

Wandering the cobbled backstreets of Montmartre feels like you’ve stepped back in time to the days when Renoir and other artists roamed the streets of Paris. It’s such a charming and quirky area, full of life, color, artists painting en plein air, and adorable cafes. There are so many little gems just waiting to be discovered by you here.

Points of interest:

• Place du Terte – the liveliest part of Montmartre. This is where you’ll see a ton of open air cafes and easels set up for artists to paint. I avoid eating here as most of the cafes are very touristy and don’t have the best food, but it’s a really great area to check out and walk through
• Sacre Coeur – a beautiful church at the highest point of Paris. Definitely walk up the stairs, as there is a beautiful view at the top
• Musee de Montmartre – a whimsical bohemian museum, that gives you a glimpse into life in 19th century Montmartre. Unlike the rest of Montmartre, this museum is still a hidden gem and not super crowed 
• Rue l’Abreuvoir – one of the prettiest streets in Montmartre. It overlooks the Sacre Coeur and many of the home are covered in ivy and wisteria
• Picasso’s Paris studio – Montmartre was home to many famous artists, including Picasso. You can see his Paris studio from the outside

Food recommendations: 

• Soul Kitchen – my favorite cafe in Montmartre. Really charming ambiance and fantastic vegetarian food. They also have great baked goods if you’re just looking for a coffee and light bite to eat 
• Marcel – an American restaurant with good breakfast and lunch
• Cafe Francoeur – nice ambiance and good Chinese chicken salad, salade chinoise
• Cafe Tabac – espresso served in adorable pink cups
• La Maison Rose – you’ve probably seen tons of photos of this adorable cafe. It’s just as cute in person as it is on Instagram
• Le Refuge Des Fondus – this isn’t exactly must have food, but the wine is served in baby bottles which makes it fun to check out. It’s very popular and gets very crowded 
• Café des Deux Moulins –  I wouldn’t necessarily recommend eating here, but if you’re a fan of the movie Amelie, it was shot here and is worth checking out

Le Marais

Le Marais is my favorite area in all of Paris! This is always where I recommend my friends stay. I recommend you plan to spend several hours or even a half day of your 3 days in Paris here. Definitely take the time to wander while you’re in Le Marais. There are so many cute little streets and alleyways to discover. I’ve come across so many gems and had so many wonderful meals here just wandering. I’ve recommended a few below, but I actually forgot the names of most of the places I ate at. I really encourage you to just explore here and try out anywhere that looks good to you.

Points of interest:

• Place des Vosges –  a great spot for a stroll or a picnic. This is the oldest planned square in all of Paris. You can also visit the apartment where Victor Hugo lived for many years. It has been turned into a small musuem
• Bastille Market – a really great farmers market on Thursday and Sunday
• Musee Picasso – a museum dedicated to Picasso’s work
• Passage de l’Ancre – the oldest secret passageway in the city. A perfect street to wander, you’ll come across many charming gems here
• Librairie des Archives – a charming little bookstore filled with books from the floor to the ceiling. This is a book lovers dream
• EXPLORE – please don’t hate me for all the times I’ve gotten on my soapbox about wandering, but this is just such a good spot for it! There are many charming streets in Le Marais to explore. It really is the best thing to do here

Food recommendations: 

• Les Philosophes – a good spot to try out French cafe culture for lunch. Located on a great street for people watching
• L’As du Fallafel – everyone recommends this little spot and for good reason! Great falafel sandwiches here, but the lines can be long!
• Candelaria – this is such a fun hidden little spot for great drinks! It’s a little taqueria, which I’ve never eaten at, with a hidden speakeasy bar in the back. Just go straight to the back of the taqueria and open the door there. So much fun!
• La Belle Hortense – an adorable wine bar AND bookstore in one. Basically two of my favorite things in one place! It’s a smaller place that gets pretty full at night. If you’re a book lover like I am, you’ll love having a glass of wine here
• Holybelly – fantastic spot for breakfast or lunch. The emphasis is on local, seasonal food. There are actually two locations, Holybelly 5 and Holybelly 19, that are down the street from each other. Each have different menus, but both have great food 
• Carette – I used to be a die hard Laudree fan, but Carette actually took the lead as my favorite macarons in Paris! Such a great spot to sit with a hot drink and sweet treat
• La Braciola – great pizza 
• Merci – an adorable used bookstore and cafe. Go explore their shop, which includes a wonderful book selection and also other paper goods, and grab a cup of coffee 
• HANK – stands for have a nice karma and features a wonderful vegan menu. Their “burger” and “cheesy” potatoes are two of the most popular items
• Le Colimacon – a rustically designed restaurant featuring the best of Parisian bistro food
• Ob-la-Do – great for breakfast 
• Experimental Cocktail Club – a bit pretentious, but it’s known to have some of the best cocktails in Paris

Where to stay during your Paris itinerary 3 days:

 8th arrondissement – near Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysse, Eiffel Tower

We’ve stayed at Hotel Balmoral in the past and really enjoyed it. They have very pretty balconies, spacious rooms, great service, and a complimentary breakfast buffet.

Read more about our stay here

3rd or 4th arrondissement – Le Marais

This is my absolute favorite area to stay in and where I recommend all my friends stay. I think it’s one of the prettiest areas in Paris and it provides easy access to my other favorite spots in Paris. We’ve stayed at random hotels we were able to find a good rate for just a night here and there, but I can’t recommend any of them. Keep in mind the rooms can be a bit small here, so upgrade to a suite if that’s a concern.

Here are some hotels we’ve been wanting to try that look fantastic:

5 Stars –

Le Pavillon de la Reine – This hotel looks seriously amazing. We keep telling everyone to stay here if they can and we are very much looking forward to staying here on a future trip

4 Stars –

Les Jardins du Marais – Gorgeous courtyard and gardens, great location, very romantic for couples. This hotel is very high on our Parisian bucket list!

3 Stars – 

Hotel Beaumarchais – Great location and reviews. Looks very charming!

6th arrondissement – Saint Germain

This is my second favorite part of Paris to stay in. It’s very pretty and also centrally located to almost everything you may want to see. We haven’t personally stayed at any of these hotels, but they all have fantastic reviews.

5 Stars –

Relais Christine – I’ve heard amazing things about this hotel and it has been on my bucket list of places to stay in Paris. It is true luxury and beauty – making it perfect for a romantic getaway

4 Stars –

Le Lapin Blanc – Great location, can be found under $200/night, the decor looks so relaxing and serene

3 Stars –

Hotel du Danube Saint Germain – Great location and quintessential Parisian balconies

Various arrondissements – 

Staying in an apartment is a wonderful way to feel “like a local”. You can get to know the area you’re staying in and have the comfort of feeling like you’re at home. One Fine Stay has a beautiful selection of well curated and designed apartments in destinations around the world, including Paris.

What to Pack for 3 days in Paris:

We already covered what to wear in Paris earlier in the post, but here’s what else to take with you for 3 days in Paris:

• One of my personal must haves it this travel pack of toilet seat covers. You won’t find any in Parisian bathrooms and depending on the cafe, sometimes you won’t even find toilet paper, so these are good to have
• Comfortable shoes. You will most likely be walking a lot and the cobblestones can be tough on your feet. {Check out this post on cute and comfortable shoes for travel}
• A cross body zippered bag that you can hold close to you, because unfortunately theft is a concern in Paris {Check out our First Timer’s guide to read our Paris safety tips}
• A wine check bag. Every time we go to Paris we stock up on wine and olive oil. A wine check bag comes in handy for us to be able to pack the glass bottles without them breaking in transit
• Probiotics – these are great for immune and digestive support. Although the food is amazing in France, it can also be heavy, which can be hard on your digestive system if you don’t typically eat that way. Take these probiotics along to stay healthy
• French power adapter – French power outlets are different than those in the US, so if you’re coming from the states you’ll need a compatible adapter to charge your electronics. This one works in over 100 countries, France included 

Further reading for your 3 day Paris itinerary:

We have tons of planning info on our guide for first time visits to Paris!

Planning day trips? Here’s our guide to day trips from Paris

Paris beauty shopping is AMAZING! Here’s a guide to the best beauty products to buy in France

A Paris picnic is a must! Here’s a guide to planning the perfect Paris picnic

If you want to bring a bit of Paris home with you, here are some French living secrets for a happier life

We hope you have an absolutely amazing 3 days in Paris! Paris will always have my heart as my favorite city. I can’t wait to go back!

Please let us know your favorite spots in Paris as we are always looking for new places to check out!

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