Ah, Paris — the city of croissants, cobblestone streets, and timeless art. Getting to the heart of France is easier and more affordable than you might think. For instance, at the time of publishing, direct round-trip flights on airlines like French Bee can be found from New York (EWR) to Paris (ORY) for around $335 USD (e.g., September 2-9, 2025) or from Montreal (YUL) for about $515 CAD (e.g., September 14-22, 2025). Once you arrive, spending 3 days in Paris gives you the perfect balance of sightseeing, people-watching, and flaky pastry-eating. This must-do guide breaks down what to see, eat, and experience on each day of your trip so you can soak up the magic of the French capital like a true flâneur.
🗓️ Day 1: Iconic Paris – Eiffel Tower, Seine & Champs-Élysées
✅ Must-Do:
- Start at the Eiffel Tower – Go early to avoid crowds. Take the elevator up for sweeping views or enjoy a picnic below.
- Walk along the Seine River – Pass by classic bookstalls, street performers, and postcard-perfect bridges.
- Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées – Climb the Arc for an underrated view and stroll down the glamorous shopping avenue.
- Cruise the Seine at Sunset – Book a 1-hour boat tour for a magical intro to the city, especially at golden hour.
🥐 Food Tip: Grab your first café au lait and croissant at a corner boulangerie. Bonus points for sitting outside.
🎨 Day 2: Art, Culture & Montmartre Vibes
✅ Must-Do:
- Visit the Louvre – Go early and focus on highlights like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Napoleon’s apartments.
- Lunch in Le Marais – Try falafel, crepes, or a Parisian bistro. Great spot for vintage shopping after!
- Montmartre District – Climb the steps to Sacré-Cœur, wander the bohemian streets, and spot artists in Place du Tertre.
- Watch the sunset over Paris – The view from Sacré-Cœur is breathtaking.
🎟️ Pro Tip: Get the Paris Museum Pass for free access to 50+ museums and skip-the-line perks.
🏨 Accommodation Tip: Montmartre offers charming hotels with a village-like feel. To be close to the artistic action, consider booking your stay in this area in advance on Booking.com to find a wide variety of options.
🕍 Day 3: Historic Paris – Notre-Dame, Latin Quarter & Sainte-Chapelle
✅ Must-Do:
- Île de la Cité – Explore the area around Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior only post-fire) and the stunning Sainte-Chapelle (don’t miss the stained glass!).
- Wander the Latin Quarter – Cozy alleys, quirky bookstores, and cheap eats. Visit Shakespeare & Company, a legendary English-language bookshop.
- Luxembourg Gardens – Chill with a coffee, read a book, or watch Parisians play chess.
- Pantheon – Visit the final resting place of Voltaire, Marie Curie, and more.
📚 Fun Fact: Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and James Joyce once roamed the Latin Quarter’s cafés.
💼 What to Pack for 3 Days in Paris
- Stylish walking shoes (you’ll walk a lot)
- Layers (weather can be moody, even in summer)
- Power adapter (Type C and E plugs)
- A scarf (yes, it’s a style essential and practical)
- An offline map or SIM/eSIM for navigation
📌 Final Tips for Your Paris Adventure
- Language: Basic French phrases go a long way. A simple bonjour and merci earn smiles.
- Metro: Buy a 10-ticket carnet or Paris Visite Pass for easy transport.
- Safety: Paris is safe, but beware of pickpockets near touristy areas.
- Timing: Start early, stay flexible, and give yourself time to just sit and observe.
🎯 3 Days in Paris – The Perfect Balance
With this 3-day Paris itinerary, you’ll see the must-do landmarks, enjoy local neighborhoods, indulge in Parisian food, and have an amazing time. Whether you're chasing art, fashion, or pastries, this city has a way of staying with you long after you’ve left.
✨ “ Paris is always a good idea. ” — Audrey Hepburn