Day 1: the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower
Start the day with a visit to the Louvre. This massive museum is home to some of finest art in the world. This museum is a staple of tourism in Paris, but for good reason. Begin early in the morning. There is so much to see, so you need a lot of time to even brush the surface of this museum. At minimum, expect at least 2 hours for a very quick skim of the most popular exhibits. However, it is much more likely you will spend closer to 4 hours at this museum. For visiting the Louvre, tickets should be reserved before arriving in Pais. Tours are also available to better understand the art and museum, and to move more quickly through the museum and the lines to the museum.
Grab lunch near the museum where you can find restaurants, shops, the beautiful Tuileries Gardens, and the river Siene.
In the evening, head to the Eiffel Tower. This iconic site is a world-famous icon of Paris built in 1889 for the World’s Fair. Take a tour of this iconic location for sweeping views over the city. Have fun spotting other landmarks throughout the city. The Eiffel Tower has different tickets depending on whether you ride the elevator or take the stairs to the second floor, and whether you ride the elevator all the way to the top or do a combination. Make sure to book ahead, and book the exact experience you want. The Eiffel Tower is a site well worth a visit.
I would recommend visiting around sunset. This way you get to see beautiful views in the light, during golden hour, and when the city is lit up at night. This is also perfect if you want to be up close when the tower ‘sparkles’ on the hour.
Reserve dinner at a restaurant with street seating or at a rooftop bar with views over the city. If you decide to dine on the street, definitely head to a rooftop bar for fantastic views of the Eiffel Tower glowing at night.
Day 2: Sacré-Cœur, Luxembourg Gardens, the Panthéon, and Notre Dame
In the morning, head to Sacré-Cœur, the stunning basilica in Montmartre. This church looms over all from its perch at the top of Montmartre. It stands facing the sprawling city of Paris below. Live music is often played on the steps leading up to the church, and this is a very popular spot for views over the city. This is a romantic, charming area of Paris whose charm truly shines from simply strolling through the streets. This spot is best enjoyed during the week as weekend get quite busy. You can even take a guided tour of this area!
Paris Montmartre Neighborhood Highlights and Gems Walking Tour
Paris: Montmartre and Sacre Coeur Private or Small-Group Tour
In the afternoon, head over to the Luxembourg Gardens. With beautiful lawns, groves of trees, sculptures, and some water features, this garden is a beautiful place to relax. Just a few minutes’ walk away is the stunning Panthéon located in the Latin Quarter. This neoclassic monument is also well-worth a visit. It has both an interesting history and is architecturally stunning. Enjoy the monumental architecture on the main floor and the crypt below.
Spend some time in this area enjoy the cafes, restaurants, and little shops before heading to Notre Dame. This building is a very important religious building and a classic example of French Gothic architecture (with flying buttresses allowing for incredibly tall ceilings, ribbed vaults, and the pointed arches).
Day 3: Le Marais, Petite Palais, and a Seine River Cruise
Begin the day in Le Marais, my favorite neighborhood within the city. Wander the streets, enjoy the cafes, and visit the many lovely boutiques in this area. This area is home to Musée National d'Art Moderne (currently closed) and Hôtel de Ville. Practically every street in this neighborhood is home to fantastic shopping. Four streets I would recommend include:
Rue du Pont Louis-Phillippe for stationary shopping
Rue des Écouffes is THE spot for well curated vintage shops
Rue de la Verrerie is home to several kilo thrifting shops
Rue de Temple is a great road with pleasant cafes and tons of boutiques
You could also join a tour of this part of the city:
In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Petit Palais. This art museum is my favorite in Paris (besides the Louvre). Home to a delightful collection of art from the Renaissance to the modern day. The fantastic collection is just the right size to be able to see everything within a few hours and see centuries of art all in one place. The collection is a great mix of sculptures and paintings. Additionally, there is a cafe with a beautiful terrace to enjoy. Give this museum a visit for its beautiful architecture, lovely permanent collection (for free), and quieter crowds than other museums.
For the evening, a Seine River Cruise is a great way to spend the evening. Enjoy a dinner cruise or one focused entirely on touring the city from the water.
