3-Day Paris, France Itinerary: Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors

Paris wasn’t love at first sight for me, so I spent eight days figuring out what actually earns its reputation and what doesn’t by personally visiting every attraction on this itinerary, allowing me to identify which experiences are truly worth your limited time and budget.

Sitting under the Eiffel Tower at sunset? Magical. Taking a trip to Versailles? I’ll give you a way to make it more exciting, as I was underwhelmed.

This 3-day Paris itinerary is for travelers who want the highlights without the hype or breaking the bank. I’ll show you how to skip the lines at major attractions, where to find affordable, authentic French food, and which “must-see” sights you can actually skip if you’re on a tight schedule or budget.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a solo traveler trying to experience Paris realistically (not Instagram-perfectly), this guide will help you see the best of the city for a fraction of what most tourists spend.

Is 3 Days in Paris Enough?

Three days in Paris is ideal for first-time visitors as it gives you enough time to see major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, squeeze in a Seine River cruise, and still do a day trip to Versailles without feeling like you’re sprinting between landmarks.

The major attractions are clustered in central Paris (most are within a 30–40 minute walk of each other), so you won’t be spending a ton of time in transit.

When I visited Paris for eight days in the summer of 2013, it was far too much time. I did take some day trips outside of Paris, such as to Chateau de Pierrefonds, so if you’re planning something similar I’d recommend adding an extra day or two to your itinerary.

But for a first visit focused on the city’s highlights? Three days works well. The key is booking ahead: the Louvre and Eiffel Tower both require advance reservations, and without them, you’ll lose hours of your three days waiting in line.

Budget-Friendly 3-Day Paris Travel Itinerary for First-Timers

This itinerary is action-packed, so if you’re more into sipping champagne and wandering the streets, this isn’t the 3 days in Paris you’ve envisioned.

However, those looking to see Paris’ top sites without breaking the bank will be thrilled with this simple but quick schedule!

France welcomed 102 million international visitors in 2025, according to Atout France, the country’s tourism development agency.

That’s the highest visitor count recorded by any country, making France the top global destination for international tourism. So if I mention pre-booking going forward, please heed my advice.

Also, I eat breakfast at my hostel throughout my trip; it was the one thing they did well (read my nightmare hostel experience here), which is why I haven’t highlighted any breakfast places here.

However, here are some top-rated breakfast cafes to check out!

Day 1: World-Class Museum & Iconic Landmarks

📅 Day 1 Cost Summary

Time: Full day (9 am- 7 pm)
Cost: ~€35 (with Museum Pass)
Book ahead: Louvre time slot, Eiffel Tower tickets

**Prices last verified February 2026 and subject to change — verify on the official site

The Louvre

Before I visited, everyone told me to get there early, and they were right.

I got there just after opening, and hardly anyone was there.

I visited in mid-June, and it was also rainy, so while we’re at it, remember to pack for Paris accordingly in case of showers!

I then headed straight to Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, and then to Venus de Milo.

I recommend doing those first since everyone is there to see them, and it can get crowded.

I wasn’t super impressed by Mona or Venus, probably because I’ve seen them in so many textbooks and across the interwebs. Jaded, I know, but honest.

Note that I didn’t get the Louvre audio guide, which may have improved the experience. At the time I visited, I didn’t truly know the value of a good audioguide, so I feel that I missed out a bit by not getting one.

If you love audioguides or are invested in art, get Rick Steves’ free audio guide to complete your visit, since renting one at the museum costs €6.

However, I was seriously impressed with the Napoleon Apartments. They were absolutely gorgeous! I honestly have more photos of this section of the Louvre than anything else!

If you didn’t know, the Louvre was originally a fortress and then a royal palace, before being transformed into a museum during the French Revolution.

The Minister of State once used these rooms during the Second French Empire, and what is exceptional is that they are still furnished with their original furniture!

I’m so used to seeing reproductions that this astounded me.

If you’re really interested in art, you could spend a whole day here, which would mean you’d need a 4-day Paris itinerary. But I only went for the famous pieces, hence the half-day exploration.

Also, don’t forget to get a map at the front; otherwise, you’ll get lost, as I did (whomp whomp).

And remember: Book in advance (can do 2-3 months before) and try to get the earliest available time slot!

⏳ Duration: 2-3 hours
🧑‍💼 Guided tour: Guided tours, storytime, and workshops are available
🕰️ Opening hours: Closed Tuesdays, has extended evening hours on Wednesdays and Fridays
💰 Cost: €32 (non-EEA)

🖼 Included on the Paris Museum Pass with skip-the-line access, or book this tour through Headout because their cancellation policy is flexible and they offer the lowest price among online retailers when booked in advance 🎟️

Stop for a Hot Chocolate at Angelina

I’m sure you’ve already heard about the amazing patisseries in France. It. Is. ALL true!

I could have eaten my way through Paris and been perfectly happy about the 8,000 pounds I would have gained.

My #1 must-try: Angelina, it may look like any old Parisian patisserie from the outside, but inside, it’s akin to walking into Willy Wonka’s classy pastry department.

I consider it the best bakery in Paris, though it is much more than that!

The place is filled with the fantastic, mouth-watering smells of chocolate, sugar, and cream.

There’s usually a line out the door, but there is a separate entrance for pickup orders. If you’re just dropping by for some desserts, you can go to that entrance. Your other option is to go to the tearoom.

Now, aside from all the amazing pastries you can gawk at for hours, there is what I came for—the hot chocolate. When my friend recommended it, I thought, ‘How good can it actually be?’ It’s hot chocolate, for goodness sake!

Boy, was I wrong! It is amazing! I don’t know what they put in it, but it’s like tasting heaven. No chocolate bar or hot cocoa will ever taste as good!

It is €8.90, so certainly more pricey than hot chocolate elsewhere, but this delicacy is well worth the hype!

They have a few locations, so check their website for your closest location. But if you’re walking from the Louvre toward the Arc de Triomphe, then there’s one on the way!

The Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe memorial honors those who fought and died in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.

It’s beautiful but a bit tricky to get to. You have to find the underground tunnel to get close to it.

Please do not try to run across the traffic; it’s way too dangerous. You can access the monument via the Passage du Souvenir.

When I was there, they had a ceremony for the veterans. I didn’t get too much info since it was hard to hear and all in French, but they regularly hold such events, so you may happen upon one as well.

The Arc de Triomphe looks bigger in person, which shocked me. Its architectural design alone is worth the stop, as there is so much detail that I had no idea about until I saw it IRL!

You can go to the top of the Arc for a fantastic view, but it’s a set of spiral stairs.

Tired of stairs, my Aunt and I opted to enjoy it from the ground, which made this a free experience.

⏳ Duration: 1 hour (if climbing to the top)
💰 Free admission on the first Sunday of Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, and Dec
💰 Cost: €16-22 (seasonally dependent)

⚜️ Included on the Paris Museum Pass with skip-the-line access, or book this tour through Headout because their cancellation policy is flexible and they offer the lowest price among online retailers when booked in advance 🎟️

The Eiffel Tower

I had a wonderful, though partly traumatizing, afternoon at the Eiffel Tower.

Let me start by saying that I’m afraid of falling. I’m not scared of heights like most people will tell you, because I do just fine in an airplane.

I fear falling from a great height, so the impending trip to the Eiffel Tower wasn’t exactly something I was looking forward to.

Sure, when you’re in Paris, you have to go to the Eiffel Tower as it’s France’s most famous landmark, and I knew I would; I just wasn’t going to be thrilled about it.

Before I made the long walk up (which is cheaper), my Aunt and I stopped for a drink. I’ll be frank about it—I needed the liquid courage.

I had never tried Lillet before, nor had I ever heard of it. But we saw a poster at a restaurant of a cold glass of Lillet with some fruit, and I decided to try it.

It was wonderful, especially since it had been so hot that day! So if you, too, need some liquid courage, many of the restaurants in Paris serve it.

The Eiffel Tower is stunning, though I didn’t think it was brown since every image I’ve seen makes it look black.

I only went to the second-floor landing, which was enough for me.

I asked a lady who had just gone up if it was worth it. She said no, that it was the same view.

However, when I asked my aunt about it (who went up to the top without me), she said it was worth it.

I don’t regret not going to the top. I would have had to be airlifted out of there from the massive panic attack it would have caused.

It lights up for five minutes at the top of every hour, with midnight as the last show. However, during summer, when the tower closes at 12:45 am, the lights go on until 1 am.

You can sit on the grass at the Champ de Mars—a picturesque green space directly in front of the Eiffel Tower—with a nice snack while waiting.

There are loads of guys walking around selling alcohol and snacks, so don’t worry if you didn’t bring any.

⏳ Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours
💰 Cost: €14.80 (stairs/2nd floor)- €36.70 (elevator/top)

🗼 Book online in advance, as this is a VERY popular attraction! Can reserve 60 days in advance for elevator access, 40 for stairs) 🎟️

Day 2: Historic Attractions on Île de la Cité

📅 Day 2 Cost Summary

Time: Full day (8 am-6 pm)
Cost: ~€26 (with Museum Pass)
Book ahead: Notre Dame time slot, Seine River cruise

**Prices last verified February 2026 and subject to change — verify on the official site

You may be wondering what’s île de la cité?

Île de la Cité is one of two natural islands in the River Seine in central Paris.

Notre Dame Cathedral

One of my favorite memories of Paris is climbing up the Notre Dame tower!

For those of you scared of heights like me, I must say climbing their tower was much less scary than the Eiffel Tower. Partly because it is enclosed.

However, their tower has a spiral staircase, so those were a bit tricky. I have no idea how the girl in a long dress before me did it, so I recommend not wearing anything that may get in the way.

From the top, there is an excellent view of Paris!

Interestingly, all the gargoyles are different, and there are thousands of them!

They are so well-crafted and have remarkably stood the test of time. I could have taken 800 photos of them; they impressed me so much!

I wasn’t too thrilled with the church’s interior, but that’s worth a look while you’re there.

You can also go underneath and see some of the ancient city ruins.

Since the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on April 15, 2019, the building has not been as accessible to the public as it was during my visit prior to the incident. However, as of September 2025, it is fully reopened!

You may now climb the towers for €16 (covered by the Paris Museum Pass), or visit the treasury, which contains valuable items including sacred vessels, ornaments, and liturgical books, for a fee (I passed on this).

Alternatively, you can take a one-hour outdoor tour of the Cathedral, where you can learn about its historical, artistic, and spiritual significance.

This free tour is available daily in French, English, and various other languages based on volunteer availability. To see the tour schedule, visit their official website (they are typically at 1:30 pm).

⏳ Duration: 1-2 hours
💰 Cost: Free (cost for tower)

⛪ Aside from the aforementioned additional fees, Notre Dame is free, but book ahead online for a time slot via the cathedral’s official website. Otherwise, you’ll be waiting in line for an estimated 2-3 hours 🎟️

Sainte Chapelle

After seeing so many churches and chapels while in Europe, I didn’t think anything could surprise me. However, Sainte Chapelle did!

It’s probably the most memorable thing I did on my Paris trip, as it’s honestly the most beautiful chapel I have ever seen.

Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel built by King Louis IX in the 1240s to house his collection of precious Christian relics, including what was believed to be Christ’s Crown of Thorns.

The chapel tells Biblical stories through its absolutely stunning stained glass windows, which are the real showstopper here.

The 15 massive windows (plus the rose window) contain over 1,100 scenes depicting stories from both the Old and New Testaments. They’re designed to be “read” like a visual Bible, starting with Genesis and moving through Biblical history up to the arrival of the relics in Paris.

Remember, the general public wasn’t very literate back then, so picturing scenes was a simple way to convey stories like:

• Creation and the Garden of Eden
• Noah’s Ark
• The Exodus from Egypt
• Various prophets and kings
• The life of Christ
• The Book of Revelation

They have been restoring it by cleaning the stained glass with Q-tips! I wouldn’t want to have that job.

Try to go on a sunny day to get the full effect of the light shining through for a magical experience. It’s similar to the Sagrada Familia, which I saw in Barcelona when the sun hits it just right!

⏳ Duration: 30 minutes-1 hour
🎧 Audioguide: Get an audioguide for an additional fee
💰 Cost: €22 (non-EEA)

⛪ Included on the Paris Museum Pass with skip-the-line access or book a combined ticket, which’ll include the Conciergerie 🎟️

Grab a Macaron at Ladurée

Anyone who has watched Gossip Girl already knows what Ladurée is (if you haven’t, you should)

Ladurée is the best place for macarons, so a perfect 3 days in Paris itinerary would be remiss without including them.

Trust me, I’ve tried the American macarons around Los Angeles, and they don’t match up! Plus, the Ladurée store is gorgeous!

A friend told me the Tea Salon serves fantastic food. I’ll take his word for it since their macarons were terrific!

I got the pistachio and salted caramel and thoroughly enjoyed snacking on them while walking along the right bank.

Ladurée macarons typically cost around €2.50 to €3.50 per piece, so not a super cheap snack, but a very Parisian one, that’s worth the hype.

If you’re leaving the  île de la cité area, the closest location is Ladurée Bonaparte, but there are a few throughout the city.

A Seine River Dinner Cruise

Going on a Seine River cruise was something my Aunt had requested.

I say this as I’m not a big cruise person. However, I surprisingly wound up having a lovely time!

After walking Paris’ many cobblestone streets, it was nice to sit, relax, and rest while gazing at the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Musée d’Orsay, as well as several charming bridges and buildings along the riverbanks.

Taking a Seine River Cruise is a low-stress way of seeing a lot, so if you’re looking for an easy way to check a few items off your 3 days in Paris itinerary, this is it!

Most cruises also have commentary to accompany the tour and last about an hour.

Some also provide meals, so doing this in the evening or at sunset and getting dinner is a wonderful way to hit two birds with one stone! However, note that cruises with meals tend to cost a bit more.

Either way, I hope you have a more beautiful day than we had; it was gloomy!

💰 Cost: €17-55 (varies on length, group size, and offerings)

🛳️ Book in advance, especially if you want to cruise during sunset! 🎟️

Day 3: Versailles Day Trip & Wandering Paris’ Streets

📅 Day 3 Cost Summary

Time: Full day (7 am-6 pm)
Cost: ~€30 (with Museum Pass)
Book ahead: Versailles time slot

**Prices last verified February 2026 and subject to change — verify on the official site

The Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is about an hour away from central Paris, so you’ll have to tour the Palace bright and early in order to spend a slice of the day back in the city.

Arriving early can help you avoid the crowds! Otherwise, you’ll be waiting in line like I was.

Alternatively, book a ticket in advance to secure the time slot you want, avoiding the line entirely.

You can also save some money by getting a late entry ticket (3 pm-5 pm).

Arguably, I didn’t wind up loving Versailles as I felt it was rather empty and lacked emotional and historical depth. Surprising, I know.

They could have included more of the Diamond Necklace affair or other moments of court intrigue, but alas, didn’t on the official audioguide tour.

However, it is an easy day trip and one of France’s top sites, which is why I’ve included it here.

To make it more interesting, download the free Rick Steves’ Versailles Palace Tour. Just remember to bring a pair of headphones with you and download ahead of time in case there’s limited Wi-Fi on site!

Alternatively, during your long weekend in Paris, check out the Palace of Fontainebleau instead.

It was recommended to me before my trip, but being a history girlie I decided to see Versailles. I regret that decision, so if you are in any doubt about seeing Versailles, it’s a wonderful alternative.

It’s far less crowded and only 15 minutes farther from the city center than Versailles.

⏳ Duration: 3-4 hours (+ transportation time of at least 2 hours round trip)
💰 Cost: €25-35 (non-EEA, seasonally dependent)

🏰 Versailles is a popular attraction, so DON’T forget to book your tickets in advance to get the time slot you want! It is also included on the Paris Museum Pass 🎟️

Sit Down for Late Lunch/Early Dinner at L’Imperial

Once you’ve tasted Parisian food, nothing will taste as good again—trust me!

I stumbled across L’Imperial while looking for a place to eat that wouldn’t drain my bank account.

Some restaurants in Paris are costly, some have tiny portions, and some don’t taste that great.

L’Imperial is none of the above and is an excellent place for budget travelers looking for food in Paris.

They are well-priced, with hefty portions, and had pasta to die for!

I was literally stuffed, but because it was my second-to-last day in Paris and I knew I wouldn’t be back anytime soon, I scarfed down the whole plate of pasta—and it was a big one!

A nap followed it in the Tuileries Garden, the only way to digest pasta properly in Paris, in my opinion.

The servers were very nice and prompt with the food.

If I could ship their pasta to my door right now, I would. That’s how good it was! It was my favorite of all the food I tried in Paris!

Pont Alexandre III & Walking the Seine

If you’re going to see one bridge in Paris besides the Pont des Arts (since the love locks are no longer there), make it Pont Alexandre III!

The bridge is absolutely stunning with its gilded statues, ornate Art Nouveau lamps, and intricate details everywhere you look.

It was built in 1900 for the Paris World’s Fair and named after Russian Tsar Alexander III.

The four golden statues at each end represent Fame, Science, Art, and Commerce—though I must admit, I couldn’t tell you which was which without reading the plaque.

The bridge connects the Champs-Élysées area with Les Invalides (where Napoleon’s tomb is).

If you’ve seen Midnight in Paris, you’ll recognize this bridge from several scenes!

⏳ Duration: 15 minutes
📷 Photo tip: Walk to the middle of the bridge and look back toward the Seine. On a clear day, you can get a stunning shot of the Eiffel Tower framed between the ornate lampposts.

From here walk toward our next destination along the Seine, which takes about 40 minutes, or hop on the RER C for a short 10-minute ride.

Shakespeare and Company

Bookworms, add this to your 3-day Paris travel itinerary STAT!

The Shakespeare and Company in Paris’ Latin Quarter is an English-language bookstore that opened in 1951.

It was initially called “Le Mistral” but was renamed “Shakespeare and Company” on the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth.

Today, it serves as a purveyor of new and secondhand books, an antiquarian bookseller, and a free public reading library.

The shop also houses aspiring writers and artists in exchange for helping around the bookstore.

Since the shop opened, more than 30,000 people have slept in beds tucked between bookshelves. The shop’s motto, “Be Not Inhospitable to Strangers Lest They Be Angels in Disguise,” is written above the entrance to the reading library.

As a bookish person, I loved wandering around this famous little shop! You may even remember it from the film Before Sunset. Non-bookish visitors may want to skip this stop, however.

⏳ Duration: 30 minutes (depending on how much you shop 😉)

What to Skip in Paris

• Conciergerie: From the 15th century until the Revolution, the Conciergerie was one of the most important prisons in Paris. Her most famous prisoner was Marie Antoinette. Oddly, yes, I think prisons are cool; I loved Kilmainham Gaol, which I visited in Dublin. But nothing about this place stuck with me, so feel free to skip this. However, it is right near Sainte-Chapelle and included in the combo ticket, so if you’re just looking to fill time, go for it!
• Champs-Élysées: Arguably the most famous street in the city. It’s akin to Los Angeles’ Rodeo Drive, so if you’re not into luxury shopping, you may want to stick to strolling by rather than actually shopping. To save our travel budget, we stopped for a quick dessert that we split and sipped on a coffee, which allowed us to sit and people-watch for a bit. However, if you’re super into shopping, then this is one of the top things to do in Paris.

Or, to make the most of your three days, consider booking an Airbnb Experience—curated, host-led activities ranging from wine and cheese tastings to hands-on macaron-making classes that go well beyond the usual tourist trail.

What to Do in Paris if It Rains

I mentioned it was rainy when I visited the Louvre, and honestly, that ended up working in my favor since fewer people want to brave the museum lines in the rain.

But if a full day of your trip gets washed out, here’s how to adjust this itinerary without losing momentum.

Musée d’Orsay

If you’ve already done the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay is the obvious rainy-day swap, and it’s actually one I’d argue is underrated compared to its more famous neighbor.

Housed in a gorgeous former train station, it’s home to an incredible collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works, think Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and Renoir.

⏳ Duration: 2-3 hours
💰 Cost: €16 (non-EEA)
🎟️ Tickets: Included on the Paris Museum Pass with skip-the-line access, or book this separately

The Louvre

If you haven’t done the Louvre yet and rain is in the forecast, this is the day to move it up.

It’s obviously indoors, massive, and you genuinely could spend several hours (or even days) wandering without ever feeling like you’re missing out on better weather elsewhere.

Just expect it to be busier than a clear day, since everyone else has the same idea.

Opéra Garnier

This opera house is dripping (no pun intended) in gilded, over-the-top 19th-century opulence, and if you’re a Phantom of the Opera fan, this is the building that inspired the story.

Even a self-guided visit through the public areas, grand staircase, and auditorium feels like stepping into a different century.

Worth grabbing a ticket to an actual performance if your dates align, but the self-guided visit is enough to fill an hour or two.

⏳ Duration: 1-1.5 hours
💰 Cost: €10-42 (depending on self or guided tour)
🎟️ Tickets: Not included on the Paris Museum Pass, book directly

Budget and Time-Saving Attraction Tips

Paris is home to numerous world-class museums and attractions, which can make seeing them overwhelming, but here are my top Parisian tips to help you make the most of your trip while saving time and money:

• Buy tickets online in advance: Paris is one of the world’s top travel destinations! Buying ahead of time will save you from long lines and ensure you see the attractions you’re most excited about
• Take advantage of free admission days: Many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month. Some do this year-round, some Nov-Mar, and some Oct-Mar. This is a fantastic way to explore Paris without spending a dime. However, to take advantage of these days, show up early, as free also usually means busy
• Visit popular attractions early or late: To avoid the crowds, try to visit popular spots like the Louvre or Versailles early in the morning or later in the evening
• The best time to visit is from: April to June and September to October, when the weather is good and the crowds are fewer. Summer (July-August) is busy but has longer daylight hours for sightseeing. However, if going in the summer, book as far in advance as possible to get the best possible deals and preferred time slots
• Supplement your itinerary with walking tours: The Rick Steves’ Audio Europe app offers several free audio guides of attractions, as well as general walking tours of the city. Alternatively, VoiceMap offers paid but comprehensive audio walking tours (I’ve done some in other cities and really felt like I got a lot out of it)
• Museum closures: Some museums are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays. When building your 3-day Paris itinerary, it’s best to avoid these days of the week
• Given strikes (“mouvements sociaux”) in France, museum hours are sometimes disrupted on short notice. There’s nothing to do about it, but just something to be aware of
• If you or someone you are traveling with is under 18 years OR under 26 years old and an EU citizen, many attractions will be free, be sure to check before paying for a ticket

For other budget-friendly attractions, check these free museums in Paris.

Paris Museum Pass vs Paris Pass for This Itinerary

I’ve mentioned the Paris Museum Pass extensively in this 3 days in Paris itinerary, but let me explain a bit more so you fully understand its value and your other options.

The Paris Museum Pass grants you free entry into over 50 museums and monuments in and around Paris. It also provides skip-the-line for some attractions, saving you boatloads of time!

How it works: You pick how many days you want to use it (2, 4, or 6), which determines how much the pass costs. You save the more you visit, as there’s no limit to the number of attractions, just a limit on time.

Alternatively, the Paris Pass, created by Go City, offers two different passes. Both are geared more toward experiences and include some popular attractions.

• With the Explorer Pass, you can choose from a list of 47 experiences and attractions and then pick which pass based on the number of experiences or attractions you’d like to do
• The All-Inclusive Pass is based on the number of days you want to use it

However, with both of these passes, there is a maximum amount you can ‘spend’ using your pass. If the value of your pass is €180, the total entry prices for the attractions you choose can not exceed €180.

💰 There are several differences between these Paris passes, but the Paris Museum Pass is the one I used on my trip, and it is 100% worth buying, as it’s the cheapest way to visit Paris!

Best Areas to Stay for 3 Days in Paris

I’ve written a full breakdown of where to stay in Paris , covering all 20 arrondissements, but here’s a condensed version tailored to this specific itinerary, since you’ll want to be centrally located to the Day 1 and Day 2 sights, especially.

Le Marais

The 4th arrondissement is my pick for best overall neighborhood, and it works perfectly for this itinerary.

It’s walking distance to Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle (your Day 2 sights), has that authentic Parisian charm with cobblestone streets and Place des Vosges, and is safe and well-lit even at night.

It leans mid-range to expensive, but it’s worth it for the location alone.

Latin Quarter

The 5th arrondissement is where I personally stayed, and while my hostel experience was rough (read about it here if you want a laugh/cautionary tale), the neighborhood itself was great.

You’re steps from Shakespeare and Company, the Sorbonne, and that intellectual, bookshop-lined energy, plus it’s an easy walk to Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle.

If you book here, just vet your hostel/hotel more carefully than I did.

Near the Louvre (1st Arrondissement)

The 1st arrondissement is the most central spot you could pick, with the Louvre right on your doorstep. It also means easy access to the Tuileries Garden and riverside walks along the Seine, plus solid metro connections to everywhere else on this itinerary.

It’s pricier, expect €80-150+ per night, but if you’re tight on time, not having to cross the city for Day 1 can be worth the splurge.

It’s also safe and busy even after dark, which makes it an easy pick for first-timers.

Eiffel Tower Area

The 7th arrondissement gets you the Eiffel Tower at your doorstep, which is magical for catching the nighttime light shows, but it’s quieter and more residential than you’d expect.

It’s also the most expensive of the bunch, especially anything with an actual tower view, so budget accordingly.

Budget-Friendly Arrondissements

If cost matters more than being dead-central, look at the 10th, 11th, or 12th arrondissements.

The 11th in particular is a great value, just past Le Marais, with easy access to the trendy bar scene and still close enough to the major sights on this itinerary.

Expect hostel beds around €25-45 and budget hotels around €60-100.

Whatever you pick, try to stay near metro lines 1, 4, 6, or 9 for the easiest access to sightseeing, and book 2-3 months out for the best rates.

How to Get Around Paris

Getting around Paris is relatively easy, and everything on this list is within basically walking distance of one another (except Versailles).

I prefer walking rather over taking transport so I can explore the city rather than seeing it whisk by, which can lessen my chance to soak it in.

But as one of the most walkable major cities in Europe (it scored 88% on Time Out’s list), Paris has the Metro and RER connecting everything, including the RER C to Versailles.

For a full breakdown of tickets, passes, and airport transfers, see my complete Paris Travel Tips guide.

Just be aware that pickpockets often operate on public transport.

I strongly recommend an anti-theft purse to help keep you safe.

Map

FAQs

Related Paris Travel Guides

• How to Build an Itinerary for 3 Days in Paris
• Is Versailles Worth Visiting? A Helpful Guide to the Answer
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