3-Day Paris Itinerary: Classic Sights, Art Museums & Montmartre (Perfect First-Time Visit)

Viewed by 77 travelers

Day 1: Historic Heart

Paris, France on November 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast on Île Saint-Louis - Café Saint-Régis

Classic Parisian breakfast (coffee, croissant) in a charming island café — an easy, atmospheric way to start the day. Cafés typically open by 8:00am but hours can vary by season.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:00am

Sainte-Chapelle

See the stunning stained glass windows in this 13th-century chapel; it's compact but visually spectacular. Typical opening hours are around 9:00am–7:00pm; buy tickets in advance to skip lines.
EUR11, 1h0m

10:15am

Notre-Dame exterior & Île de la Cité walk

Walk the forecourt and island to view Notre-Dame and the historic heart of Paris — interior access may be limited due to restoration, so check current status before visiting.
EUR0, 0h45m

12:00pm

Lunch in Saint-Germain - Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots

Historic Left Bank cafés serving classic bistro dishes — ideal people-watching and nearby the Louvre area. These cafés open for lunch; expect moderate wait times at peak hours.
EUR22, 1h15m

1:30pm

Louvre Museum

World-class art collection from antiquities to the Mona Lisa — allocate focused time for the highlights (Denon wing) and prebook timed entry; note the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.
EUR17, 2h30m

4:15pm

Stroll the Tuileries Garden and Place de la Concorde

Relaxing walk from the Louvre through the formal gardens to the river — a pleasant way to digest the museum visit and enjoy open-air sculptures and views.
EUR0, 0h45m

6:00pm

Early dinner near the Louvre - Le Fumoir or bistrot nearby

Comfortable, centrally located dining with French classics, convenient before an evening river activity; restaurants typically accept dinner seatings from 6:00pm onward.
EUR30, 1h30m

8:00pm

Seine evening cruise (Bateaux Mouches or similar)

One-hour illuminated-cruise to see Paris landmarks from the river — most companies run cruises from about 10:00am to 10:00pm+; evening departures showcase monuments lit up.
EUR15, 1h0m

Day 2: Iconic Sights

Paris, France on November 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Trocadéro - Carette or nearby patisserie

Light breakfast with one of the best viewpoints of the Eiffel Tower across the Seine; many cafés open by 8:00am for early visitors and photographers.
EUR12, 0h45m

9:00am

Trocadéro viewpoint photos

Iconic front-on views of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadéro esplanade — best in the morning for clearer light and fewer crowds.
EUR0, 0h30m

9:45am

Eiffel Tower ascent (book timed ticket)

Ascend to the tower's platforms for panoramic city views; book tickets in advance (times generally start from ~9:30am and the tower stays open late).
EUR30, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk Champ de Mars

Stroll the park below the tower and take photographs — a relaxed open space good for short breaks after visiting the tower.
EUR0, 0h30m

12:30pm

Lunch near Eiffel - Café Constant or Les Cocottes

Reliable bistro fare with solid regional dishes; good mid-day stop before heading toward the Seine museums.
EUR25, 1h15m

2:00pm

Musée d'Orsay

Impressionist masterpieces housed in a grand former train station — ideal follow-up to the Louvre for 19th-century art; usually open 9:30am–6:00pm and closed Mondays, so check ahead.
EUR16, 2h0m

4:30pm

Walk Pont Alexandre III & Petit Palais (exterior)

Elegant riverside architecture, ornate bridges and the Petit Palais facade — great for photos and a gentle stroll between museums and the Champs-Élysées.
EUR0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées

Walk the famous avenue and climb the Arc (open late, usually until around 10–11pm) for a sunset/early-evening view down the city's grand axis; prebook if possible.
EUR13, 1h30m

8:30pm

Dinner on Champs-Élysées - L'Alsace or classic brasserie

Finish the day with a hearty French dinner on this lively avenue; many restaurants serve dinner from 7:00pm onward, reserve if you can.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 3: Bohemian & Trendy

Paris, France on November 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast in Montmartre - Le Consulat or local boulangerie

Start the day in the villagey atmosphere of Montmartre with coffee and fresh pastries; bakeries generally open early and are perfect for a quick, authentic breakfast.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:30am

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Visit the basilica for its interior and sweeping city views from the hill — the basilica is usually open early to late (check exact times) and entry to the church is free.
EUR0, 1h0m

10:45am

Place du Tertre & Espace Dalí

Explore the artists' square, street painters, and the small Dali museum if you enjoy surrealist sculpture and graphics; Espace Dalí typically opens mid-morning.
EUR12, 1h15m

12:30pm

Lunch in Montmartre - Le Refuge des Fondus or Café des Deux Moulins

Casual, characterful options: fondue for fun or the Amélie café for movie nostalgia; both are popular so expect a lively atmosphere.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Le Marais - Picasso Museum or neighborhood walk

Take the metro to Le Marais for boutique shopping, galleries and the Picasso Museum (check that the museum is open — it's commonly open 10:30am–6:00pm and closed Mondays).
EUR12, 2h0m

4:30pm

Place des Vosges & crêpes at Breizh Café

Relax in one of Paris's prettiest squares and enjoy quality Breton crêpes for a sweet or savory afternoon snack; many cafés close around 6:00–7:00pm.
EUR8, 1h0m

6:00pm

Stroll Canal Saint-Martin or shopping in Haut Marais

Charming canal-side walk and hip boutiques — a more local-feeling Paris neighborhood to round off the afternoon before dinner.
EUR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner in Le Marais - L'As du Fallafel or mid-range bistro

Enjoy famous falafel or sit-down French cuisine in lively Le Marais; dinner service commonly begins around 7:00–7:30pm and restaurants can fill up, so arrive early or reserve.
EUR22, 1h30m

10:00pm

Optional: Jazz bar or wine bar in Bastille area

Cap off your Paris stay with live jazz or a cozy wine bar — many venues operate late into the night, but check opening times and cover charges ahead.
EUR15, 1h30m
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