Looking for more ideas on how to spend your days in Paris? You must download our Free 4-Day Paris Itinerary! If you (sadly) only have 3 days to spend in the French capital, be sure to hit all the main sights, restaurants and shops. As there are many historical sites and museums, cafés and brasseries as well as boutique shops and malls, it can be overwhelming to visit Paris for the first time, especially in only 3 short days. Luckily, the INSIDR team has gathered our finest Parisian knowledge right here, enabling you to have a wonderful weekend in Paris without missing out on anything! Read on for things to do in Paris in 3 days!
For some ideas on how to spend your first day, checkout our guide: Top 5 Things to do in Paris
MUST VISIT SITES IN PARIS
With only three days in Paris, we recommend at least spending the time to visit Paris’ top two main sights, Notre-Dame and the Louvre Museum. Our guide to visiting the Notre-Dame Cathedral will help you beat the long daunting line to climb to the top, and our article on visiting the Louvre will also guide you around the large museum, making sure you hit all the main sights. The below guides to Notre-Dame and the Louvre will help you maximize your time in Paris while still fitting in the must visit sites! Additionally, if you’re not too tired from your first two days in Paris, consider taking a quick 30 minute RER train ride out to Versailles to visit the stunning gardens and castle of Louis XIV. Practical tips along with must see spots in Versailles are included in our article below.
MUST DO IN PARIS
Have you given any thought to how you’ll be getting around while in Paris? We recommend considering cycling around the city as it’s a very affordable and easy way to see the city while also getting from point a to point b. Paris is a very bike-friendly city, should you be careful riding in the bike lanes! Our article Cycling in and Around Paris will make your transportation or leisure bike rides around the city all that much easier. We also recommend taking a break from cycling and cruising down the Seine on a river boat, especially in the evening!
MUST EAT IN PARIS
With only 3 days in Paris, you can’t afford to have a bad meal! Use our detailed guides below to the top 10 must eat dishes in France which also lists where to find them in Paris as well as top gourmet foods in Paris to plan your foodie itinerary. Also, stop for afternoon snacks or a post-dinner sweet by following our guide to where to taste the most delicious French pastries in Paris.
SHOPPING TIPS IN PARIS
Whether you’re looking for a souvenir, gifts to bring back home or simply shopping for yourself, set aside some time during your 3 days to peruse Parisian shops. French beauty products (Head to Citypharma – the beauty department store in Paris!) and food products (Go to Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Gourmet – the food paradise!) make great gifts and special treats for yourself to remember the trip. Be sure to come with a light suitcase to be able to bring treats back home!
For more discounts and amazing deals, we’re giving away our latest INSIDR 2021 Offer that grant access to exclusive offers and activities to our travellers! Enjoy activities like a FREE perfumery workshop, a FREE BY TERRY makeover, and shopping discounts at!
