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Visit Paris in 3 Days: How to Discover the Essentials Without Stress
Only have 3 days to explore Paris? Don't panic! I live in the Paris region and know the city like the back of my hand, so I've put together a perfect itinerary that balances iconic monuments, hidden gems, romantic atmosphere, and delicious food breaks.
Solo female travel in Europe has always fascinated me, I must admit. Paris remains one of the most welcoming capitals for traveling alone as a woman, especially when you know the right insider tips. I've met so many women who hesitated to take the plunge, thinking that 3 days wasn't enough to get familiar with the City of Light. Honestly, it's quite the opposite!
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I always start with central Paris for several reasons: it's where the heart of the city beats, the monuments are close to each other, and most importantly, it helps you understand how the capital was built over the centuries.
Morning: The Louvre and Tuileries Gardens
I always try to arrive at the Louvre Museum around 9 AM, when the light gently caresses the glass pyramid and the crowds haven't yet arrived. Even if you don't visit the national museum (minimum 4 hours to see the essentials), the exterior architecture is worth the trip alone.
My skip-the-line tip for the Louvre: book your ticket online and use the Carrousel gallery entrance. You'll avoid the main queue and discover the underground shops. If you just want to see a few masterpieces, head straight to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace.
Next, head to the Tuileries Gardens, where I love to stroll between the fountains and statues and walk to Place de la Concorde. In the morning, the water jets sparkle, the metal chairs are free, and the atmosphere remains peaceful. I love stopping at the Grand Bassin Rond, where children have been sailing their little boats for generations.
By the way, if Paris inspires you for other French adventures, I've written a complete guide on destinations for solo female travel in France, with plenty of ideas for exploring our beautiful country, or for your next road trip in France!
Afternoon: Île de la Cité and Notre-Dame
Cross the Seine via Pont Neuf (ironically Paris's oldest bridge) to reach Île de la Cité, the true birthplace of the city. I always feel that special emotion here: walking on the ground where it all began, where the Parisii established their first settlement.
Notre-Dame Cathedral, despite the restoration work following the 2019 fire, remains majestic. The exterior impresses with its flying buttresses and gargoyles, while the interior reveals a contemplative atmosphere under the Gothic vaults.
Don't miss Sainte-Chapelle, this radiant 13th-century jewel. Its 15 stained glass windows, 15 meters high, tell the holy story in a kaleidoscope of colors. Quick tip: get a combined ticket with the Conciergerie to optimize your time.
For your coffee break, I have my secret spot: Café Saint-Régis on Île Saint-Louis. Their terrace overlooks the quays and their hot chocolate is one of my little Parisian pleasures.
Evening: Between the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The Latin Quarter really comes alive at nightfall. I love walking down Boulevard Saint-Michel, then getting lost in the cobbled streets around the Sorbonne. This student atmosphere mixed with medieval history creates a unique vibe that I can't find anywhere else.
For dinner, cross over to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this legendary Left Bank neighborhood where the ghosts of Sartre and Hemingway still float. This corner of Paris keeps its artistic soul from the past, with its art galleries and legendary cafés.
I recommend Le Procope (rue de l'Ancienne Comédie), Paris's oldest café, where you'll taste traditional cuisine in a 17th-century setting (€25-35 per dish).
In the evening, bookstores stay open on rue Saint-André-des-Arts, and I like to end with a drink at a jazz club. Caveau de la Huchette, this legendary club in a 14th-century vaulted cellar, offers concerts every night. The acoustics are exceptional and the atmosphere very Parisian.
Day 2: Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées
This second day is all about Paris's grand symbols. I designed it so you can experience the "postcard" version of Paris, with these monuments that the whole world envies us for. It's also the most photogenic day of your stay!
Morning: Trocadéro and Eiffel Tower
I always start at Trocadéro around 8:30 AM, when the gardens of Palais de Chaillot are still peaceful. This esplanade offers the most beautiful view of the Iron Lady, the one you see in all the tourist guides. I love this moment when Paris gently awakens, when the Trocadéro fountains sparkle in the morning light.
The Eiffel Tower, built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World's Fair, remains the iconic symbol of the French capital. My tips to avoid the lines: book your skip-the-line ticket online (€29 for the 2nd floor, €46 for the summit) and choose morning slots. The elevators operate from 9:30 AM to 11:45 PM, but I recommend going up around 10 AM for optimal views.
If you prefer to avoid crowds, a picnic at Champ de Mars is my favorite option. I buy my supplies at Poilâne (legendary bakery) and settle on the grass with an unbeatable view.
The Champs-Élysées avenue stretches 1.9 km between Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. I always start with the Arc, erected by Napoleon after the Battle of Austerlitz. The climb (284 steps) offers a 360° view of Paris - it's tiring but impressive!
My favorite walking route: go down the avenue zigzagging between the major brands and luxury cafés. Don't hesitate to take a break at Fouquet's, this legendary brasserie frequented by celebrities since 1899 (if you're not afraid of the prices).
The Champs-Élysées also hide treasures: the Grand Palais with its temporary exhibitions, the Petit Palais and its free permanent collections, or the Palais Royal and its Buren columns. I recommend planning 3 to 4 hours for this walk, alternating between shopping and culture.
Evening: Seine River Cruise
Ending this iconic day with a Seine cruise means seeing Paris from a completely different angle. I've tested several options and offer you two according to your preferences:
Classic option:Bateaux-Mouches (€15 adult, departures every 30 minutes). This 1h15 cruise passes all the illuminated monuments. I love the moment when the boat glides under Pont Alexandre III, this early 20th-century bridge with spectacular gilding.
Romantic option:Marina de Paris dinner cruise (€75 minimum). French gourmet menu, attentive service, and stunning views of both the Left and Right Banks. I've celebrated several birthdays this way, and the atmosphere remains magical.
The sunset on the Seine completely transforms Parisian architecture. The Haussmann facades are adorned with golden reflections, and you understand why Paris is called the City of Light. Book your spot on the starboard side for the best view of Île de la Cité!
Day 3: Montmartre and Bohemian Paris
This final day takes you into the Paris of artists, of literary cafés and artist studios. Montmartre preserves its village soul perched on its hill, while the Marais district reveals a more contemporary and creative Paris.
Morning: Sacré-Cœur and Place du Tertre
From 9 AM, I go up to Montmartre either by funicular (with a valid metro ticket) or by the staircase on rue Maurice Utrillo. This 130-meter hill offers the most beautiful panorama of Paris, and I love observing the city spread out at my feet from the Sacré-Cœur basilica forecourt.
This Romano-Byzantine church, built after the Paris Commune in 1871, dominates the capital with its dazzling whiteness. The interior, with its 83-meter dome and golden mosaics, always impresses me as much as the exterior view.
Place du Tertre, the former heart of Montmartre village, keeps its bohemian charm despite the crowds. Le Consulat and La Mère Catherine, these century-old bistros, still serve their specialties in an 18th-century setting.
For an unusual guided tour, I recommend the mysterious Montmartre circuits that reveal the neighborhood's legends, the old windmills (only the Moulin Rouge and Moulin de la Galette remain), and the hidden artist studios. These 2-hour tours reveal a secret Montmartre far from tourist clichés.
Afternoon: Marais and Place des Vosges
The Marais is one of those neighborhoods that fascinates me with its diversity: medieval architecture, 17th-century private mansions, contemporary art galleries, and vintage boutiques. I always enter via Place des Vosges, Paris's first royal square, whose red and gold arcades create perfect harmony.
My must-sees in the Marais:
Musée Carnavalet: Paris's history told in two magnificent private mansions (free)
Place des Vosges: lunch at Benoit, Alain Ducasse's luxury brasserie under the arcades
Rue des Rosiers: falafels at L'As du Fallafel, a Jewish quarter institution since 1979
BHV Marais: Parisian department store with a view of the Hôtel de Ville from the 9th floor
This neighborhood is best discovered on foot, and walks through its cobbled streets constantly reveal new surprises.
I actually have a friend in the neighborhood who became a NomadSister hostess, so if you're looking for safe and free accommodation and want to make beautiful connections, don't hesitate to check out the platform that brings together female hosts!
Evening: Dinner at a Traditional Bistro
To close your Parisian stay, nothing beats dinner at a real Parisian bistro, where you eat like in the good old days. Here are my favorite addresses:
Bouillon Chartier (Boulevard du Montparnasse): I love all the Bouillon restaurants, but this one is my favorite for its preserved Belle Époque decor, with its moleskin banquettes and patinated mirrors. Their pot-au-feu and homemade tarte Tatin remind you of our grandmothers' cooking, and the prices are gentle for Paris (from €15-20 per meal).
Le Comptoir du 7e (Avenue Bosquet): Yves Camdeborde created the gastronomic bistro concept here. Friendly atmosphere and exceptional wine cellar guaranteed! Reservation required (€45-55 menu).
Le Meurice (Rue de Rivoli): for a luxurious experience, this Michelin-starred restaurant by Alain Ducasse offers refined French cuisine in an 18th-century setting. View of the Tuileries Garden from the terrace (€120-150 menu).
And if you're looking for more things to do, check out this article on solo activities for women in Paris!
FAQ to Make the Most of Your 3 Days in Paris
Is the Musée d'Orsay worth it?
Absolutely. It's one of my favorite museums, and it houses the world's most beautiful collection of Impressionist art. If you have a bit more time or have already seen some of the places I recommend, go for it!
Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Degas... all the 19th-century masters are represented in this beautifully renovated former train station. Plan a minimum of 2 to 3 hours. My advice: start with level 5 (Impressionists) then work your way down chronologically.
What to do in Paris as a family with children?
Paris is full of family-friendly activities! I often go there with my nephews and nieces and have my tested and approved spots:
Jardin d'Acclimatation (rides and animals)
Cité des Sciences at La Villette (interactive experiences)
Luxembourg Gardens (large pond and playground)
Palais de la Découverte
The Musée Grévin also fascinates little ones with its wax celebrities, and the bateaux-mouches allow you to see Paris differently.
How to get around Paris efficiently?
For transportation, the Paris metro remains the fastest way, with its 14 lines covering the entire city. For 3 days, it's not necessarily worth getting a Navigo pass; individual tickets are generally more cost-effective.
For nearby monuments (Louvre-Tuileries-Concorde), I prefer walking, which is more pleasant (and free)! Vélib' bikes are perfect for medium distances, and I sometimes take the bus to admire the facades along the way.
What are the best neighborhoods for nightlife?
It all depends on what you're looking for!
The Marais for trendy bars and art galleries, Montmartre for cabarets and bohemian atmosphere, or Bastille for alternative nightlife. I also love strolling along the illuminated Seine quays - it's romantic and completely free.
Whether you are an avid traveller or a first-time adventurer, all NomadSister editors are passionate about travel. They share their advice and experiences with the desire to give you wings!
