The Ultimate 3-Day Paris Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Start the first day of your trip by dropping off your bags at the hotel and exploring the local neighborhood. The hotels listed above are either in or close to the 3rd neighborhood (arrondissement), Le Marais.

Head for a delicious and fueling brunch at Café Berry before making your way toward Place des Voges, which dates back to 1612 and was once called “Place Royale” during the time of Louis XIII. The whole square is surrounded by beautiful brick buildings and covered walkways lined with designer shops, art galleries, high-end restaurants, and boutique hotels. Inside the park, perfectly trimmed square trees surround grassy areas that, not too long ago, were finally opened up for people to lounge on. If the weather permits, you will see locals picnicking or sunbathing there. Insider tip: Head to the southwest end of the square for a secret passageway to the garden of Hotel de Sully.

If you feel like admiring the architecture for a bit longer, be sure to try the famous hot chocolate and an exquisite pastry from Carette. I find this location to be quieter than its sister location at Trocadero—I have always been able to grab a table in the afternoon without a reservation.

Continue your exploration of Le Marais past the many local boutiques and art galleries and head toward the Notre-Dame Cathedral. You should definitely pre-book your tickets if you wish to enter—in the late afternoon, before closing, it’s usually less busy, especially if you are visiting on a weekday. I would advise against going there on the weekend, as the long queues and large crowds can be tiring—and you wouldn’t want to waste what little time you have in Paris.

Get back to the hotel and freshen up for an evening out in the vibrant Latin quartier, just across the river from Le Marais. For dinner, be sure to book a table at Fish, La Boisonnerie for a good-value meal and friendly service. Finish the evening off with drinks at L’Arbane.

Start your second day with an early breakfast at the hotel—there’s something quite special about easing into the morning in Paris with a fresh croissant and a warm coffee in hand.

Once you’re ready, make your way to the Louvre Museum. I suggest booking one of the first time slots available and entering through the Metro-side entrance instead of the glass pyramid, as the queues tend to be shorter. You could easily spend hours here, but if your time is limited, head straight for the Mona Lisa before the crowds settle in, and then wander your way out—you’ll pass some extraordinary pieces along the way.

Afterward, step out into the Tuileries Garden for a peaceful walk through one of Paris’s most beautiful green spaces. From there, stroll along Rue Saint-Honoré, with its elegant boutiques and curated windows, and pause for a moment at Place Vendôme—it’s one of those spots that feels straight out of a film, especially when the light hits just right.

If you’re in the mood for a panoramic view, head toward Galeries Lafayette and take the elevator up to the rooftop terrace—it’s one of my favorite places to admire the city skyline, and it’s rarely too crowded during the day. Since you’re nearby, a quick visit to the Opéra Garnier is well worth it—even if you don’t go inside, the exterior alone is breathtaking.

From here, you can walk through Place de la Concorde and continue down the Champs-Élysées, eventually arriving at the Arc de Triomphe. If you didn’t go up at Galeries Lafayette, I highly recommend going up to the top—the view is especially striking later in the afternoon.

By now, you’ll probably be ready for a bite to eat. I usually make my way to The French Bastards at St Ferdinand for a quick sandwich or pastry—it’s unpretentious, delicious, and perfect to take away for a picnic. Find a spot near the Eiffel Tower on the Champ de Mars and enjoy a little afternoon break with an unbeatable view.

In the evening, head back to the hotel to freshen up before enjoying a late dinner. One of my favorite places for a stylish but relaxed meal is Carboni’s—it has just the right balance of elegance and warmth. If you’re up for it, linger after your meal and slip into their hidden speakeasy bar—it’s a lovely way to end the evening without needing to wander too far.

Pro tip: Whatever you do, make sure you catch the Eiffel Tower’s sparkle on the hour—it’s one of those simple Parisian moments that never loses its magic.

After breakfast at the hotel, set aside the bustle of the city and take the morning train or a private transfer out to Versailles—it’s a peaceful journey, and watching the scenery shift from urban streets to wide, tree-lined avenues feels like a slow exhale.

Once you arrive, make your way to the Palace of Versailles. Don’t forget to book your ticket in advance to skip the long queues. The palace itself is nothing short of magnificent—from the gilded gates to the Hall of Mirrors. I’d suggest arriving as early as possible to enjoy it before the crowds grow. It’s easy to feel swept up in the sheer scale and beauty of it all, so take your time and let your imagination wander through its history.

For lunch, I recommend stopping at La Flottille, a charming spot right by the Grand Canal. It’s a lovely break in the middle of your visit, and sitting outdoors when the weather is nice makes the experience even more special.

In the afternoon, give yourself plenty of time to wander the Royal Gardens—they stretch for miles and are dotted with fountains, sculptures, and hidden corners perfect for a quiet pause. If time allows (and I truly hope it does), venture out to the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon—both are far less crowded than the main palace and incredibly atmospheric. The Petit Trianon, in particular, gives a personal glimpse into Marie Antoinette’s world—it feels far more intimate than the grandeur of the main château.

As the afternoon winds down, take a final stroll through the grounds and soak in the beauty of Versailles before heading back to Paris for your departure.