Best Hotels in the Latin Quarter of Paris on a Budget
If you’re planning a 3-day visit to Paris, it’s essential to organize your itinerary well. Paris is a vast city, and in such a short amount of time, it’s tough to see everything it has to offer.
The best strategy is to explore a different part of the city each day. This way, you can minimize travel time and make the most of your time by mostly avoiding public transport or car use.
Before planning a route, here are a few tips:
- The coolest activities and things to do in Paris
- Get the Paris Museum Pass
- Book a private airport transfer
First things first: book your flight and accommodations, as they fill up quickly. We recommend planning several months ahead to get the best prices on reservations.
Finding charming, reasonably priced accommodation in Paris can be challenging, given the hundreds of options with different price points, styles, and amenities.
To help you in your search and save time and money, here’s a selection of hotels we’ve handpicked based on our own experience:
What to See in Paris in 3 Days
Here’s a suggested itinerary to visit Paris in 3 days and make the most of the city’s top sights. First, remember to wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking to avoid unnecessary foot pain.
It’s also highly recommended to get the Paris Pass card or book a guided tour in advance. This will help you skip lines and enjoy discounts that are handy over the course of your trip, saving you both time and money.
NOTE 1: To keep this article concise, the places I recommend here aren’t described in detail. For more information on each site, explore our blog sections where you’ll find everything you need to enjoy these attractions.
NOTE 2: Below is a map of Paris marking ALL the must-see spots. I suggest printing the tourist map of Paris to carry with you as you explore the streets of Paris.
Below is the detailed plan for what to do and see in Paris over 3 days:
Visiting Paris in 3 Days: An Itinerary
Paris is a city rich in monuments and artistic sights, so ideally, you’d have more time to explore it leisurely. However, if you’re short on time, this guide ensures you won’t miss the essentials.
For quick travel around the city, we recommend using public transport, particularly the Paris metro, which is highly efficient. Driving in such a big city can be a hassle, much like in cities such as London or New York.
It’s best if your hotel in Paris is as central as possible. The central district has the highest concentration of hotels, so this area is the most convenient. But if budget constraints prevent this, aim for a hotel close to a metro station.
The main goal for a 3-day trip to Paris is to see as much as possible in the least time without feeling rushed, and in a way that lets you enjoy it. Here’s a proposed itinerary featuring the top sites, hotels, and museums for a three-day visit to Paris:
DEAL: If you love museums, this pass will save you a lot as it lets you visit multiple museums affordably
How to experience Paris in 3 days? Here’s the plan:
Day 1 of the Trip
A 3-day itinerary in Paris is feasible, but you’ll need to plan carefully. As soon as you arrive, head to your reserved hotel to drop off your bags. Even if you can’t check into your room yet, the receptionist will likely store your luggage so you don’t have to carry it all day.
This is the perfect time to visit many of Paris’s famous monuments, like the Eiffel Tower and its gardens, which are especially stunning at night. Along with Disneyland Paris and the Louvre, it’s one of Paris’s most iconic spots. If you want to buy tickets in advance, check our guide to discounted Eiffel Tower tickets.
Our walking route for what to see in Paris in 3 days starts with:
Starting early to maximize sightseeing, we begin with Notre Dame Cathedral:
Notre Dame
The world’s most famous Gothic cathedral is in Paris, and it may feel familiar due to its portrayal in films. Its distinctive style captivates visitors, and it’s steeped in history.
The cathedral has stood for eight centuries and has undergone numerous restorations. You might remember the recent devastating fire that partially destroyed it. If you’re curious about what happened and want an expert guide to tell you the full history of this iconic cathedral, we recommend this Civitatis tour.
Notre Dame has witnessed most of the city’s major events over the centuries, including Napoleon’s coronation and the crowning of Henry VI.
One of the must-dos here is climbing the towers, as the view is well worth the effort. To reach the top, you’ll need to climb 387 steps on foot, a challenge many tourists gladly undertake. Lines often stretch around the block, so plan to arrive before 10 a.m. to be among the first.
Around the plaza, you’ll find plenty of cafes and restaurants, and the area is well connected by metro, making it easy to reach from any part of Paris.
Lastly, you can also explore the underground crypt, which was discovered in 1965.
Quand @notredame2paris veille sur #Paris la #nuit… #France http://t.co/aY6KNPVhUI #tourisme #tourism #cathedrale pic.twitter.com/91YmiATgUs
— (Re)découvrez PARIS (@parisvisites) September 10, 2015
The top activities at Notre Dame include:
- Guided Tour of Sainte-Chapelle, Conciergerie, and Notre Dame
- Walking Tour of Notre Dame with Crypt Access
- Eternal Notre-Dame VR Experience Ticket
Pont Neuf
Much like Venice, Paris is full of bridges, each with its own charm. The oldest and perhaps most famous of these is Pont Neuf, completed in 1607. It was the first stone bridge in Paris, as earlier bridges were made of wood.
Crossing it transports you back in time over the Seine, letting you imagine its original construction. The bridge is also a great spot to rest, enjoy a drink, or browse a nearby shop if you’re up for it.
Recognized as a National Historic Monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pont Neuf is a must-see in Paris and welcomed thousands of tourists in 2015 alone.
Stroll and Coffee in the Latin Quarter
After visiting Notre Dame and Pont Neuf, a stroll through the Latin Quarter, one of Paris’s most bohemian neighborhoods, is highly recommended. This historic district is known for its narrow streets filled with charming shops and a strong student vibe.
Start with a coffee at the iconic Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots. Each has its unique appeal and provides a perfect opportunity to relax and watch people wandering through the neighborhood’s lively streets.
Browsing through the many bookstores and flea markets here is a favorite activity, where you can find unique souvenirs. It’s also an ideal time to grab lunch at one of the local restaurants and recharge for the afternoon.
The Louvre Museum
DEAL: Check out this offer to skip the lines and save money on your visit to the Louvre
A sightseeing tour of Paris wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Louvre. It’s one of the most important museums in France and the world, drawing an average of eight million visitors annually.
For the best experience, start your visit as early as possible and consider buying tickets online to skip the long entry line.
The Louvre Museum is located by the Seine inside the Louvre Palace, a 12th-century fortress that has been modified over the centuries into the massive complex it is today.
With its vast size, we recommend spending the whole day there if you’re truly passionate about art and culture. Otherwise, four to five hours should be sufficient. The most recognizable part of the museum is the glass pyramid, the entrance added in 1989, which stands out from the historic architecture surrounding it.
The exhibitions you’ll see there are of great artistic value, and if we had to highlight one artwork, it would undoubtedly be the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci. Our advice is to move through the exhibitions without lingering too long, so you can cover the entire route.
You can visit the Louvre on your own by reserving a skip-the-line ticket at this link or by taking this guided tour of the Louvre Museum, where a professional guide, speaking in Spanish, will share all the museum’s secrets.
If it’s your first time visiting the museum, be sure to check out this post with tips for visiting the Louvre. It offers valuable advice for making the most of your visit to this iconic museum.
Evening Boat Ride on the Seine
There’s nothing better to end the day than a boat ride along the Seine River. It’s incredibly romantic and the perfect spot to relax after a full day of sightseeing. Some of the best cruises you can book include:
- Dinner Cruise on the Seine with Panoramic Views
- Gastronomic Dinner Cruise on the Seine with Live Music
- Romantic Cruise with a 3-Course Dinner on the Seine
Day 2 of the Trip
I hope you’re not too tired and are ready for more walking today – that’s what this day is all about!
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower stands at 324 meters tall and weighs over 10,000 tons. It was constructed remarkably quickly – in just 2 years and 2 months – as it needed to be inaugurated before the 1889 World’s Fair.
There’s no better way to start the second day of our 3-day Paris itinerary than with France’s most iconic monument, the Eiffel Tower, and one of the most breathtaking landmarks in all of Europe.
You can visit either in the morning or at night, but I recommend going at sunset for a stunning view of the city and a spectacular vantage point from the top.
To go up the Eiffel Tower, you can choose between the stairs or the elevator. I recommend the elevator for a quicker ascent with less effort, but if you want a thrilling experience, take the stairs for a true appreciation of the heights.
The Eiffel Tower has multiple levels, including three observation decks, and we recommend visiting all three if you don’t have a fear of heights.
Among the best activities to do at the tower, here are some highlights:
Arc de Triomphe
Certainly one of the city’s most awe-inspiring monuments. A three-day stay in Paris would feel incomplete without seeing this incredible structure. The Arc de Triomphe’s construction spanned over thirty years, ordered by Napoleon in the 19th century.
Underneath the Arc, you’ll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial honoring the French soldiers who died unidentified during World War I.
You can climb up to the Arc de Triomphe (by reserving your ticket online here), and we highly recommend it as the views are amazing for gaining a true perspective of Paris. To access the Arc, be mindful to use the underground passages from the plaza, which aren’t well marked; never attempt to cross the roundabout directly as it’s quite dangerous.
In this area, you’ll find plenty of restaurants offering good meals at reasonable prices—surprisingly affordable for Paris standards.
Galeries Lafayette
This is Paris’s flagship shopping center, and anything you want to buy, you’ll find in these luxurious, large department stores. There are several buildings, but the most notable and famous is the one on the Champs-Élysées. Its architecture is worth seeing even if you’re not planning to shop. For perspective, it’s been declared a historic monument.
I recommend stepping inside and standing in the center of the building; look up, and you’ll see its spectacular dome, which is world-famous. Once you’ve finished your shopping or browsing, it’ll be time for lunch, so head to one of the nearby restaurants and savor French cuisine.
There are plenty of hotels in this area, so finding accommodation for your three-day Paris visit won’t be a problem.
Champs-Élysées
We recommend spending your afternoon strolling along the famous Champs-Élysées. Walk leisurely and stop at any café along the way to enjoy breakfast. At the avenue’s end, you’ll find the Arc de Triomphe, imposing and majestic in the center of the main avenue.
The Champs-Élysées began taking shape in 1640 when a grand row of trees was planted along both sides of the avenue. Today, it’s a favorite spot for Parisians to shop, with the world’s top fashion brands represented.
The Champs-Élysées also has strong ties to sports, as it hosts the final stage of the Tour de France every year. A nighttime walk here is wonderful, surrounded by nature and calm.
On both sides of the street are large gardens where visitors can spend a memorable afternoon, providing a unique break from the bustling city.
As we’ve suggested throughout this guide, the best way to experience Paris—and in this case, the Champs-Élysées—is to walk as much as you can. Additionally, you can join this Free Tour of Paris by Civitatis, where you’ll visit key sights with a licensed guide sharing all the city’s secrets.
Alma Bridge
From the Eiffel Tower, you can see Alma Bridge. It’s a charismatic bridge in Paris, once used by residents for monitoring potential rises in the Seine’s water level. Today, however, it’s famous for a very different reason.
Tourists visit the bridge to see the location where Princess Diana tragically lost her life in 1997. Above the tunnel is the Flame of Liberty, a gift from the United States to thank France for restoring the Statue of Liberty.
Show at the Opéra Garnier
After visiting Alma Bridge, we recommend a leisurely walk along the Seine to the Opéra Garnier. It’s about a 40-minute stroll, during which you’ll enjoy the beautiful riverside views.
The route ends at the Opéra Garnier, one of Paris’s architectural gems. Known for its lavish design, its grand lobby, a stunning marble staircase, and an auditorium adorned with a bronze and crystal chandelier are all highlights. An evening visit offers a more intimate experience of this magnificent space.
You can choose a guided tour that reveals the stories and secrets of this historic building or visit on your own—both are excellent options. If you prefer exploring independently, consider booking tickets for the Opéra Garnier here to avoid waiting in lines.
Another way to explore the opera house (which we did) is through the Palais Garnier Mystery Game with Admission Ticket, where you can enjoy a fun and interactive visit.
Day 3 of the Trip
On the last day of our 3-day itinerary in Paris, we suggest exploring the most iconic areas, so you don’t leave without experiencing the true Parisian atmosphere.
Montmartre
Montmartre is the quintessential Parisian neighborhood, the oldest in the city and the place to experience authentic Parisian life. Perched on a hill in northern Paris, it has long been known as the artists’ quarter.
The Montmartre district is divided into two parts: the lower area, home to the Moulin Rouge and numerous sex shops. These attractions draw tourists’ curiosity, with brightly lit signs everywhere vying for attention. Stroll through the steep, winding streets in search of a charming bar, grab some crepes to go, or simply observe the daily life of the capital.
The second part of the district is situated on the hilltop; after a steep climb or a quick ride on the funicular, you’ll reach Place du Tertre. This spot offers the best panoramic views and is the ideal place to snap a memorable photo.
If you have some extra time in this area, consider booking one of these activities:
Basilica of the Sacred Heart
In Montmartre, you can visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, one of the most iconic and sacred sites in Paris, surrounded by expansive gardens and offering a spectacular view. You can explore it in two ways: enter on your own to take photos or join a guided tour in Spanish (like we did; you can book it here) with an expert who will share the basilica’s history.
As you can see, we’re not using much public or private transportation because the best way to discover the city is on foot.
Montmartre is undoubtedly one of the highlights to visit on a 3-day trip to Paris. It’s a central area with plenty of hotels and guesthouses, making it a great place to stay, and spending the night here is a unique experience.
Montmartre offers a lively atmosphere for both dining and nightlife, with a hint of Latin flair that may feel familiar. Exploring this neighborhood is one of the best things to do in Paris in three days. It’s also an ideal spot for a midday break and a delicious meal.
We took this 90-minute guided tour with an expert guide who shared the basilica’s history and led us through Montmartre’s best spots.
Musée d’Orsay
After visiting the basilica, if you want to see Paris in three days, you can’t miss this stunning museum featuring a vast collection of artwork by painters from all eras. It’s time to head down to the river for our next cultural stop.
The Musée d’Orsay building itself, located by the Seine, is worth seeing. Originally an underground railway station in central Paris, it retains a special charm from its historic roots.
The museum is large, but you can see its highlights in a couple of hours. It specializes in Impressionist art, featuring many works by Vincent Van Gogh. Once you’re finished, it’ll be time for lunch, so find a spot by the Seine and enjoy a meal along the river.
I recommend booking your ticket online in advance to avoid the long lines that form from the museum’s opening time in the morning. If you’d like a guided tour explaining the artwork, consider joining this two-hour guided tour.
If you have extra time afterward, consider visiting the Versailles Gardens or the Saint Denis Stadium, home of PSG, which is quite a sight to experience once in a lifetime.
Le Marais
Around 8 p.m., it’s a great time to head to Le Marais, one of Paris’s trendiest neighborhoods. It’s time to think about dinner and pick from an array of gourmet restaurants, cozy bistros, and modern cafés.
Some dining options we recommend include “Chez Janou,” a classic Parisian restaurant, or “Le Mary Celeste,” a more modern spot where you can try fresh oysters and dishes inspired by various global cuisines.
After dinner, a walk is the perfect way to unwind before heading back to your hotel, ending your trip in the best possible way.
Tips for a 3-Day Visit to Paris
As you’ve read in this article, there’s a lot to see in Paris in three days, so make the most of your time. If you enjoyed this guide, we also offer a guide for visiting Paris in 4 days.
Remember, if you want to save time on your travels, money, and avoid standing in line at each monument or attraction in Paris, you can get a substantial discount by purchasing the Paris Pass directly from our site, with no waiting times.
This pass is essential if you’re planning to see Paris in 3 days as it allows you to focus on the highlights of the “City of Light.” Most tourists get it before visiting the must-see landmarks of the French capital.
We also recommend booking your hotels in advance since hotel availability can vary significantly from day to day. Booking ahead will save you both time and money by taking advantage of online deals. It’s also wise to purchase your flights in advance to secure the best rates.
Finally, here’s a video that showcases the places we’ve suggested and a few more ideas on what to see in Paris in 3 days.
If you need more information about traveling to or visiting Paris, feel free to reach out to us through social media on Facebook or Twitter, or by using the contact form on our website.
These are our top suggestions for what to do in Paris in 3 days, one of the best destinations in Europe. We hope we’ve helped you decide on your itinerary, as we believe this is one of the most complete guides you’ll find online. There’s so much to do, from seeing iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower to strolling down the Champs-Élysées or visiting Notre Dame Cathedral.