Perfect 2 or 3 Day Paris Itinerary: What to See, Do & Eat in a Short Trip

Paris, the City of Light, is an enchanting destination brimming with romance, culture, and history. With its iconic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, world-class cuisine, and artistic treasures, Paris has captivated travelers for generations. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to soak up more of its magic, this 2 or 3 day Paris itinerary covers the best of the city in a short space of time.

In this blog post, I’ll take you on an unforgettable journey through Paris’ must-see attractions and hidden gems. From sipping espresso at sidewalk cafés to marveling at grand cathedrals and world-famous art, you’ll experience the essence of Parisian life.

Pack your walking shoes, charge your camera, and join me on this delightful Paris itinerary for 2-3 days.

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Best Time to Visit Paris

Paris is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences.

If you’re looking for mild weather and blooming gardens, spring (April to June) is ideal. Summer (July to August) brings long days and bustling energy, though it can be busy and hot. Autumn (September to November) offers crisp air and beautiful fall foliage, while winter (December to February) is perfect for fewer crowds and festive holiday markets.

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Transport in Paris

Paris has an excellent public transport network that includes the Métro (subway), RER trains, buses, and trams, making it easy and cost-effective to get around. For this 2 or 3 day Paris itinerary, you’ll likely rely mostly on the Métro and RER for longer distances, while walking will be ideal for exploring neighborhoods.

Recommended Transport Tickets for 2-3 Days in Paris

Here are the best transport ticket options depending on how long you’re staying:

1. T+ Ticket (Single Ride Ticket)

• Valid for one trip on the Metro, RER (within Paris zones), buses, and trams.
• Not valid for airport transfers (CDG or Orly).
• Price: €2.15 each, or buy a carnet of 10 tickets for €19.10.
• Best for short stays where you’ll only take a few rides per day.

2. Navigo Easy Pass

• A rechargeable smart card that you load with T+ tickets, day passes, or other fare options.
• Costs €2 for the card itself (non-refundable).
• Use it to store single tickets or 1-day / 10-trip bundles.
• Great for tourists wanting flexibility without buying paper tickets every time.

3. Paris Visite Pass (Tourist Pass)

• Unlimited travel on the Metro, RER, buses, trams, and funicular.
• Options for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days.
• Available for Zones 1–3 (central Paris) or Zones 1–5 (includes airport, Versailles, Disneyland).
• Price for 2 days (Zone 1–3): around €22.05
  Price for 3 days (Zone 1–3): around €30.10
• Good for convenience, though often not the cheapest.

4. Navigo Découverte Week Pass (Best Value If Visiting Monday–Sunday)

• Unlimited travel across all zones for only €30.75 + €5 card fee.
• Valid from Monday to Sunday only (not from any day).
• Fantastic value if your visit overlaps mostly with weekdays.
• You’ll need a passport-sized photo for the pass.

Plan your Metro journey or check ticket prices at ratp.fr/en

Other Transport Options

Consider walking between close landmarks—Paris is very walkable!

Taxis and Uber are available but more expensive than public transport.

Bike and e-scooter rentals (like Vélib’ or Lime) are available around the city and can be fun for short trips. (Or check out the bike tours for something a bit different.)

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Accommodation in Paris

Paris has countless accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here are three great choices, all centrally located with excellent amenities.

• Budget – The People Paris Bercy
• Mid-Range – Hotel Le Six
• Luxury – Le Meurice

For more suggestions on where to stay in Paris. check out my post detailing even more great accommodation opens available.

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2 Day Paris Itinerary

Day 1 (Part 1) – Iconic Landmarks and Seine Views

Start your Paris adventure in the heart of the city with a visit to its most famous landmarks.

• Begin at the Eiffel Tower – either admire it from the Champ de Mars or take the lift to the top for panoramic views. (Skip-the-Line by pre-purchasing this ticket)
• Next, walk along the Seine River to the Pont Alexandre III for beautiful photo ops.
• From there, stroll to the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world. Make your way up to the Arc de Triomphe. Tickets sell our in advance, so get them early here.

Afterward, take a break at a nearby café for lunch and some people-watching.

Day 1 (Part 2) – Latin Quarter and Notre-Dame

In the afternoon, head to the Left Bank to explore the historic Latin Quarter.

• Wander through Rue Mouffetard, a charming street with food markets and bistros.
• Visit the iconic Panthéon.
• Walk over to the Île de la Cité to see Notre-Dame Cathedral. Re-opened at the end of 2024, check out the full restoration after the devastating fire of 2019. (Since re-opening, tickets for Notre Dame have been selling out days in advance, avoid disappointment and get your tickets here before you arrive.)

Wrap up your day with dinner in the Latin Quarter, or consider a Seine River Cruise to see the city illuminated at night, my absolute favourite experience in Paris.

Day 2 – Art and Montmartre

No trip to Paris is complete without indulging in its art scene.

• Start your day at the Louvre Museum. Arrive early with this timed entry ticket to beat the crowds and see the Mona Lisa and many other masterpieces. You’ll need at least 2-3 hours here.
• For lunch, grab a bite at a nearby brasserie or picnic in the Tuileries Garden.
• In the afternoon, take the metro or walk to Montmartre. Climb the steps (or ride the funicular) to Sacré-Cœur Basilica for another epic view.
• Wander the bohemian streets, stop by Place du Tertre to see artists at work, and browse quirky boutiques.

Finish your evening with dinner at a classic Parisian bistro. If you’re up for it, catch a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge. Tickets sell out in advance, so buy your tickets here before leaving home to avoid missing out.

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Enough Time for 3 Days in Paris?

If you have an extra day, there are plenty of amazing ways to round out your Paris itinerary.

Here are some top choices:

• Versailles Day Trip – Take the RER C train to Versailles Palace, just under an hour away. Spend the day exploring the opulent palace, gardens, and the Hall of Mirrors. (Check out my Day Trips from Paris post here for more day trip ideas.)
• Le Marais Exploration – Spend a day in this trendy neighborhood filled with art galleries, boutique shopping, and some of the best falafel in the city. Don’t miss Place des Vosges and the Picasso Museum.
• Cooking Class or Food Tour – Dive deeper into French cuisine with a hands-on cooking class (some options here) or guided food tour (some options here) of Paris’ best patisseries, markets, and wine bars.

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More Time Than 3 Days in Paris?

Lucky you! If you have more than 3 days, extend your trip with:

• Day Trips from Paris – Visit Giverny (Monet’s Garden), Champagne, or the Loire Valley. Check them all out in my other post here.
• Paris Museums – Explore the Musée d’Orsay, Rodin Museum, or Centre Pompidou.
• Hidden Gems – Discover Canal Saint-Martin, the Covered Passages, or take a bike ride through Bois de Vincennes.

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Over to you!

Which part of this Paris itinerary are you most excited about?

Let me know in the comments below or join the conversation on social media.

Thanks for reading and I hope this guide helps you fall in love with Paris just like I did.