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Paris, France - Eiffel Tower and Seine River cover photo

3-Day Paris Summer Highlights Adventure

⚖️Balanced Mix
3 dayssummer

Discover the quintessential and hidden gems of Paris in summer with a perfect blend of iconic sights, charming neighborhoods, and unique experiences.

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Our #1 travel tip

Before Day 1: Book a FREE walking tour

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Paris, France, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy
Browse FREE walking tours
Day 1Classic Sights & Orientation
Morning
Free Walking Tour

~2 hours

These tours typically start near Notre Dame or the Louvre in the 1st arrondissement. Follow the guide on foot to get an overview of Paris history and iconic sights.

Book FREE walking tour
Late Morning

Louvre Museum

Louvre Museum

Enter via the glass pyramid on Rue de Rivoli. Prioritize highlights like Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory. Buy tickets online to avoid lines.

4.7(361k reviews)~3 hours
Afternoon

Jardin des Tuileries

Jardin des Tuileries

Stroll through this beautiful garden between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. Look for fountains, sculptures, and outdoor cafés for a break.

4.6(117k reviews)~1.5 hours
Late Afternoon
Seine River Sunset Walk

~1 hours

Walk west along the Seine from Place de la Concorde toward the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy views of historic bridges and landmarks in the warm evening light.

Evening

Find a rooftop bar with Eiffel Tower view

Find a rooftop bar with Eiffel Tower view

Head to rooftops in the 7th arrondissement near the Eiffel Tower. Snap pictures of the tower sparkling on the hour. Order a cocktail or wine as you soak in the view.

4.7(481k reviews)~2 hours

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Breakfast
Find a local bakery near the 1st arrondissement and try a fresh croissant with a café au lait to start your day the Parisian way.
€5-7
Ratatouille
Lunch€15-20

Look for a casual bistro in the Louvre or Palais Royal area and order Ratatouille, a traditional vegetable stew that is light yet flavorful.

Ratatouille
Dinner
Dine at a rooftop bar restaurant near the Eiffel Tower and sample French wine paired with a cheese plate or light meal like salade niçoise.
€25-35
Paris Metro and bus system is the best way to get around, with stations near all these sights. Use taxi apps Uber, Bolt, or Heetch with average fares about €2.5 per km when needed.

Accommodation1st arrondissement (central historic district near Louvre)

Close to major sights and transit makes it easy to visit all day 1 attractions.

Hotel in 1st arrondissement (central historic district near Louvre)
€90-120/night

Close to major sights and transit makes it easy to visit all day 1 attractions.

Search hotels in this area
Day 2Historic Landmarks & Artistic Charm
Morning

Montmartre

Montmartre

Explore the artsy Montmartre neighborhood, focusing on Place du Tertre for its lively artists' square and rue Lepic for charming cafés.

4.7(159k reviews)~2 hours
Late Morning

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica atop Montmartre hill; take time to appreciate the panoramic views of Paris and the mosaics inside.

4.7(159k reviews)~1.5 hours
Afternoon

Musée d'Orsay

Musée d'Orsay

Spend the afternoon at Musée d'Orsay on the left bank, home to impressionist masterpieces. Access is easiest via Solférino Metro station.

4.8(111k reviews)~3 hours
Late Afternoon
Visit a bookshop with historic charm

~1 hours

Head to the Latin Quarter and find a historic bookshop along rue Saint-Jacques, known for its old wooden shelves and classic French literature.

Book tours & ticketsView details, tips, opening times & more
Evening
Attend a cultural performance at an offbeat venue

~2 hours

Seek out a small theater or jazz bar in the Marais district for an intimate cultural performance featuring local artists.

Book tours & ticketsView details, tips, opening times & more

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Breakfast
Find a boulangerie near Montmartre and try a fresh croissant paired with café crème, a rich coffee with cream.
€5-7
Ratatouille
Lunch€15-20

Look for a café around Musée d'Orsay serving ratatouille, a traditional vegetable stew from Provence, with a light salad.

Ratatouille
Escargots
Dinner€25-30

Find a cozy bistro in the Marais area and order escargots, garlic-butter snails, paired with a glass of local French wine.

Escargots
Use the Metro to access Montmartre (Anvers station), Musée d'Orsay (Solférino station), and Marais (Saint-Paul station). For late-night rides, Uber and Bolt are reliable; taxis cost about €2.5/km.

AccommodationLe Marais (historic district with great nightlife and central location)

This central neighborhood is ideal for evenings and offers easy Metro access to Montmartre and the Latin Quarter.

Hotel in Le Marais (historic district with great nightlife and central location)
€90-110/night

This central neighborhood is ideal for evenings and offers easy Metro access to Montmartre and the Latin Quarter.

Search hotels in this area
Day 3Royal Grandeur & Local Flavors
Morning

Palace of Versailles

Palace of Versailles

Visit the Palace of Versailles in the morning to avoid crowds. Take RER C train from central Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. Explore the gardens and the Hall of Mirrors.

4.6(163k reviews)~3 hours
Afternoon
Explore a local food market

~2 hours

Head to Marché Raspail in the 6th arrondissement for a vibrant local market experience. Sample fresh produce, cheeses, and baked goods along Rue de Rennes.

Late Afternoon

Champ de Mars

Champ de Mars

Relax or stroll in Champ de Mars park at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy views of the tower and take photos in the late afternoon light.

4.6(219k reviews)~1.5 hours
Evening
Try a classic French bistro

~2 hours

Find a classic bistro in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, order Coq au vin, a traditional French chicken stew, paired with a glass of local wine.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Breakfast
Find a local bakery near your accommodation in Saint-Germain-des-Prés and try a fresh croissant with café au lait for a light Parisian breakfast.
€5
Lunch
At the local food market, pick up a savory crepe with ham and cheese or a fresh baguette sandwich to enjoy while exploring. Pair with a small bottle of sparkling water.
€10
Coq au vin
Dinner€25

Seek out a classic bistro in Saint-Germain-des-Prés and order Coq au vin, a slow-cooked chicken stew with red wine and mushrooms, along with a glass of French wine.

Coq au vin
Use the Metro and RER trains to get around efficiently. For taxis, use Uber, Bolt, or Heetch with fares around €2.5 per km.

AccommodationSaint-Germain-des-Prés (historic and central, close to many major attractions)

This area is ideal for convenient access to both central Paris and Versailles for your day activities.

Hotel in Saint-Germain-des-Prés (historic and central, close to many major attractions)
€90-120/night

This area is ideal for convenient access to both central Paris and Versailles for your day activities.

Search hotels in this area

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Budget Breakdown

Accommodation / night$110
Food / day$22
Transport / day$10
Activities / day$30
Daily total$172
Trip total$516

Accommodation ($110 per night), Food includes restaurant meals and street food ($22 per day), Transport includes public transport and occasional taxi rides ($10 per day), Activities include entrance fees and tours ($30 per day).

Good to Know

Tap Water: Safe to drink
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Power Plugs: Type C and E
Best Taxi Apps: Uber, Bolt, Heetch
Public Transport: Metro, Bus, RER
Languages Spoken: French and English widely spoken
Safety: Average traffic and violent crime safety, stay vigilant
Walkability: Excellent for walking tours
Weather Caution: Possible flood risk, check forecast
Healthcare: Excellent quality available

Pre-Trip Checklist

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Booking

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