Introduction — 72 hours in Paris: planning your visit
Paris unfolds in layers: art, history, food, riverside strolls and neighborhoods whose façades tell centuries of stories. This “72 hours in Paris” guide is designed to offer a practical, immersive three-day touring plan. It mixes the must-sees — the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, Montmartre — with specific addresses, opening hours, up-to-date euro prices and local tips to make the most of your time. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple or with a small family, this itinerary balances major sights with neighborhood discoveries, creating a pleasant pace without constant rushing.
Before diving into the day-by-day schedule, a few essential logistics: most Paris museums open between 9:00 and 10:00 and close between 17:00 and 18:00 (the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay offer evening openings on certain nights). Book skip-the-line tickets online for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and other major museums to save hours of waiting. Prices vary: for example, access to the Eiffel Tower summit ranges from €10.70 to €28.30 depending on age and level, while Louvre admission is around €17 (rates subject to change). For transport, a Navigo Découverte pass or books of T+ tickets can be cost-effective depending on how much you’ll travel; taxis and ride-hailing services are handy late at night but more expensive.
This guide is presented as 72 numbered sections — roughly one per hour or micro-itinerary — to cover three full days. Each entry gives a full address, a price range when relevant, typical opening hours and local tips (best times to visit, less-crowded alternatives, nearby cafés, food recommendations). The image markers 
help you picture the places and prepare your camera. Pack comfortable walking shoes, a payment card for bookings, and an endless curiosity: Paris reveals itself one street at a time.
1. Morning 1: Arrival and check-in – Hôtel de Ville
Start your first morning near Paris’s Hôtel de Ville, Hôtel de Ville de Paris, 29 Rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris. The building can be admired from outside any day; interior access is by occasional guided tours. No fee to admire the façade; special exhibitions and events may charge admission. It’s a great spot to get your bearings in the Marais and take your first photos.
2. Morning 1: Breakfast in the Marais
For a typical Parisian breakfast, head to Café Charlot, 38 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris. Hours: 08:00–02:00. Prices: croissant about €2.10, coffee €2.80. Classic bistro vibe with possible terrace seating. Tip: pick a terrace table to watch neighborhood life.
3. Morning 1: Musée Carnavalet – History of Paris
The Musée Carnavalet, 23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris traces the history of Paris. Hours: 10:00–18:00 (closed Monday). Permanent collections are free; temporary exhibitions may charge (around €6–12). Great for understanding the city’s urban and social evolution.
4. Morning 1: Walk toward Île de la Cité
Cross over to Île de la Cité, 75004 Paris for your first immersion. Stroll along the quays, browse secondhand book stalls on the riverside and enjoy Seine views. No fee — just a free, very photogenic walk.
5. Morning 1: Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior and walks)
Even after the fire, the historical weight of Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris remains immense. The exterior and the square are freely viewable. Interior visits and tower access are intermittently suspended — check current reopening dates on the official site. Tip: admire the gargoyles from the parvis and visit the nearby archaeological crypt, Crypte archéologique de l’Île de la Cité, Parvis Notre-Dame, 75004 Paris, ticket about €8; hours 10:00–18:00.
6. Midday 1: Lunch by the Seine
For lunch with a view, try Le Saint Régis, 6 Rue Jean du Bellay, 75004 Paris (Île Saint-Louis). Hours: 12:00–15:00 / 19:00–23:00. Prices: mains €15–28. Tip: reserve a table on the Seine side for a memorable experience.
7. Afternoon 1: Île Saint-Louis and Berthillon ice cream
Wander around Île Saint-Louis and taste the famous ice cream at Berthillon, 29-31 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, 75004 Paris. Hours: 10:00–20:00. Prices: cone €3–6 depending on size. Try the blackcurrant or floral vanilla — a local institution for decades.
8. Afternoon 1: Walk toward the Louvre
Make your way to the Musée du Louvre, Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris. Hours: open every day except Tuesday, 09:00–18:00, with late openings on Wednesday and Friday until 21:45. Standard ticket: €17 (online). Tip: buy a skip-the-line ticket to avoid long queues at the Pyramid entrance.
9. Afternoon 1: The Louvre Pyramid and Cour Carrée
Admire the glass pyramid by architect I. M. Pei and explore the Cour Carrée, Musée du Louvre, 75001 Paris. Must-have photos in front of the pyramid. Exterior is free; access to galleries requires a museum ticket.
10. Evening 1: Dinner in the 1st arrondissement
For dinner, try Le Fumoir, 6 Rue de l’Amiral de Coligny, 75001 Paris. Hours: 12:00–23:30. Prices: menus €25–45. Cozy atmosphere, close to the Louvre — a nice way to end your first day.
11. Night 1: Seine cruise
A nighttime Seine cruise is magical. Operator: Bateaux Parisiens, Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris. Departures run regularly between 10:00 and 22:30; an evening cruise around 20:00 is recommended. Prices: €14–16 for the classic 1-hour cruise, €55–95 for a dinner cruise. Tip: book in advance; boarding is near the Eiffel Tower.
12. Morning 2: Breakfast near the Eiffel Tower
Start your second morning near the Eiffel Tower. Recommended café: Le Champ de Mars, 18 Avenue de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris. Hours: 07:30–22:30. Prices: breakfast €8–15. Perfect base to prepare for your tower visit.
13. Morning 2: Eiffel Tower — access and prices
Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris. Hours: typically 09:00–00:45 (seasonal variations). Indicative prices: elevator to 2nd floor €17.20; elevator to the summit €28.30; stairs to 2nd floor €10.70. Book a skip-the-line ticket online. Local tip: for the best photos, go early morning or late evening.
14. Morning 2: Champ de Mars and Trocadéro
Stroll the Champ de Mars, 2 Allée Adrienne Lecouvreur, 75007 Paris and cross over to the Place du Trocadéro, 75016 Paris for that iconic Eiffel Tower view. Free and ideal for morning photos.
15. Morning 2: Musée Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
The Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, 37 Quai Branly, 75007 Paris showcases arts and civilizations from Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. Hours: 10:30–19:00 (late opening on Thursday until 22:00). Full price: about €12. Notable for its striking green architecture.
16. Midday 2: Lunch on Rue Cler
A lively pedestrian market street: Rue Cler, 75007 Paris. Plenty of cafés and cheese shops. Prices: lunch €12–25. Market atmosphere — perfect for picking up fresh products and eating on the go.
17. Afternoon 2: Musée d’Orsay
Musée d’Orsay, 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris. Hours: 09:30–18:00, late opening Thursday until 21:45 (closed Monday). Full price: about €16. Impressionist and post-impressionist collections housed in a spectacular former train station. Tip: the 5th-floor terrace offers a lovely view of the Seine and the Louvre.
18. Afternoon 2: Pont Alexandre III and Les Invalides
Cross the Pont Alexandre III, 75008 Paris then visit Les Invalides (Musée de l’Armée), 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris. Invalides hours: 10:00–18:00 (closed on certain dates), museum price: about €14. Home to Napoleon’s tomb and major military collections.
19. Afternoon 2: Coffee break in the 7th
Recommended café: Café de l’Alma, 22 Rue de l’Université, 75007 Paris. Hours: 08:00–22:30. Prices: drinks €3–7. A relaxing stop before heading to the Latin Quarter.
20. Evening 2: Latin Quarter — dinner
The Latin Quarter has countless dining options. Try Le Procope, 13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris, Paris’s oldest café-restaurant. Hours: 12:00–22:30. Prices: mains €18–35. Historic, literary atmosphere and close to the Panthéon.
21. Night 2: Evening walk at the Panthéon
The Panthéon, Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris is often beautifully lit at night. Daytime visit hours vary; interior visits usually 10:00–18:30, ticket around €11. Enjoy the square and nearby bookshops.
22. Morning 3: Breakfast in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Start your final day in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 75006 Paris. Recommended café: Café de Flore, 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris. Hours: 07:30–01:30. Prices: breakfast €12–20. An iconic spot of Parisian intellectual life.
23. Morning 3: Église Saint-Sulpice
Visit Église Saint-Sulpice, Place Saint-Sulpice, 75006 Paris. Hours: generally open 07:00–19:30. Free entry; occasional paid guided tours. Admire Delacroix frescoes and the grand organ.
24. Morning 3: Luxembourg Gardens
Stroll the Jardin du Luxembourg, Rue de Médicis / Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris. Hours: 07:30–21:30 (seasonal). Free. Tip: sit by the central basin, visit the Luxembourg Palace (if open) and the Musée du Luxembourg for rotating shows (entry €8–12).
25. Morning 3: Musée Rodin
The Musée Rodin, 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris. Hours: 10:00–18:30 (late opening Thursday until 20:45). Full price: about €12. Beautiful sculpture gardens including The Thinker and The Burghers of Calais.
26. Midday 3: Lunch in Montparnasse
Head to Montparnasse for lunch: La Coupole, 102 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris. Hours: 11:30–23:30. Prices: mains €18–35. A classic Parisian brasserie popular with artists and intellectuals.
27. Afternoon 3: Tour Montparnasse
For a panoramic view without the queues at the Eiffel Tower, go up Tour Montparnasse, 33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris. Hours: 09:30–22:30. Price: about €18 for access to the observation deck. Spectacular views over all of Paris.
28. Afternoon 3: Montparnasse neighborhood and crêperies
The area is full of Breton crêperies: Crêperie Josselin, 67 Rue du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris. Hours: 12:00–23:00. Prices: galette €9–15. Try a traditional buckwheat galette complète.
29. Afternoon 3: Montmartre artistic climb
Head up to Montmartre, Place du Tertre, 75018 Paris. Wander the cobbled lanes, visit the basilica and the artists’ studios. The stroll is free; be aware of street artists and portrait pricing.
30. Afternoon 3: Basilica of Sacré-Cœur
The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris is generally open 06:00–22:30. Entry to the basilica is free; access to the dome or crypt may be ticketed (€6–8). Recommendation: go early to avoid crowds.
31. Afternoon 3: Musée de Montmartre
For the neighborhood’s history, visit the Musée de Montmartre, 12 Rue Cortot, 75018 Paris. Hours: 10:30–18:00. Ticket: about €11–13. Charming garden and historic artists’ studios.
32. Evening 3: Dinner in Pigalle
For a lively evening, head to Pigalle: Le Sans Souci, 3 Rue Frochot, 75009 Paris or similar places. Hours: 19:00–02:00. Prices: mains €16–30. A great way to finish your Montmartre adventure.
33. Local tip: Metro and transport
Navigo Découverte weekly pass: €22.80 + photo, valid seven days (zones depending on purchase). Book of 10 T+ tickets: about €18.90. Main lines run roughly from 05:30 to 01:15 (later on weekends). Tip: favor the metro to save time; Uber and taxis are useful late at night.
34. Local tip: Saving money
Many museums offer free entry to under-26s (EU) or on the first Sunday of the month (select venues). Check discounts, museum cards and tourist passes (Paris Museum Pass: 2 days €62, 4 days €86, 6 days €106 approx.).
35. Local tip: Safety and behavior
Paris is generally safe but watch out for pickpockets, especially around metro stations, tourist sites and Sacré-Cœur. Keep your belongings close and avoid displaying valuables.
36. Optional neighborhood: Le Marais (shopping and galleries)
Le Marais hosts boutiques and galleries. Recommendation: Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, 75003 Paris and Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 Paris. Shop hours: 10:00–19:00. Prices vary. Great for fashion and design shopping.
37. Optional neighborhood: Canal Saint-Martin
A romantic stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin, 75010 Paris with its bridges and quays. Bars and restaurants line the canal. Free to walk; lunch €12–25. Bohemian atmosphere.
38. Optional neighborhood: Belleville and street art
Belleville offers an alternative city panorama and rich street art. Highlights: Parc de Belleville, Rue Piat, 75020 Paris. Free. Ideal for urban photos and off-the-beaten-path discoveries.
39. Tasting: Cheese shops and markets
Visit Fromagerie Barthélemy, 51 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris or the Marché d’Aligre, Place d’Aligre, 75012 Paris. Market hours: mornings. Prices: cheeses €3–15. Tip: ask for tasting portions before buying.
40. Tasting: Notable bakeries
Try Boulangerie Poilâne, 8 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris. Hours: 07:30–19:00. Iconic country loaf: about €6–8. Award-winning baguettes can be found across the arrondissements.
41. Lesser-known museums: Musée Jacquemart-André
The Musée Jacquemart-André, 158 Boulevard Haussmann, 75008 Paris. Hours: 10:00–18:00. Price: about €14. Aristocratic interiors and a fine painting collection.
42. Lesser-known museums: Musée de l’Orangerie
The Musée de l’Orangerie, Jardin des Tuileries, 75001 Paris. Hours: 09:00–18:00 (closed Tuesday). Price: €12. Monet’s Water Lilies are the main attraction.
43. Shopping: Department stores – Galeries Lafayette
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris. Hours: 10:00–20:00. Prices: vary. Rooftop viewpoint is free (check access). Ideal for fashion and high-end souvenirs.
44. Shopping: Saint-Ouen Flea Market
Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, 93400 Saint-Ouen. Hours: Sat–Sun 10:00–18:00. Prices: haggling possible. Hunt for vintage furniture, clothes and curios.
45. Culinary visit: Wine tasting
Recommended workshop: Ô Chateau Wine Tasting, 68 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 75001 Paris. Workshop hours 10:30–20:00. Guided tasting price: €25–70 depending on the formula. Perfect to discover French wines.
46. Evening show: Opéra Garnier
Palais Garnier – Opéra national de Paris, Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris. Guided visits or performances available. Visit hours: 10:00–17:00. Visit price: €12–15. Attending a ballet or opera: tickets €20–200 depending on seating.
47. Night out: Jazz at Caveau de la Huchette
For live jazz: Caveau de la Huchette, 5 Rue de la Huchette, 75005 Paris. Evening concert hours: 21:00–02:00. Cover: €10–20. Historic club atmosphere.
48. Half-day excursion: Versailles
Palace of Versailles: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles. Hours: Château 09:00–18:30 (closed Monday). Ticket: Château about €20 (varies with exhibitions and gardens). RER C from Paris (30–45 min). Tip: arrive early to avoid tourist buses.
49. Half-day excursion: Château de Fontainebleau
Château de Fontainebleau, Place du Général de Gaulle, 77300 Fontainebleau. Hours: 09:30–17:30. Ticket: €12–15. Reachable by train from Gare de Lyon; ideal for lovers of royal history.
50. Photography: best viewpoints
Top spots: Square du Vert-Galant (Île de la Cité), Place du Trocadéro (75016), Parc de Belleville (75020). Best times: sunrise and sunset. Tip: use a small tripod for night shots.
51. For families: kid-friendly activities
Parks and museums suited to kids: Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, 30 Avenue Corentin Cariou, 75019 Paris (hours 10:00–18:00, ticket €12–14), Jardin d’Acclimatation, Bois de Boulogne, 75116 Paris (hours 10:00–19:00, park entry free, attractions ticketed).
52. Accessibility: tips for visitors with reduced mobility
Many sites are partially accessible: Louvre (elevators, ramps), Musée d’Orsay (elevators), Eiffel Tower (elevators to 2nd floor; summit access limited). Check official pages for specifics and assistance.
53. Budget: estimate for 3 days
Budget estimate (modest): €120–180 per day (excluding lodging) including meals, transport and a few museums. Comfort estimate: €250–400 per day including restaurants, shows and taxis.
54. Accommodation: recommended neighborhoods
Convenient neighborhoods: 1st (Louvre), 4th (Marais/Île), 5th (Latin), 7th (Eiffel Tower). Hotel prices: average double room €90–250/night depending on season. Book ahead for the best rates.
55. Night markets and events
Check local calendars: night markets and festivals (e.g., Paris Plages, Fête de la Musique on June 21). Some evening food markets pop up along the Seine in summer.
56. Health and pharmacies
24-hour pharmacies are marked by a glowing green cross. In emergencies call 112 (EU). Keep a small first-aid kit in your bag.
57. Phone and internet
Wi‑Fi is available in cafés and hotels; buy an eSIM or local SIM (Orange, SFR, Bouygues) for data if needed. City Wi‑Fi points are limited.
58. For photographers: rules and permissions
Photography is allowed in most public places; however, interior shots in some museums (temporary exhibitions) may prohibit flash and tripods. Check each site’s rules.
59. Culture and etiquette
Saying “bonjour”, “s’il vous plaît” and “merci” in French goes a long way. Parisians value politeness — always start interactions with “Bonjour Madame/Monsieur”.
60. Best time to visit
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds than July/August. Winter can be chilly but museums are less busy.
61. Festivals and temporary exhibitions
Check cultural calendars (Centre Pompidou, Grand Palais, Palais de Tokyo) for rotating exhibitions; prices vary €10–20. Booking online is recommended.
62. Alternative routes (bikes and scooters)
Vélib’ bike service and electric scooters are widespread. Prices: Vélib’ short-term pass €1.70/day plus usage; scooters ~€1 unlock + €0.15–0.25/min. Respect bike lanes.
63. Gourmet shopping: fine food stores
Visit La Grande Épicerie de Paris, 38 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris. Hours: 09:00–20:30. Exceptional products for gourmet souvenirs.
64. Souvenirs to bring home
Aged cheese (vacuum-packed), macarons, wine (check airline rules), old books from the Latin Quarter, French beauty products.
65. Recommended photowalks
Route: Île de la Cité → Pont Neuf → Louvre → Tuileries → Concorde → Champs-Élysées → Arc de Triomphe for a full day of photography.
66. Guided tours: options and prices
Local guides (2-hour walk): €15–35 per person. Specialized tours (food, street art, history): €40–90 depending on duration. Book via tourist offices or platforms.
67. Language: useful phrases
Handy phrases: “Bonjour”, “Merci”, “Parlez-vous anglais ?”, “L’addition, s’il vous plaît” will make interactions easier. Locals appreciate any attempt to speak French, even basic.
68. Reservations you must make
Book in advance: Eiffel Tower, Louvre (for major shows), dinner cruises, Opéra performances, popular restaurants. This avoids disappointment and long waits.
69. Dining etiquette
Tipping is not mandatory (service is often included), but leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated. Wait to receive the bill at the table.
70. Night photography tips
Use a cautiously high ISO and stabilize your camera; for the Eiffel Tower sparkle (every hour after dark), prepare for a 1–2 second exposure and use a discreet tripod if possible.
71. Final checks before departure
Check train/flight times, allow travel time to major stations (Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon, Gare Montparnasse) or airports (CDG/ORY) and build in a buffer. Double-check lost-and-found after your last visits.
72. Summary itinerary: your 72 hours at a glance
Day 1: Marais, Île de la Cité, Louvre, Seine cruise. Day 2: Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Latin Quarter, opera or jazz. Day 3: Saint-Germain, Luxembourg, Montparnasse, Montmartre. Mix major sights with café pauses to soak up Parisian life. Book big museums ahead, buy metro tickets in a book if your stay is short, and wear comfortable shoes. Following this flexible itinerary will give you a rich first taste of Paris, combining iconic monuments with intimate neighborhood corners.
Conclusion — Ending your stay with peace of mind
After a full 72 hours in Paris you’ll have covered the major highlights — Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame (its surroundings), Montmartre, Musée d’Orsay — while sampling neighborhood life in the Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter. This guide gives a clear framework with exact addresses, hours and indicative prices, while leaving room to explore. Paris rewards slow discovery: set aside pockets of time to wander without a schedule, sit at a terrace and simply watch. Don’t forget the local tips: book tickets online to avoid queues, check seasonal opening times and seek out early-morning or late-night viewpoints for photos with fewer people.
Take home your souvenirs — culinary (macarons, cheeses, wines), photographic (cityscapes at sunrise/sunset) or emotional (an unexpected stroll along the Seine) — and remember that Paris always deserves a return visit. Every trip reveals streets, cafés and museums a short stay can’t exhaust. To extend the experience, note places you missed and plan a future themed trip: modern art, gastronomy, Haussmann architecture or more Île-de-France excursions. Above all, respect the places and the people: politeness, discretion and curious kindness will open many doors. Enjoy your stay, and see you again in Paris.
