Paris is one of Europe’s top destinations, known for iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and fantastic food. If you’re visiting Paris for the first time and want to make the most of your trip, this concise and practical itinerary will guide you through the best attractions in just three days. We’ve visited Paris many times in recent years and based on our experience, we’ve put together the ultimate three-day Paris itinerary. It includes the city’s most famous sights, a magical day at Disneyland Paris, and insider tips to help you navigate the city effortlessly.
Day 1: Discover Iconic Paris
Morning: Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées
Begin your Paris adventure at the city’s most recognizable landmark—the Eiffel Tower. Arrive early (ideally before 9 AM) to avoid crowds. Tickets for the Eiffel Tower’s lifts sell out quickly, so book online ahead of your visit.
After enjoying panoramic city views, take a leisurely walk toward the Champs-Élysées, Paris’s most famous boulevard lined with luxury boutiques, cafés, and theaters. At the western end, you’ll find the impressive Arc de Triomphe. Climb to the top for another stunning view of Paris.
Afternoon: Louvre Museum and Tuileries Garden
Next, head to the Louvre Museum, home to countless masterpieces, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the ancient Greek sculpture Venus de Milo. Due to the museum’s popularity, reserve your tickets online beforehand to save valuable time. Plan to spend around two to three hours here.
After exploring the Louvre, unwind in the adjacent Tuileries Garden. This tranquil green space is perfect for a relaxing walk or enjoying a quick snack from one of the garden’s cafés or food stands.
Evening: Seine River Cruise
As the sun sets, embark on a Seine River cruise. Seeing Paris from the water offers breathtaking views of landmarks like Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre, beautifully illuminated at night. Cruises typically last around one hour, providing the perfect end to your first day.
Day 2: Disneyland Paris – A Magical Adventure
Morning: Travelling to Disneyland Paris
Start your day early to maximise your time at Disneyland Paris. From central Paris, take the RER A train directly to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy station, located at the entrance to Disneyland Paris. The journey takes around 45 minutes, and trains run frequently throughout the day.
If you are visiting during the summer months, then the Disney Music Festival is a real treat. There are performances by Moana, Chip and Dale, Rapunzel, Pumbaa and Goofy and a spectacular Grand Orchestra Finale each evening.
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Disneyland Park
Upon arrival, begin your magical day at Disneyland Park, home to classic attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Peter Pan, Pirates of the Caribbean, and “It’s a Small World.”
Our perfect day includes a mix of attractions, snacks and character meet and greets.
If you are in the park by 9.45am, make sure to join the Virtual Queue for Stitch or Mickey Mouse and, at 2pm, you can reserve a second Virtual Queue. Spider-Man is a great option if you are planning to spend the afternoon in Walt Disney Studios. Check out the official Disneyland Paris App for the latest character lineup
For snacks, try some of our favourites:
- Boardwalk Candy for sweet treats
- Last Chance Cafe for Turkey Legs
- Champagne Cart at the end of Main Street
- Old Mill Cafe for seasonal snacks, Bitterballen and mini profiteroles
Afternoon: Walt Disney Studios Park
After lunch, visit Walt Disney Studios Park, offering attractions inspired by Disney’s cinematic history. Highlights include Ratatouille: The Adventure, Crush’s Coaster, and the exhilarating Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Make sure to use Disneyland Paris’s official app for live updates on attraction wait times and entertainment schedules.
Evening: Disney Tales of Magic
Complete your day at Disneyland with the spectacular Disney Tales of Magic show in front of the Castle. This impressive firework, projection, drone and music display is the perfect finale to your magical day. Afterwards, take the RER A train back to central Paris from right outside the park.
Do I need to buy Disneyland Paris tickets in advance?
First things first, yes, you must purchase Disneyland Paris tickets in advance! You cannot buy Disneyland Paris tickets at the entrance.
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You can choose between dated and undated tickets:
Dated tickets: 1,2, 3 and 4-day dated tickets which provide access to one or both parks on each day – if you choose a one-park ticket then you can spend each day in either Walt Disney Studios or in the Disneyland Park or, if you opt for a two-park ticket, you can move between the two parks during each day as you wish – check ticket prices now!
Undated tickets: if you are not sure of your dates or are gifting. Remember, undated tickets are valid for one year and you MUST register your visit date to ensure access to the park as it does sell out – check ticket prices here!
Should I buy 1 or 2 park tickets?
If you plan to visit both the main Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios on the same day you need a 2-park ticket. Disneyland Paris is the main park but Walt Disney Studios is equally as wonderful – both parks have awesome rides, fantastic character meet and greets and great dining options. Walt Disney Studios is home to the Marvel Avengers Campus and is an absolute must for Marvel fans.
We like the flexibility of being able to move between the parks – even on days we spend in the main Disneyland Park we usually pop over to Walt Disney Studios to catch a show (Mickey and the Magician and Frozen: a Musical Invitation are our favourites), for food (we love the Ratatouille-themed Chez Remy, fries from the Hollywood Catering Food Truck or Disney Magnums from Ice Cream Creations) or for character meet and greets (Minnie Mouse, Olaf, Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie all do fantastic meet and greets in Walt Disney Studios).
Should I buy dated/undated tickets?
Dated or Undated tickets? If you know the dates of your visit then dated tickets are the best option as you have guaranteed entry on the ticket date. Dated tickets are less expensive than undated and become cheaper as you increase the days (i.e. a 4-day ticket costs much less per day than a one-day ticket). Undated tickets must be registered against a date before use – the park regularly reaches capacity so it can be harder to secure peak dates and we recommend reserving your dates as soon as you have your schedule.
Do Disneyland Paris ticket prices vary?
Yes, ticket prices vary depending on when you visit. Disneyland Paris uses dynamic pricing on ticket sales – this means ticket prices will increase with demand. Be the ultimate early bird and lock in the cheapest prices now! Not only will you save big, but you’ll also have loads of time to count down the days to your next magical Disney adventure.
The least expensive tickets tend to be in low season (for example late January/early February) while the most expensive peak season days include Christmas, Halloween and the summer months.
Day 3: Historic Montmartre & Charming Latin Quarter
Morning: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur
Begin your final day in the charming, artistic neighbourhood of Montmartre. Known for its bohemian past, picturesque streets, and spectacular hilltop views, Montmartre offers visitors an authentic Parisian experience. Climb the steps to Sacré-Cœur Basilica for panoramic vistas of the city. Explore the neighbourhood’s quaint cafés, bakeries, and independent shops, capturing the essence of Parisian life.
Afternoon: Notre-Dame Cathedral and Latin Quarter
After Montmartre, head toward Île de la Cité to visit the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Although restoration following the 2019 fire continues, the cathedral is now accessible to visitors and its Gothic architecture remains impressive from the outside. Take time to admire its intricate façade and stroll around the perimeter, appreciating its history and significance.
Continue your exploration into the vibrant Latin Quarter. Known for its student-filled streets and historical significance, this area brims with bookstores, cafés, and a lively atmosphere. Don’t miss landmarks like the Panthéon and the charming Jardin du Luxembourg, one of Paris’s most beloved parks.
Evening: Authentic Parisian Dining
End your three-day adventure in true Parisian style by dining at a classic French bistro or brasserie in the Latin Quarter. Indulge in traditional dishes like French onion soup, duck confit, or crème brûlée, paired perfectly with French wine.
