Paris 3-day itinerary
France
Where to go and what to see in Paris – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Anna Brooke.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Montmartre & the Sacre-Coeur Basilica
Credit Shutterstock.com/T.W. van Urk
Last updated: 09 November, 2022
This large hill in Pari’s 18th arrondissement may be overrun with visitors, but the village-like neighbourhood of Montmartre is also incredibly charming, with its cute houses, artists’ studios and steep stairways.
It’s known for its long artistic history – in the 18th and 19th centuries many artists lived and worked or had studios in Montmartre, leaving it a unique bohemian charm. Its other claim to fame is the sugary-white domed church of Sacre-Coeur, built in 1914 – the interior is a feast of glittering neo-Byzantine mosaics. It crowns Paris’s highest hill, and offers the best panoramic views of the city from atop its dome (open to visitors).
The main square – Place du Tertre – is horribly crowded with tourists and packed with pseudo-artists, but there are still authentic corners to be discovered in the side streets lower down the hill. For a more laid-back side of Montmartre, explore the cafés and shops along Rue des Abbesses, Rue Lepic and Rue des Trois-Frères.
Other attractions here include Montmartre Cemetery, the Montmartre Museum, and the Dalí Paris art space.
It’s a go-to for all tourists and first-timers, but the area still has charm and a wonderfully bohemian air.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Paris 6-day itinerary
France
Where to go and what to see in Paris – a 6-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Anna Brooke.
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Overview >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 7+
When: All year around
Duration: 1 day
Getting there & doing it
Take the metro to Abbesses or Anvers, then walk or catch the funicular up the hill to the Sacré-Coeur. You don’t need a guided tour – just wander around and soak up the atmosphere.
For the best food, avoid the restaurants on Place du Tertre and instead head for classic brasserie La Mascotte on Rue des Abbesses.
When to do it
Montmartre is a huge tourist draw so there are always crowds, although first thing in the morning does tend to be quieter. Avoid weekend afternoons, or visit in the evenings, when old-fashioned, gas-lit street lamps and traditional bistros give the streets a pleasingly romantic atmosphere.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Secret Montmartre, smartphone audioguided tour
Paris
Discover the bohemian spirit that still floats over this old Parisian village with a guide in your pocket ! Now possible thanks to Rewind's ...
€10 | Rating 4.88 / 5 [18 ratings]
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Montmartre and Sacre Coeur Walking Tour in Paris
Paris
Stroll through Paris' most bohemian neighborhood on a guided afternoon walk through Montmartre. You'll see where famous painters lived and w...
€25 | Rating 4.43 / 5 [409 ratings]
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Tour supplied by:
Montmartre Walking Tour: Paris' Best Art, Culture and Food
Paris
Join your friendly English speaking guide for this 90 minute walking tour in Paris' most popular neighborhood. Your guide will share stories...
€36 | Rating 4.86 / 5 [825 ratings]
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Tour supplied by:
Montmartre Street Art Tour with an Artist
Paris
Where art history meets Street Art!
Because of its artistic history and beautiful church on top of the hill, Montmartre is called the most...
€36 | Rating 4.87 / 5 [70 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Hotel Le Relais Montmartre
Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.5 miles]
Homely country-cottage charm and welcoming calm in this 26-room boutique hotel, halfway between magical Montmartre and louche Pigalle.
Official star rating:
Hotel Bachaumont
Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2.3 miles]
A hip, Haussmann-style hotel is a fab base for anyone looking to mix sightseeing with shopping and nightlife. Uber-central, close to the Louvre, and with a brasserie and bars worth staying in for.
Official star rating:
Le Bristol Paris
Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2.5 miles]
A legendary Paris grande dame hotel and altar to old-school opulence, at the historical heart of the city.
Official star rating:
Hotel Le Pradey
Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2.5 miles]
In a perfect Louvre-adjacent location, this witty, original boutique hotel pays homage to Parisian style.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Paris
Ile-de-France, France
Crammed with iconic buildings, world-class art and a culinary scene steeped in history, Paris is one of the world’s great capitals, overflowing with style, romance, and art de vivre.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Jacquemart-Andre Museum
Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2.5 miles]
Superb 19th-century collection of Italian Renaissance masterpieces, French portraiture and decorative arts.
Best for ages: Any | £15
Museum of Decorative Arts
Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2.6 miles]
The largest museum of decorative arts in continental Europe, home to an inspirational and diverse collection of 1M+ items of furniture, ceramics, jewellery and more, dating from the Middle Ages through to the latest designers.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12
Orangerie Museum
Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2.9 miles]
A world-class art museum in Napoleon III’s former citrus house, home to Impressionist and modernist artworks, including Monet’s iconic Water Lilies.
Best for ages: 18+ | £8
Louvre Museum
Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2.9 miles]
The world’s most visited museum, a treasure trove of art from around the world. Admire the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and many, many more…
Best for ages: 16+ | £15
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Dali Paris
Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.1 miles]
This museum in the Montmartre neighbourhood is dedicated to the surrealist Salvador Dali, displaying over 300 of his works. Dali lived and painted in Paris for many years.
Best for ages: 18+ | £8
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Overview >
Moulin Rouge
Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.7 miles]
A long-running, extravagant, colourful cabaret featuring dancers and courtesans has been thrilling Parisian audiences since 1889. See the incomparable Can Can – the enigmatic dance that’s its greatest claim to fame.
Best for ages: 10+ | £74 | 2-4 hours
Experience
Stohrer
Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2.4 miles]
The birthplace of the rum baba in the 18th century, the city’s oldest patisserie still wows with its gateaux (cake) today.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
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Experience
Sainte-Chapelle
Paris, Ile-de-France, France[3.5 miles]
Paris’ most exquisite Gothic monument was built by Louis IX in 1248 to house his collection of Passion relics, including Christ’s Crown of Thorns (now at Notre-Dame Cathedral). It has one of the most extensive 13th-century stained-glass collections anywhere in the world.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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