3 Days in Paris_ Travel Guide on TripAdvisor

Denise D's City Tips

Europe › France › Ile-de-France › Paris › Travel Guides

Most of my friends and family come by for three-day visits and whether it’s their first time in Paris or

their 20th time, this itinerary always makes them happy to be in the city. Although it’s impossible to

discover all of Paris within three days, this guide will give you a good impression of the city's treasures.

Good for History Buff Thrill Seeker Shopping Fanatic Art and Architecture Lover Nightlife Seeker Nature Lover Foodie

Peace and Quiet Seeker LGBT Luxury Traveler Thrifty Traveler Trendsetter Like a Local

16 Places

8 City Tips

■ Practical information about the metro, bus and RER network, including departure times and multi-day tickets,

is found on the RATP website.

■ When the metro closes, the night buses start running. It’s a good network, accessible with your normal metro

and multi-day passes. For Noctilien timetables, see the RATP website.

■ Cycle like a Parisian. Insert your credit card in a Vélib bike to take it wherever and whenever you want, cycling

through the city. Be mindful of the traffic!

■ 18-25 year-old EU-citizens can get free admission to many Parisian museums and attractions. Check prices at

the entrance.

■ Every first Sunday of the month, many Parisian museums offer free admission — expect long queues.

3 Days in Paris: Travel GuideDay 1

3 Days in Parisby Denise D, Paris, France

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■ Be aware that drinking and eating on terraces is more expensive than in the bar or restaurant itself. Plus, the

closer a restaurant is to a hotspot, the higher the prices will be.

■ Pay careful attention to your belongings, especially in metros and around tourist attractions.

■ Do not sign any petitions or papers from people without a badge, don’t play betting games and be mindful of

tricks that distract you in order to steal your valuable possessions.

Day 1


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Foodie Must See Luxury Traveler Thrifty Traveler Trendsetter History Buff Shopping Fanatic

Art and Architecture Lover Nature Lover

Tips

The entrance to the chapel is free; for the crypt and the dome there is a fee.

Do not let the salesmen at the funicular put a bracelet on your arm. They'll make sure you won’t take it off, and insist you

pay for it.

Check out the artists and bohemian ambiance just around the corner at Place du Tertre.

At night the stairways are full of people hanging out, drinking, eating and singing.

Plan to stay: 1-2 hours

See more photos

“The wedding cake on the balcony of Paris. This lovely Roman Catholic church is built on the Butte Montmartre, and

as the highest point in Paris, it gives you a good view over the city. You can climb the 222 steps or take the funicular

to reach the top. The Basilica was designed by Paul Abadie and Lucien Magne in Romano-byzantine style, and built

to honor the 58,000 men that died during the Franco-Prussian War. The Sacré Coeur is situated in Montmartre, an

idyllic and bohemian neighborhood full of lovely boutiques, restaurants and street art.”

Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (Sacre-Coeur)Religious Sites, Architectural Buildings, Historic Sites


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Address:

35, Rue du Chevalier-De-La-Barre -

Montmartre

Paris 75018

France

Phone:

+33 1 53 41 89 00

Hours:

Sun - Sat

6:00 am - 10:30 pm

Other:

Website

Day 1


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Denise D Says:

Foodie Must See LGBT Luxury Traveler Trendsetter History Buff Art and Architecture Lover

Nightlife Seeker

Tips

Even with purchased tickets, be on time. First come, first served.

The shows during the day are slightly cheaper than the evening shows.

If you book the show including champagne, you’ll get better seats.


Address:

82 Boulevard de Clichy

Paris 75018

France

Phone:

33 01 53 09 82 82

Other:

Website

See more photos

“At Boulevard de Clichy in the district of Pigalle, you'll find Le Moulin Rouge. This cabaret, well-known for its

extravagant spectacles, is symbolic of the bohemian lifestyle and is of course the birthplace of the French Cancan

dance! Whether you actually see a once-in-a-lifetime (albeit expensive) show or just walk around the exterior, the

Moulin Rouge is a fun place and a must-see in Paris.”

Moulin RougeTheaters, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Bars & Clubs


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Must See Luxury Traveler Thrifty Traveler Trendsetter History Buff Art and Architecture Lover

Tips

Take the underpasses to access the Arc de Triomphe, do not try to cross the roundabout.

Visit the rooftop of the Arc for an excellent view over Paris and the Eiffel Tower.

Can you see the red star on the square pointing toward every street?

This Arc de Triomphe is part of the line of monuments called the Axe Historique, the middle arch between the Arc de

Triomphe du Carrousel and the Grande Arche de la Défense.


Address:

Place Charles de Gaulle

Paris 75008

France

Phone:

01 55 37 73 77

Hours:

Sun - Sat

10:00 am - 10:30 pm

Other:

Website

See more photos

“When you arrive at the foot of the Arc de Triomphe, it cannot fail to make a huge impression on you — not only the

building itself, but also its setting Place Charles de Gaulle (Place de l’Étoile), a roundabout famous for its heavy

traffic. The Arc de Triomphe was built to honor the men who fought in the Napoleonic and the French Revolutionary

wars: The names and places on the arch are of the French generals and army victories.”

Arc de TriomphePoints of Interest & Landmarks, Monuments & Statues, Architectural Buildings, Historic Sites


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Art and Architecture Lover Nightlife Seeker

Tips

The shops on the Champs Elysées are open until 10pm.

Every July 14, Bastille Day, a military parade takes place, and it is quite a show.

You haven’t visited Paris if you haven’t tasted a LaDurée macaron! It is worth the long lines here.


Address:

Avenue des Champs Elysees

Paris 75008

France

See more photos

“Shopping time! While you will not find many Parisians here (it is quite expensive and there are mainly chain

stores), the most beautiful avenue in the world is still worth a visit. The buildings are beautiful and the little

alleyways on both sides are full of bistros, bars and clubs to explore. Fans of the Tour de France may also know this

place as the final stage of the race course!”

Champs-ElyseesPoints of Interest & Landmarks, Historic Walking Areas


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Foodie LGBT Luxury Traveler Trendsetter Like a Local Art and Architecture Lover Nightlife Seeker

Tips

If you come in for a drink or a meal, leave room for dessert. They are great!

Personal favorite dish: Flip Flap Saumon.


Address:

47,avenue George-V

Paris

France

Phone:

01 47 20 74 00

Hours:

Sun - Sat

12:00 pm - 2:00 am

See more photos

“These chain restaurants are different, healthy and reasonably priced! There are now ten Paradis du Fruits in Paris

and I personally love them all for their cocktails and smoothies. They serve large glasses, the fruit is fresh and you

can mix them yourself. The dishes are mostly healthy and you can see the ingredients displayed and simply choose

what you like the look of.”

Paradis du FruitRestaurants


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Thrifty Traveler Trendsetter Nightlife Seeker

Tips

Sometimes you can get free passes on their website.

Sing along to the catchy French hits from the 90’s on their ‘We love the 90’s party’ night.


Address:

50 bd Voltaire

11th

Paris

France

Phone:

01.43.14.35.35

Other:

Website

See more photos

“Concerts, spectacles, stand-up comedy during weekdays and club nights during the weekend, this multi-event

destination has a lot to offer.”

Le BataclanTheaters


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Denise D Says:

Peace and Quiet Seeker Must See Thrifty Traveler Trendsetter History Buff Art and Architecture Lover

Tips

Keep in mind that the opening times can change based on the weather (raining or not).


Address:

Place du Pantheon

Paris 75005

France

Phone:

+33 01 44 32 18 00

Other:

Website

See more photos

“This museum is really worth a visit. First of all, it is set in the lovely Latin Quarter of Paris, and second, the

Panthéon is a mausoleum for the greatest French citizens. Some of the grands hommes you'll find here include

Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Jean Moulin, Rousseau, Braille and Jean Jaurès. It is also famous for its Foucault pendulum

(designed by Léon Foucault), which demonstrates the rotation of the Earth.”

Day 2

PantheonArchitectural Buildings, Religious Sites, Cemeteries


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Nature Lover

Tips

The park is open from sunrise to sunset.

The nearest metro station is Odeon.

A free brochure is available on the Senate website.

Plan to stay: Less than 1 hour

Address:

Rue de Vaugirard, Boulevard St.

Michel, Rue Auguste-Comte and Rue

Guynemer

Paris 75006

France

Phone:

+33 1 42 34 20 00

Other:

Website

See more photos

“Next to the Panthéon you will find the Luxembourg Gardens — always a lovely spot to visit whether it’s winter, fall,

spring or summer. Each season has its own unique charm. It’s one of the most beautiful parks in Paris and the

perfect place to wander around, enjoy a picnic, get active with sports or just relax and admire this beautifully

maintained city park. Nowadays the French Senate meets in the Palace situated in the gardens, so you never know

whom you may be rubbing shoulders with in this green oasis.”

Luxembourg GardensGardens, Parks


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Peace and Quiet Seeker Must See Luxury Traveler Thrifty Traveler Trendsetter History Buff

Art and Architecture Lover

Tips

Visit the Cathedral during daylight hours — at night it’s impossible to see the lovely stained glass windows and other

intricate touches.

The entrance is free, therefore it is often busy.


Address:

6 Parvis Notre-Dame

Place Jean-Paul II

Paris 75004

France

Phone:

+33 1 42 34 56 10

Other:

Website

See more photos

“When you think of the Notre Dame Cathedral, it's likely you think of Victor Hugo’s 'The Hunchback of Notre-Dame,'

set here in one of the most famous churches in Paris, located on Ile de la Cité. It is a French Gothic architectural

marvel and was one of the first buildings to utilize the flying buttress. The famous gargoyles were designed as water

spouts and its stained glass is just beautiful.”

Notre Dame CathedralReligious Sites, Architectural Buildings, Historic Sites, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Churches & Cathedrals


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Foodie Must See Luxury Traveler Thrifty Traveler Trendsetter Like a Local History Buff

Shopping Fanatic Nightlife Seeker

Tips

Visit the Shakespeare and Company Bookstore for some English books with a French touch.

Rue de la Hunchette and Pot de Fer are very touristic. Walk a little further to eat in a peaceful, less crowed restaurant.

Try some French dishes like escargots (snails), pot au feu or boeuf bourguignon (beef stews).


Address:

Rue de la Huchette

Paris 75005

France

Other:

Website

See more photos

“The Latin Quarter is known for its restaurants, cafes, bistros and great student life — in particular, on the street

Rue de la Hunchette. Come to this bright, happening part of the city any time of day and stay for a meal — while the

food may not always be that amazing, the experience of the street is. This neighborhood is also home to the

Sorbonne, one of world's first universities, and owes its name to the Latin language, which was the language spoken

in the university during the Middle Ages!”

Rue de la HuchettePoints of Interest & Landmarks


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Tips

The tower twinkles on the hour, every hour, from nightfall till 1am. It’s magical.


Address:

5 avenue Anatole France

Paris 75007

France

Phone:

+33 892 70 12 39

Hours:

Sun - Sat

9:30 am - 11:00 pm

Other:

Website

See more photos

“The Eiffel Tower ... Paris wouldn’t be Paris without this iconic landmark! I think the best time to visit the Eiffel

Tower is at night, when it is illuminated. Start at Trocadero to enjoy the best view of the tower (it's always busy, so it

may take a while before you can take your perfect photo), and then walk down the stairs towards the tower until

you arrive beneath it. After you've admired it up close, walk further on Champ de Mars and pause for a drink in the

grass (on summer nights) or a romantic walk (on winter nights).”

Eiffel TowerObservation Decks & Towers, Points of Interest & Landmarks


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Denise D Says:

Must See Like a Local History Buff Shopping Fanatic Art and Architecture Lover Nightlife Seeker

Nature Lover Foodie Peace and Quiet Seeker LGBT Luxury Traveler Thrifty Traveler Trendsetter

Tips

Read a book on one of the benches like the Parisians do.

The park is very child-friendly.

Plan to stay: Less than 1 hour

Address:

Place des Vosges

4th arrondissement

Paris 75004

France

Other:

Website

See more photos

“This lovely little park takes you back to the old 17th century Paris, and is set in the heart of the Marais. The square

was built by Henri IV and is the oldest square in Paris. Its orange buildings are quite idyllic and known to be the

popular homes of French politicians like Dominic Strauss-Kahn. A century ago, it was also the home of Victor Hugo.

whose house is nowadays a museum and worth a peek if you have time. In the streets surrounding the square, you’ll

also find the lively, unique atmosphere of the Marais just waiting to be explored.”

Day 3

Place des VosgesPoints of Interest & Landmarks


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Tips

There are few queues here.

The exhibits here change often. Check the website for up-to-date information.


See more photos

“Centre Pompidou (locally known as Beaubourg) is my personal favorite museum in Paris, and is also fun for a short

visit. This big colorful block in the middle of the city is quite unique, being the largest modern art museum in Europe,

with famous works by Matisse, Picasso, Warhol, and others among its displays. It's also home to an interesting

library, numerous special exhibits and some active research centers. Of course if you want to visit the whole museum

and take your time, it isn’t possible on a short visit, but with 2-3 hours to spare, you can see many of the great works

and get a good general overview.”

Centre PompidouArt Museums, Architectural Buildings


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Address:

Place Georges Pompidou

Place Georges Pompidou

Paris 75004

France

Phone:

+33 1 44 78 12 33

Price range:

EGP1,138 - EGP1,138

Hours:

Wed - Mon

11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Other:

Website

Day 1


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Art and Architecture Lover Nature Lover

Tips

Bring a scarf during the winter and sunblock during the summer.

The park ends on Place de la Concorde, the largest square in the city. During the Revolution, this was the square were

the guillotine stood.


Address:

Bordered by quai des Tuileries

pl. de la Concorde, rue de Rivoli

Paris

France

Hours:

Sun - Sat

7:00 am - 9:30 pm

Other:

Website

See more photos

“The Tuileries Garden is located in the heart of Paris, next to the Louvre, and it's a great place to wander around.

You can start with the Louvre itself — but bear in mind that it takes at least a week to see the whole of it and the

queues are long! — or stick to the outside of the museum, with the pyramid of Pei, several expositions in the Tuileries,

lovely sculptures and the Orangerie to explore.”

Jardin des TuileriesGardens


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Foodie Thrifty Traveler Trendsetter Like a Local Nightlife Seeker

Tips

They do not take credit cards. Bring cash!

I’m madly in love with their "Escalope de Veau Montagnarde."

Be on time, long queues are common.


Address:

30 rue des Cinq Diamants

Paris 75013

France

Phone:

01 45 80 70 10

Other:

Website

See more photos

“The place to be for locals and tourists alike, this Basque restaurant is a hit in Paris, with its relaxed atmosphere, big

tables, friendly prices and best of all, delicious food. Here the portions are large and original, and the convivial

atmosphere makes for the perfect laid back evening in the 'real' Paris.”

Chez GladinesRestaurants (French, Spanish, Basque)


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Foodie LGBT Luxury Traveler Trendsetter Nightlife Seeker

Tips

It’s a chic place, so ladies and gentlemen, dress up!

Drinks are expensive like in every trendy club in Paris.


Address:

46 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine

Paris 75012

France

Phone:

33-155788475

Hours:

Sun - Thu

12:00 pm - 2:00 am

Fri

12:00 pm - 2:30 am

Sat

12:00 pm - 3:00 am

See more photos

“This four-story restaurant, bar and club is located at Rue du Faubourg St. Antoine, and is a great (if pricey) place to

enjoy authentic Latin dishes and/or drinks, before dancing the whole night away to some top-notch salsa!”

Barrio LatinoRestaurants (South American)


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3 Days in Paris_ Travel Guide on TripAdvisor

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