Guest Writer By Esme Sheppard, Guest Writer
So, you’re going to Paris for a long weekend or a vacation. As city breaks go, you’ve definitely picked one of the best. Paris is an incredible city, full of delicious food, art, and unique sightseeing opportunities which can take you on an eclectic journey through its rich cultural history.
Millions of people flock to the City of Lights every year, and because there’s so much to do and see in the city, everyone comes with their own priorities. But no matter what you might want to see, three days should be more than enough time to experience Paris’ iconic landmarks for yourself, enjoy the very best of French cuisine, and explore some of those postcard-perfect Parisian neighborhoods, all without feeling too rushed.
But just in case you aren’t sure how to cram so much into a three-day trip, I’ve put together the ultimate itinerary that balances those must-see attractions with authentic local experiences and, in the end, gives you a fuller picture of the city while also creating unforgettable memories.
Day 1: Discover Paris’ Iconic Landmarks
I think it’s best to start with a bang, and in Paris, there’s no bigger bang than Eiffel Tower. If you arrive earlier in the day, the queues are bound to be shorter, and you’ll be able to get up to the observation deck a lot more quickly. The Champ de Mars, which surrounds the tower, is a great place for photos or to enjoy a peaceful walk before cracking on with more sightseeing.
From there, you can enjoy a nice walk along the Seine to the Trocadéro Gardens for a particularly spectacular line of sight, where fountains and wide terraces come together to create one of Paris’ most spectacular views. Following that, continue onwards to the Arc de Triomphe, which you’ll be able to find standing proudly at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. If you continue your leisurely stroll along the Champs-Élysées, you’ll have ample opportunity to treat yourself to some designer goods at a few luxury boutiques or recharge at one of the many cafés.
After a pleasant first morning, it’s time to get excited because it’s officially lunchtime in Paris. Fortunately, you’re in the best possible place to take a seat at a traditional Parisian bistro. Personally, I’d recommend Brasserie les Deux Palais, where you’ll almost certainly be spoiled for choice between the steak frites, onion soup, and freshly baked goods. But no matter which you choose, they’ll all go down well with a glass of wine.
Slow things down in the afternoon with a river tour along the Seine, which is a relaxing way to familiarize yourself with a lot of Paris’ celebrated honeypots, like the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Close the day out with dinner in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, where you’ll probably struggle to choose which of the many lively, inviting restaurants would be best for your first night in the French capital.
Day 2: Art and History
What better way to kickstart your second day in Paris than with a trip to the most famous art gallery in the world? You’ll need to book your tickets to the Louvre in advance, so when you do, try to get some as early in the day as possible. Once you’re inside, you’ll be able to lay your eyes on masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, not to mention the countless number of other works that’ll pleasantly surprise you.
After spending so much of the morning indoors, it’s high time for some fresh air. Take a walk through Tuileries Garden towards Place de la Concorde. There, you’ll be treated to all sorts of fountains, sculptures, and carefully manicured greenery (all, naturally, very French) which will provide a welcome contrast to the dark interiors of the gallery.
In that neck of the woods, you won’t have any trouble finding a café for lunch that serves all of the croque-monsieur, quiche, or fresh sandwiches that your heart desires. No matter which you choose to go for, it’ll definitely hit the spot. Extra points if you manage to find a pastry to pair with your lunch.
After that, it’s finally time to walk over to Notre-Dame (it’s hard to miss). The very best place to admire its Gothic architecture is from the surrounding square, preferably with an ice cream (weather permitting), so make sure you tick that one off the bucket list. Once you’ve finished your ice cream, I’d advise continuing your journey to the Latin Quarter’s narrow, historic streets. Once you’re there, you’ll find plenty of independent bookshops, bustling cafés, and centuries-old buildings that drip with the sort of character that you can only find in Paris.
End your day with a classic French dinner. There is no shortage of restaurant experiences in the centre that offer celebrated French dishes such as duck confit, coq au vin, and beef bourguignon. Steak frites fans should really check out the legendary Relais de l’Entrecôte and savor a tender and juicy steak served with their famous secret green sauce. But be warned that reservations are not accepted and the only way to get in is to wait in the endlessly long line.
Day 3: Slow Down for Your Last Day
Now it’s time to start your last day in Paris. This one is a bit different, because it’s time to take your foot off the gas and enjoy Paris beyond its most famous landmarks. Start the day off in Montmartre. This district is well-known for its winding hilltop streets and picture-card cafés. I’d recommend renting one of the city’s scooters or bicycles to get around this neck of the woods – especially for the ride back down to the city. But be careful; you don’t want to be in a situation where you’re depending on your travel insurance or are in need of personal injury solicitors.
After that, you’ll have earned the delicious brunch that awaits you at one of the neighborhood’s many cafés, which are particularly renowned for their freshly baked pastries, fruit, and coffee. Side note: I have never had a bad coffee anywhere in France, and Paris especially is a coffee lover’s dream. So, slow down the clock, sip your coffee, nibble that pastry, and meander into the leisurely rhythm of Parisian life.
During the afternoon, the city is well and truly your oyster. Keep this slot free to either revisit some of your favorite spots, or to treat yourself to some retail therapy in the city’s markets and specialty food shops at Marché Bastille. There, you’ll be able to find some the most amazing cheeses, chocolates, and (obviously) macarons in the world.
Last but not the least, many foodies, and afternoon tea fans in particular, will find a trip to Paris incomplete without a stop at the iconic Angelina and grab one of their signature Napoleon or mont-blanc, paired with a cup of L’Africain hot chocolate.
Celebrate the final evening of your trip in style with a dinner overlooking the skyline from a rooftop restaurant, like the Michelin-starred L’Oiseau Blanc. You’re in Paris, so I think it’s safe to say that you deserve at least one fancy meal out.
Conclusion
I hope that this three-day guide to Paris has helped you plan your own trip to the City of Light! It’s an exceptional city that deserves to be properly experienced – honeypots and all. But no matter how you choose to spend your trip, one thing’s for sure: you’ll leave with countless happy memories and an appetite to return.
