From novels to movies, Paris has always been depicted as a dreamland and there's a good reason for that. It’s a place to wonder, have the time of your life, and fall in love.
While there are tons of itineraries for Paris already, we believe to have the best one. The perfect mix of local and touristic: it will satisfy every taste.
Let's embark on a journey from the chic Champs-Elysée to bohemian Montmartre and let the city find its way into our hearts.
Day 1: French Bastards, Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries, La seine, Trocadero
What a more French way to start your first day by grabbing a cup of coffee, and one or two (we don't judge!) croissants and pains au chocolats at The French Bastards, one of the best bakeries in town. A short walk later and you would find yourself in front of the Louvre where you can catch a glimpse of the spectacular Mona Lisa, and stick around for some iconic paintings of French heritage, such as Delacroix’s ‘Liberty Leading the People’ and Gericault's ‘Raft of the Medusa’.
After hours of walking around the Louvre, you can now sit by gorgeous fountains and watch the world go by at the Jardin des Tuileries, for a much-needed recovery.
Next, you can hop on a cruise on the Seine for under €15 per person to oversee the city from a different perspective and travel under Paris’ most famous bridges. Don't forget to sip on French wine while at it though.
We kept the best until last. Located in the 16th Arrondissement on the Right Bank of Paris, a visit to the Trocadéro will get you a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower from across the Seine. You can even have a little picnic and wait for the lights to sparkle, which happens every hour.
Day 2: Pompidou, Le Marais, Notre Dame de Paris, Saint Chappelle, Shakespeare and Company
Start your second day in Paris by visiting the Pompidou Museum, the home to the biggest collection of modern and contemporary art in Paris. If works by Picasso and Miró are not your thing, catch one of the best views of Paris on the sixth floor instead.
Just a few steps away, you can roam the streets of Le Marais. Located on the Right Bank, it is a melting pot of Jewish, Chinese and LGBT cultures. Kosher bakeries, noodle joints and gay bars line its narrow streets, where you’ll also find high-end fashion boutiques and fascinating art collections.
Once you're done with the casual thrift and vintage shopping in Le Marais, follow the directions towards Notre-Dame de Paris, arguably one of the most famous buildings in France. Even after the famed 2019 fire, its Gothic beauty stands out among the churches of Paris, and the 69-meter-high towers are among the most iconic sights in Paris. This is also the site of the famous Bell Tower, home to Victor Hugo's Quasimodo.
If you're in the mood to church hunt, you're in luck! Just around the corner, you can visit the most extensive collection of 13th-century stained glass windows in the world in Sainte-Chapelle.
And finally, head out to Shakespeare and the Company to end the day on a high note. A little gem of Paris for all bookworms, this English-language bookstore has a marvelous history and was recognized as a haunt for Paris’ most famous writers. Continuing such literary reputation, it has seen readings and visits from Zadie Smith, Lydia Davis, John Berger, Jennifer Egan, Carol Ann Duffy, David Simon, Edward St. Aubyn, and Jeanette Winterson in the recent past.
Don't forget to have a cup of coffee at Shakespeare and the Company Café while reading your latest literary discoveries.
Day 3: Montmartre, Café des Deux Moulins, Rue des Martyrs, Opera Garnier, Place de la Concorde, Champs Elysées, le Relais de l’Entrecôte
Day three kicks off with a trip to the North of Paris, slightly away from the city-center, Montmartre holds much holds much more of a bohemian vibe than the other destinations on this list. It is well-known for its nightlife and the infamous Moulin Rouge. Despite the hills, it is the ideal place to explore on foot, with many vintage and quaint shops and stores lining the streets.
By this time, you’ve earned a little rest and refreshment! Head on over to the Café des Deux Moulins, the setting for Amélie! Not only will you feel a part of the movie, but you can also duck out of the tourist traps and enjoy an authentic dining experience at a reasonable price.
Only a short walk away, you can find Rue des Martyrs. This street has been voted one of the most beautiful in Paris. At less than a kilometer long, Rue des Martyrs feels like Paris condensed into one street, full of boutique shops and delightful bars and cafes.
Next one on the list is Opera Garnier: a beautiful setting in the heart of town. Paris’ famous Opera House is an architectural masterpiece where you feel taken back in time, and incredibly regal!
Now's the time for the Place de la Concorde, one of the capital's largest squares. Concorde seems to embody the elegance and historic power of Paris. It also signifies the start of the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous streets in the world. It joins the Palais de la Découverte, the Petit Palais and the Grand Palais, all of which are worth a visit if you've got some extra time.
After all that sightseeing you’ve probably built up quite an appetite. If you’re looking for somewhere suitable to round off your trip to Paris then we know just the spot. The Relais de l’entrecôte is a real Parisian Bistrot: sophisticated, elegant, and well-run: the ideal setting for a traditional meal accompanied by a few drinks!
There you go! Three action-packed days to explore one of the greatest cities in the world. These activities are perfect for a family holiday, romantic getaway, or solo travels! We hope these destinations show Paris at its best, and allow you to soak up all the culture and beauty that this wonderful city has to offer.
