Paris is a city full of life, full of charm and full of character. This city is so multifaceted that each visit is different from the one before. And though a few days isn’t enough to see it all, that shouldn’t keep you from trying. Out of all the great things to do, there are a 4 hidden gems that are an absolutely must (check them out here) to make your visit that much more special. Paris is a city where every statue, monument and building has significance and so much history. Continue reading for the perfect 3-day itinerary for enjoying and seeing Paris!

Things to Consider

Arrondissements

Paris is separated by 20 arrondissements, or districts. Surprisingly, arrondissemements are arranged in a clockwise spiral starting with 1st arrondissement in the center of the city. Your best bet is to know which attractions you want to see and try to plan the ones in close proximity closer together.

Walk

Wear comfy shoes. The city is so walkable and it’s truly the best way to take in all the beautiful architecture and to really appreciate the culture.

Metro

Get familiar with the metro. It is very efficient and inexpensive. Some stations, like Art et Metiers, are really neat. And it’s a quick, easy way to get from one area to another.

French Etiquette

Did you know that French people never drink their coffee on the go? You may find that France does things quite different. So be sure to read this post on French etiquette and everything you need to know before you visit.

Day 1

Champs-Élysées

Start the day at Champs-Élysées. Located in the 8th arr., this tree-lined avenue is famous for luxury boutiques, flagship stores and restaurants. The annual Bastille Parade is held here each year and it’s the perfect place for shopping or strolling. In fact, Avenue des Champs-Élysées is frequently described as the most beautiful avenue in the world.

Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile

Champs-Élysées begins at Arc de Triomphe and it is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. The Arc de Triomphe honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. And Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I.

The Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde, located at the very end of Champs-Élysées, is a public square, recognized by the Luxor Obelisk, an Egyptian pointed pillar, which was gifted to France in 1833 by Egypt. Place de la Concorde was originally created in the 1700’s and was utilized as an execution site during the French Revolution. With the end of the French Revolution, it remains as a reference of peace and harmony and is the finish line for the annual Tour de France.

We went during the holidays and there was a Christmas Market right next to Place de la Concorde. So we walked around for a little while and ate the famous Le Americain, a buttered baguette filled with  hamburger patties, dripping with cheese, then filled to the brim with fries.

After our quick bite, we went for a ride on the Paris Ferris wheel, or the Grande Roue de Paris, which goes up during the winter months. Some people love it and others hate but the views from the ferris wheel are spectacular. In fact, you get unobstructed views of the city including the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. And there’s also a carousel that is perfect for the little ones.

Eiffel Tower

Walk over to the Seine River and make your way to the Eiffel Tower (you won’t miss it). The Eiffel Tower is easily the emblem of the city and is the most-visited paid monument in the world. Named after Gustave Eiffel whose company designed and built the tower, it was constructed for the 1889 World’s Fair, a centennial celebration of the French Revolution. Can you believe the tower was originally intended as a temporary exhibit?

For truly wonderful tour of the city, Vedettes de Paris in Pont de Neuf offers great boat tours through the Seine River. Honestly, this tour is a million times better at night because the city lights up. The view of the city lights, the illuminated monuments and the cool breeze of the night make this tour extra special.

Day 2

Le Marais District

Le Marais is the closest it gets to medieval Paris and is often referred to as “old Paris.” The labyrinth of cobblestone streets exudes old-world charm. Grab a coffee or breakfast at any of the cafes while people watching!

Centre Georges Pompidou is located in this part of town. And it is home to Musée National d’Art Moderne. Even if you arrive early, there will likely already be a long line to go in as it’s one of the most visited art museums in the world. Be sure to check out the vintage stores in Le Marais – I found an awesome leather jacket!

Bouquinistes of Paris

Paris has more than 200 outdoor bookstores, or bouquinistes. These green painted boxes are situated along the Seine River in the 3rd arr. You can purchase books, magazines, art and collectibles. These bookstores date back to the 16th century when the Renaissance brought with it an era of literacy and booksellers set up permanent places of business alongside and nearby the Seine River.

Notre Dame

Notre Dame de Paris, translated to Our Lady of Paris, is a medieval Catholic Cathedral in Île de la Cité in the 4th arr. Construction of this cathedral took almost 200 years! The line to get in looks long but moves fast.

Love Lock Bridge

Pont de l’Archevêché is most famous for the more than 700,000 locks hanging on the fence. Typically, lovers lock padlocks on the fence of this bridge as a symbol of unbreakable love. However, Paris has recently began removing locks as the weight was causing damage and bridges were close to crumbling.

Place de la République

Place de la République is a square in Paris where the 3rd, 10th and 11th arr. meet. The statue of Marianne in the center currently serves as the memorial for the recent terrorist attacks. I got chills being there.

Montmartre

Montmartre is a unique village within a metropolis. Sacré-Cœur Basilica sits on the crest of the hill. Head up the hill. If you don’t want to walk up the 300 steps, you can take the Montmartrobus or Montmartre Funicular for a close-up view of this basilica. You can also climb to the top of the dome for breathtaking views of Paris. Stop in to one of the many bars and enjoy a drink, shop the boutiques and wander through the cobblestone streets!

Day 3

Panoramic View

Printemps is a famous department store in France and there are several locations in Paris. However, the Printemps Paris Haussmann in the 9th arr. is the one to go to. Aside from having eight floors of merchandise, the rooftop boasts some of the best views in Paris. You can see the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur and more.

Covered Passages

Covered passages are sprinkled throughout the city. Galerie Vivienne and Vero-dodat are must-visits and the perfect spot to shop for unique souvenirs. Originally, these glass-covered labarynths served as a passageways that offered shelter from the rain. Nowadays these quiet yet unbelievably charming passages are brimming with shops, classic boutiques and cafes.

 

Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is the word’s largest museum. Located in the 1st arr. you’ll find more than 28,000 objects exhibited here, one of them being the Mona Lisa!

Canal Saint-Martin

Canal Saint-Martin has grown from a hidden treasure to a hip area with some of the city’s best restaurants and shops. Located in the northeast of Paris in the 10th arr., you’ll definitely find less tourists here. You’ll see a different side of Paris for sure!

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Nearby, you’ll find Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a park a bit off the beaten path. Its a lovely setting and a perfect spot for a picnic. And it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of its busy nearby attractions.

Pigalle

This former red light district is oozing with sex shops, brightly lit signs and dubauchery. Home of the Moulin Rouge, it’s worth a stroll. Though if you have little ones, you may want to skip out on this part of town.

Have you been to Paris? What’s been your favorite part of the city? Or what are you most looking forward to seeing? Let me know!