Paris is the quintessential global destination, blending centuries of royal history with world-class art, fashion, and culinary excellence. It is best visited in the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn to balance pleasant weather with manageable crowds.
Top Things to Do in Paris
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Getting Around Paris
From the Airport
Train. The RER B train connects Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris (Châtelet-Les Halles) in about 45 minutes for approximately 12 euros. Rideshare. Uber and Bolt are widely available at both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, with fares typically ranging from 50 to 70 euros depending on traffic.
Once You're There
Metro. The Paris Metro is the most efficient way to travel, with lines covering nearly every corner of the city; use a Navigo Easy pass for convenience. Walking. Paris is an incredibly walkable city, and the best way to discover hidden architectural details and charming side streets is on foot.
Where to Stay in Paris
Moxy Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport★★★★5 Rue du Signe, 95700 Roissy-en-France, FranceCheck in took a little longer than expected. Ordered pizza at the bar. The pizza was actually really good. Highly recommend it. Kitchen closed after midnight I think. Breakfast was super crowded. Like wow. No space to eat. People everywhere. You would think the food was really good or something, but it was pretty basic. Rooms are Paris but hey it's Paris. Shuttle train from and to airport is very convenient.
Holiday Inn Express Paris - Cdg Airport by IHG★★★★★5 Rue du Voyageur, 95700 Roissy-en-France, FranceGreat location. Just take the shuttle train to the terminals or train to Paris. Signs are pretty clear. Check in was smooth and easy. Front desk attendant was very courteous. The room was a good size. I couldn't figure out how to turn on the heat/AC. Luckily, it wasn't that cold ont he room.More hotel picks are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly, pre-filled with your dates:
Where to Eat in Paris
Le Train Bleu★ 4.4 (19,165)Gare de Lyon, Pl. Louis Armand hall 1, 75012 Paris, FranceLocated inside Gare de Lyon, this opulent restaurant offers a stunning architectural backdrop for a luxurious, classic French meal.
Angelina★ 4.3 (18,789)226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, FranceFamous for its decadently thick 'L'Africain' hot chocolate, this tea room on Rue de Rivoli is a true Parisian institution.
L'As du Fallafel★ 4.3 (14,696)34 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris, FranceLocated in the heart of Le Marais, this spot is globally renowned for serving what many consider the best falafel pita in the world.
Chez Janou★ 4.3 (8,995)2 Rue Roger Verlomme, 75003 Paris, FranceThis vibrant Provençal bistro is best known for its bottomless chocolate mousse served from a massive communal ceramic bowl.
Septime★ 4.3 (1,438)80 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris, FranceA pioneer of modern French gastronomy, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a sophisticated seasonal tasting menu that is highly coveted.
Les Deux Magots★ 4.2 (12,218)6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris, FranceOnce the haunt of literary giants like Hemingway and Sartre, this café is the quintessential spot for people-watching over a morning coffee.
Le Relais de l'Entrecôte★ 4.2 (9,328)15 Rue Marbeuf, 75008 Paris, FranceThis iconic establishment simplifies your choice by serving only one main course: steak frites with a secret, legendary green sauce.
Bistrot Paul Bert★ 4.2 (1,833)18 Rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris, FranceAn authentic bastion of Parisian dining, it is widely celebrated for its classic steak au poivre and extensive wine list.
Bouillon Chartier★ 4.1 (33,265)7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009 Paris, FranceStep back in time at this historic brasserie known for its beautiful Belle Époque interior and incredibly affordable traditional French classics.
Le Comptoir du Relais★ 4.1 (1,460)9 Carr de l'Odéon, 75006 Paris, FranceThis legendary bistro in Saint-Germain is famous for its elevated take on classic French comfort food and perfectly executed terrines.
Tours & Activities
Bookable through Viator.
3 Days in Paris
Royal History & Iconic Views
Morning. Start your Parisian journey at the Trocadéro gardens, which offer the absolute best panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower across the river. Walk down through the gardens and cross the Pont d'Iéna to reach the tower base, arriving early to beat the massive tour groups. Spend time admiring the iron lattice work before heading toward the nearby Arc de Triomphe via a short taxi ride or the Metro. Once there, climb the 284 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of the twelve radiating avenues that define Haussmann’s Paris. Be sure to have your tickets pre-booked online to skip the long ticket office lines.
Afternoon. Stroll down the grand Avenue des Champs-Élysées, window shopping at the luxury boutiques and stopping at Ladurée for a signature macaron. Continue walking toward the Place de la Concorde, a sprawling square steeped in French Revolution history. Cross into the Tuileries Garden, a perfectly manicured royal park that provides a peaceful contrast to the city's bustle. Walk the length of the garden until you reach the glass pyramids of the Louvre Museum. Spend your afternoon navigating the Denon Wing to see the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, but remember to book a timed entry slot weeks in advance.
Evening. As the sun begins to set, walk along the banks of the Seine toward the Pont Neuf, the oldest standing bridge in the city. Cross over to the Île de la Cité to witness the stunning exterior of Notre-Dame de Paris, currently undergoing its final stages of restoration. Just a short walk away, find the hidden gem of Sainte-Chapelle, famous for its towering, 13th-century stained glass windows. For dinner, wander into the Latin Quarter to find a cozy table at a local bistro. End your night by taking a Bateaux-Mouches river cruise to see the monuments illuminated against the night sky.
Bohemian Heights & Artistic Souls
Morning. Begin your day in the charming, village-like neighborhood of Montmartre by taking the funicular up the hill to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The white travertine stone glows in the morning light, and the view from the steps is one of the most famous in the city. Wander through the winding, cobblestone streets behind the church to reach the Place du Tertre, where local artists still set up their easels daily. Grab a coffee at a nearby cafe and soak in the history of the area, which was once the home of Picasso and Dalí. Head down the hill toward the famous Moulin Rouge to see the iconic red windmill that defines the Pigalle district.
Afternoon. Take the Metro south to the Left Bank to visit the Musée d'Orsay, housed in a magnificent former railway station. The museum holds the world's largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, including works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Degas. After soaking in the art, walk a few blocks to the Jardin du Luxembourg, a favorite local green space perfect for an afternoon rest. Sit in one of the iconic green metal chairs by the Medici Fountain and watch the world go by. It is the perfect spot to recharge before exploring the nearby historic streets of the 6th arrondissement.
Evening. Spend your evening exploring the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, known for its intellectual history and literary cafes. Walk past the famous church, the Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and browse the independent bookstores that line the side streets. For dinner, choose one of the many classic bistros that define this neighborhood's culinary identity. After dinner, walk toward the Seine to enjoy a glass of wine at a riverside bar as the city lights reflect off the water. The atmosphere here is quintessentially Parisian, blending old-world charm with a sophisticated modern energy.
Historic Marais & Hidden Gems
Morning. Start your day in the historic Le Marais district, one of the few areas that retains its pre-revolutionary medieval architecture. Walk to the Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris, and admire the perfectly symmetrical red-brick facades. Visit the Maison de Victor Hugo, located within the square, to see where the famous author lived for many years. Afterward, wander through the narrow streets to discover the many hidden courtyards and mansions, known as 'hôtels particuliers,' that are scattered throughout the neighborhood. This area is also a hub for trendy boutiques and local galleries, making it perfect for a morning of leisurely exploration.
Afternoon. Head toward the Centre Pompidou, a bold piece of high-tech architecture that houses the National Museum of Modern Art. Even if you don't go inside, the exterior escalators and colorful pipes are a sight to behold in the middle of the historic city center. Afterward, walk through the nearby Les Halles district, once the central market of Paris, now transformed into a modern shopping and transit hub. Grab a light lunch at a nearby boulangerie and enjoy it while walking toward the Palais Royal. The courtyard of the Palais Royal, with its iconic black and white striped columns by Daniel Buren, is a fantastic spot for a unique photo opportunity.
Evening. Conclude your trip by visiting the Opéra Garnier, a masterpiece of Neo-Baroque architecture that inspired the story of The Phantom of the Opera. Take a guided tour to see the grand staircase and the opulent auditorium, which features a ceiling painted by Marc Chagall. Afterward, walk to the nearby Galeries Lafayette Haussmann to see its stunning glass dome and rooftop terrace, which offers a free, spectacular view of the city skyline. Finish your final night in Paris with a farewell dinner at a classic brasserie near the Grands Boulevards, celebrating the end of an unforgettable three-day adventure.
