Paris
Three slow, scenic days of Parisian romance on a budget
Highlights
Stroll Île de la Cité and the Latin Quarter for centuries of Parisian history in a compact, walkable area.
Climb to Sacré-Cœur and explore Montmartre’s village lanes for sweeping city panoramas and great photo spots.
Discover world-class collections at the Musée d’Orsay and photograph bridges and riverfront architecture nearby.
Sample local bakeries, bistros, and wine bars that deliver authentic cuisine without blowing your budget.
Unwind in Luxembourg Gardens and along the Seine for easy, free nature breaks in the heart of the city.
Where to Stay
2 picks
Hôtel Marignan
Simple, family-run hotel on a quiet side street near the Sorbonne and Notre-Dame, often with shared-kitchen access and basic but comfortable rooms.
Hôtel du Commerce Paris
Budget hotel with straightforward rooms, some with shared facilities, close to the Seine and main metro lines.
Where to Eat
9 picks
La Parisienne Saint-Germain
Casual bakery-café with good-value croissants, pastries, and coffee—order a croissant, pain au chocolat, and a café crème for a classic start.
Le Petit Pontoise
Cozy bistro known for classic French dishes—look for the lunch formule and consider trying duck confit or boeuf bourguignon.
Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse
Historic bouillon serving classic French dishes at very reasonable prices—try the soupe à l’oignon and steak-frites or confit de canard.
Boulangerie Alexine
Small neighborhood bakery—grab croissants, a sandwich, or quiche to go and enjoy them on a bench near Sacré-Cœur.
Le Refuge des Fondus
Quirky, budget-friendly fondue spot known for communal tables and casual vibes—go for the set fondue menu if you’re hungry.
L’Avant Comptoir du Marché
Standing-room tapas-style bar focusing on small plates and good wines by the glass—order a few plates to share and ask staff for a wine suggestion.
Boulangerie Poilâne (Cherche-Midi)
Famous bakery for rustic breads and pastries—grab a slice of apple tart or a couple of butter cookies and coffee to start your day.
Le Petit Cler
Bistro on a charming market street—look for the lunch formule and sample a simple plat du jour with a glass of house wine.
Chez Gladines Saint-Germain
Basque-style restaurant known for hearty portions and good prices—share a salad and a main, and consider a carafe of house wine.
What to Do
14 picks
Île de la Cité & Notre-Dame Exterior Walk
Stroll around Notre-Dame’s exterior, cross the picturesque bridges, and pause on the square for photos of the cathedral façade and surrounding architecture.
Sainte-Chapelle
Visit this Gothic chapel inside the Palais de Justice complex to admire its breathtaking stained-glass walls—aim for mid-morning light for the best photos.
Latin Quarter Stroll & Panthéon Exterior
Wander the narrow streets, pass by the Sorbonne, and walk up to the Panthéon for views of its grand façade and surrounding streets.
Luxembourg Gardens
Explore tree-lined paths, fountains, and the Medici Fountain; find a chair and enjoy people-watching or a simple picnic in this elegant park.
Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck
Head up to the observation deck for sweeping panoramic views over Paris, including an excellent perspective of the Eiffel Tower at dusk.
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur & Montmartre Hill
Walk up (or take the funicular) to Sacré-Cœur, visit the basilica interior, then linger on the steps for city views and photos.
Montmartre Village Walk (Place du Tertre & Rue de l'Abreuvoir)
Wander cobbled streets, see Place du Tertre’s artists, and continue to quieter lanes like Rue de l’Abreuvoir and the Maison Rose corner.
Musée d’Orsay
Explore Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces in a converted Beaux-Arts railway station; don’t miss the clock window views.
Seine Riverside Walk (Musée d’Orsay to Pont des Arts)
After the museum, stroll the riverbanks and cross the pedestrian Pont des Arts for romantic views toward the Louvre and Île de la Cité.
Evening Seine Riverfront & Louvre Courtyard Photos
Walk from Pont du Carrousel into the Louvre courtyard to photograph the glass pyramid and surrounding palace lit up at night.
Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris
Explore modern and contemporary art in a spacious museum; permanent collections are typically free, with paid temporary exhibitions.
Trocadéro Gardens & Eiffel Tower View
Walk through the Trocadéro gardens toward the Seine for classic Eiffel Tower viewpoints and relaxed photo time on the terraces.
Rue Cler Market Street & Picnic Shopping
Browse cheese shops, boulangeries, and small groceries on Rue Cler to pick up budget-friendly picnic supplies (bread, cheese, fruit, a bottle of wine).
Champ de Mars Picnic & Relax
Spread your picnic on the lawns facing the Eiffel Tower, relax, and take golden-hour photos as the lights come on.
Good to Know
5 picks
Use Metro-Friendly Neighborhood Clusters
Plan your days around 1–2 adjacent neighborhoods and use the metro only for transitions, then explore on foot. This reduces both transport costs and fatigue, and lets you notice more of the city’s details.
Time Big Sights for Early or Late
Visit popular spots like Sacré-Cœur, Trocadéro, and the Seine riverbanks early in the morning or around sunset/after dark to avoid the biggest crowds and get better photos.
Lean on Fixed-Price Menus
Look for words like “menu,” “formule,” or “plat du jour” on chalkboards; these set menus are almost always cheaper than ordering à la carte and still showcase local dishes.
Casual Wine Tasting in Bars
Instead of pricey organized tastings, visit wine bars and order flights or a couple of glasses by the glass; staff are often happy to recommend regional styles and explain the differences.
Carry a Compact Day Kit
Bring a small daypack with a refillable water bottle, light scarf or layer (for churches and cooler evenings), and a phone power bank so you can navigate and take photos without worrying about battery.
Map
Best For
Start planning your trip with this itinerary in Takeoff.
Don't have the app? Download it free on the App Store.