Paris
3 Perfect Days in Paris for Curious, Comfort-Loving Couples
Iconic Paris, local flavor, and romance in three packed days
Planning a trip to Paris?
Three tightly planned but comfortable days through Paris’ great art, food, and neighborhoods, with time to wander and soak in the atmosphere. You’ll hit major icons plus local markets, a cooking class, and great mid-range dining without crisscrossing the city.
Highlights
Walk a beautiful arc past Notre-Dame, Louvre, and Eiffel Tower with time for photos and café stops.
Immerse yourselves in the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay plus classic Left Bank streets nearby.
Climb the hilltop lanes of Montmartre for sunset views, village charm, and intimate bistros.
Browse a neighborhood street market then learn French dishes together in a hands-on class.
Balance busy museum time with peaceful moments in the Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens.
Where to Stay
Hôtel du Cadran
Modern, comfortable 3-star near Rue Cler and a short walk from the Champ de Mars, with compact but well-designed rooms and air conditioning.
$180-260/nightGood to Know
How to Use the Metro Smoothly
Buy a reusable Navigo Easy card or use the official transport app to load tickets, then tap in at the gates; keep your bag closed and in front of you, especially on Lines 1 and 6 and RER B from the airport.
Respectful Interaction Basics
Always start with “Bonjour” (or “Bonsoir” in the evening), keep your voice low on transport and indoors, and use “s’il vous plaît” and “merci” liberally.
Dining Rhythm and Bills
Meals are unhurried; your table is typically yours for the night, and you must ask for the check (“L’addition, s’il vous plaît”) when ready to leave.
Pickpocket and Scam Hotspots
Stay extra alert in queues at the Eiffel Tower, on Metro Lines 1 and 6, around the Louvre entrances, on the RER B from the airport, and on the stairways up to Sacré-Cœur; avoid engaging with people trying to tie bracelets on your wrist.
Street Markets Etiquette
At outdoor markets, point and ask for what you want instead of handling produce yourself, and have small bills or coins ready to pay.
Your Weekend Itinerary
Du Pain et des Idées
Legendary bakery; share an escargot pistache-chocolat and a croissant, then coffee from a nearby café bench by the canal.
45m · $8-15 per person
Stroll Canal Saint-Martin
Walk along the tree-lined canal, watch the locks, and explore the iron footbridges and boutiques on Quai de Valmy and Quai de Jemmapes.
1h · Free
Île de la Cité & Notre-Dame Area Walk
Walk around Notre-Dame’s exterior, see the Seine riverbanks and the flower market, and cross the small bridges to soak in the medieval heart of Paris.
1h 15m · Free
Le Trumilou
Traditional bistro on the river; try duck with potatoes or the plat du jour and a carafe of house wine.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Le Marais Exploration & Shopping
Wander Rue des Francs-Bourgeois and surrounding lanes for independent boutiques, vintage shops, and galleries; pause at Place des Vosges for a park break.
2h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Les Philosophes
Bustling Marais bistro; go for French onion soup, steak-frites, or seasonal specials on the terrace.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Sunset Seine Walk or Cruise from Pont Neuf
Stroll the riverbanks from Pont Neuf or take a one-hour boat cruise to see the city’s monuments illuminated.
1h · $18-25
Café de Flore
Iconic literary café; share a tartine with butter and jam or a simple omelette with café crème while people-watching on the terrace.
1h · $18-30 per person
Louvre Museum
Focus on a few sections like Italian Renaissance, French paintings, and the main antiquities; enter via the Pyramid with pre-booked time slot.
2h 30m · $20-25
Jardin des Tuileries
Relax in green metal chairs by the ponds, walk the tree-lined alleys, and enjoy views back to the Louvre and forward to the Place de la Concorde.
45m · Free
Angelina (Rivoli)
Classic tea room facing the Tuileries; order a light quiche or salad and share the famous hot chocolate or a pastry like the Mont-Blanc.
1h · $25-40 per person
Musée d’Orsay
Explore Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces in a converted Beaux-Arts train station; don’t miss the clock-window city view.
2h · $18-22
Eiffel Tower & Champ de Mars Walk
Stroll the Champ de Mars lawns for varied views and photos of the tower; if you go up, book a timed ticket in advance.
2h · Free to walk; $30-45 to go up
Le Petit Cler
Charming bistro on pedestrian Rue Cler; choose from daily specials, roast chicken, or fish plus a glass of wine.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person20 activities across 3 days
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