Lucky you, three days in the City of Light. This is the perfect amount of time to see the best that this walkable capital city has to offer. The downside is that everyone else is aware of just how charming and beautiful Paris is, so make sure that you don’t visit one of Europe’s most popular destinations only to wait in a queue...for everything. What a faux pas that would be. If you’re prepared to do a little research in advance, then booking tickets for popular museum and gallery exhibitions as well as making reservations for the best restaurants and bars in town can help you skip the line. Yes, you'll want to try them all, but we’d recommend not packing too much into one day. You'll need plenty of time to take everything in and to get lost in the charming magic of the city. At Plum Guide, we've tried everything, from local croissants to the awe-inspiring Louvre, and have prepared the perfect itinerary for your trip to Paris.
Day 1: Head to the food market
Bonjour et bienvenue. Time to get exploring. It’s your first day so we don’t want to tire you out too much. We’re thinking laid-back luxe vibes to help get you in the swing of things, so here is the plan: food market, impromptu picnic and a bit of culture...naturally.
Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris, France
Head straight to Marché Bourse, a little gem of a food market on Place de la Bourse, opposite the Palais Brongniart, the historical Paris stock exchange. It’s open on Tuesdays and Fridays, 12.30pm-8.30pm. There’s always a few stalls whipping up dishes with influences from all over the world, but we’d recommend you seek out the Creole-style gumbo. Either find a nice spot to sit and chow down your food, or take the 20 minute walk to Le Centre Pompidou. Sit on the steps outside the contemporary arts space and marvel at its famous inside-out architecture. If you fancy a visit and modern art is your thing, we’d definitely recommend this as one of the best spots in Europe.
A Thousand Notes, a Plum Guide home in Paris
Evening 1: Meet Montmartre
Basilique Du Sacre Coeur, Montmartre, Paris
What better way to pass the first of your 3 days in Paris than in the artistic heart of the city itself: Montmartre. Head to the famous Place du Tertre, a small square filled with artists. Grab a coffee or a drink, buy some paintings or even have your portrait taken (if you must). After that, we think it’s best to take in the buzz of the place by golden hour, just as twilight begins. So make your way to the famous Sacre-Coeur Basilica and either climb the 300 steps to the top of the Dome or get the cable car if <s>you're too lazy</s> your footwear is too glamorous. Eat anywhere for dinner as long as it’s not in a main square, and as long as it doesn’t have pictures of the food on the menu. (You’d do well to follow this advice in any city, we think).
Klimt Corner, a Plum Guide home in Paris
Day 2: Visit the Louvre
Now that you’re somewhat settled in, time for some full-fat culture during your 3 days in Paris. Welcome to the Louvre. One of the most famous, if not the most famous art gallery in the world. With almost 400,000 objects and attractions, you certainly won’t be short of things to see.
Most importantly, you’ll want to be skipping that vast queue. Purchase the Museum Pass to book a time slot and to gain guaranteed access. Or, book your tickets online in advance. If you can stomach being shepherded around, you can always book in for a guided tour which enables you to skip the line.
The Illustrator, a Plum Guide home in Paris
Evening 2: Enjoy dinner with drinks
For dinner, make sure you book yourself a table at the très chic Buddha Bar, one of Paris’s most bougie hangouts. The city has two Buddha Bars, but we prefer the one on Rue Boissy d’Anglas. Expect lavish decor, an impressive drinks selection and rather delicious Asian food too. After all, there’s only so many croissants one can stomach.
Day 3: Wander like royalty
The Palace of Versailles, Paris, France
Quel dommage, it’s your last day. Not to worry, you’ll be back. In the meantime, we’ve planned a fabulous finale for your 3 days in Paris. First up, the Palace of Versaille. The royal chateau is located on the outskirts of the city, after King Louis XIV relocated from the Louvre in 1682. We’d say the highlight is possibly getting to stroll through the beautiful royal gardens. So long as you're able to dodge the tourists armed with selfie-sticks.
Heaven On Earth, a Plum Guide home in Paris
Evening 3: One last meal
For your final evening, we’d recommend dinner in Le Marais, one of Paris’s most lively neighbourhoods. If you fancy a quick bite, try one of the many brilliant falafel stands. We’d recommend L’As Du Falafel (the queue speaks for itself). If you fancy something a little… fancier, then book a table at Bistrot Instinct. Classic but cool. The Marais is historically known as the city’s Jewish quarter, and has now been revived as a bohemian neighbourhood, with plenty of boutiques and vintage shops if you fancy a wander before dinner. Needless to say, there are plenty of spots should you fancy a digestif after dinner. Just take your pick.
If you're craving a trip to Paris after reading this, head over to our collection of luxury homes in the City of Lights and start planning your next visit.
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Written by Plum Guide Destination Expert
