ALL GUIDES / EUROPE / FRANCE
Planning a romantic Paris getaway shouldn't break the bank or your spirit. As meticulous travelers who've spent countless hours researching, testing, and perfecting this Paris 3-day itinerary on the ground, we're here to save you valuable planning time while maximizing your experience. In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover our tried-and-true tips for experiencing the magic of Paris on a budget, complete with day-by-day plans, money-saving hacks, and hidden gems we've personally uncovered. Let us handle the details so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories in the City of Light.
Table of Contents: Paris 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Classic Paris Highlights
Morning Adventures
Eiffel Tower & Rue Cler: We arrived at the Eiffel Tower just before 9am and were amazed by how peaceful it felt compared to when we left late morning. We picked up fresh croissants, cheese, and fruit from the charming shops along Rue Cler for a picnic on the Champ de Mars.
Pro tip: Buy your tickets online at least 2 months in advance to secure your preferred time slot. Set a reminder to book them exactly 2 months out from the first full day you'll be in in Paris at midnight Paris time. If they're sold out when you try to book, try the next day and so on through the end of your trip. We recommend practicing at midnight on a sooner date so you get a feel for how the reservation system works. While you can still buy tickets in-person, the lines are extremely long. The last thing you want to do while in Paris is waste precious vacation time waiting in line for several hours.


Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées: For incredible 360-degree views of Paris, head to the Arc de Triomphe (€13 entry in 2023). Plan to arrive around 11am to avoid long queues. Be prepared for a 284-step spiral staircase climb, but the panoramic views of the 12 radiating avenues and Champs-Élysées make it worthwhile. The best photo opportunity is looking down the Champs-Élysées toward Place de la Concorde.

Pont Alexandre III: Don't miss this stunning belle époque bridge, considered one of Paris's most photogenic spots. The ornate gold-topped columns and art nouveau lamps make for spectacular photos. For the best shots, head to the riverside paths below the bridge where you can capture both the detailed sculptures and the Eiffel Tower in one frame. Allow 30 minutes to explore and photograph.
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Lunch & Treats
🛍️ Ladurée: Famous patisserie known for high-end macarons (€25/8 pieces). Must-try: pistachio and salted caramel flavors.
🥐 Stohrer: Historic patisserie (est. 1730) offering exceptional pastries. Specialties: rum baba and chocolate éclair.
📲 Keep our recommendations at your fingertips with our Pinned Google Map

🥖 Chéri Charlot: Budget-friendly sandwich shop (€7) with excellent baguettes. Try: camembert with honey and walnut.
🎌 Rue Sainte-Anne: Japanese food street with authentic ramen and yakitori (€12-15/dish). Avoid 12:30-2pm rush.
😋 Foodie? Take this award winning tour of Paris' top food stops

Afternoon Explorations
Palais Royal Garden: This peaceful garden provided a perfect escape from the busy streets. We found a quiet bench among the perfectly manicured trees and watched locals playing pétanque. The famous black and white striped columns in the courtyard made for fun photo opportunities. Visit between 2-4pm when many Parisians are still at lunch for the most serene experience.

Tuileries Garden: Walking through these gardens, we understood exactly why they inspired Monet's water lilies. The fountains, sculptures, and tree-lined paths were beautiful in any season. We grabbed drinks from one of the cute green chairs around the central fountain and people-watched for an hour. The garden is especially magical in late afternoon when the sun creates long shadows through the trees.
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Église Saint-Eustache: This gothic church surprised us with its impressive pipe organ and stunning architecture. While less crowded than Notre-Dame, it's equally impressive in scale and detail. We happened to visit during an organ practice session, which made the experience even more memorable. The church is free to enter and usually quiet, making it a perfect peaceful break from sightseeing.

Rue Montorgueil: This lively market street became our favorite food shopping destination in Paris. The cheese shops, bakeries, and wine stores were all excellent quality and reasonably priced. We particularly loved watching the locals shop for their daily bread and produce. Remember it's closed on Mondays, and most shops close around 7:30pm.
📲 Keep our recommendations at your fingertips with our Pinned Google Map

Oasis d'Aboukir: This vertical garden wall was an unexpected highlight of our walk. Created by botanist Patrick Blanc, it features over 7,600 plants arranged in a beautiful pattern. The wall changes colors throughout the seasons, so every visit offers a different perspective. We found the best photo opportunities were early morning or late afternoon when the light hits the plants at an angle.
Galerie Vivienne & Passage Verdeau: These covered passages transported us to 19th-century Paris with their glass roofs and mosaic floors. We loved exploring the vintage bookshops, art galleries, and tea rooms. Galerie Vivienne was more upscale, while Passage Verdeau had a cozy, local feel with its antique shops. Visit on a rainy day for a particularly atmospheric experience.

Dinner Spots
🥖 Fric-Frac: Casual spot famous for croque monsieur. €7-9 per sandwich. No reservations needed.
🇫🇷 Bouillon Pigalle: Authentic French cuisine at budget-friendly prices (€10-13 main courses). Great atmosphere. Tip: visit before 6:30pm or after 9:30pm to avoid lines.
🍝 Pink Mamma: Upscale Italian restaurant with romantic ambiance. €60-70 for two with wine. Book a month ahead and request the glass-roofed basement garden.
📲 Keep our recommendations at your fingertips with our Pinned Google Map

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Evening in Montmartre
Sacré-Cœur: Climbing the dome at sunset was magical. If you want to go even higher, you can climb the church tower for a €6 fee and panoramic views of Paris. We arrived around 8pm when the crowds had thinned and the sky was turning pink. The 300-step climb is challenging but there are several places to rest along the way.

Rue de l'Abreuvoir & Villa Leandre: These picturesque streets were perfect for evening strolls. The pink facade of La Maison Rose at sunset was particularly photogenic. We found the streets much quieter after 7pm when most tourists had left. These winding cobblestone paths really made us feel like we'd stepped into an old French film.


Le Moulin Blute-Fin: This historic windmill offered a unique glimpse into Montmartre's past as a wine-making village. While you can't go inside, the exterior makes for great photos, especially during golden hour. The surrounding area has several cozy wine bars where we enjoyed glasses of French wine while watching the sunset.

Wall of Love: This unique art installation features "I love you" written in 250 languages. We visited just before sunset when there were less people within the park. The wall is free to visit and usually quiet in the evening hours. It's a bit tricky to find, so make sure you download our France Google Pinned Map to help you locate it.

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Day 2: Latin Quarter & River Seine
Morning Fuel
🥐 Strada Cafe: Excellent cappuccinos, fresh croissants, and avocado toast. Arrive before 9am for window seating.
🥞 Le Pot O'Lait: Authentic Breton creperie with amazing sweet and savory options. Try the salted caramel crepe. Short wait times.
📲 Keep our recommendations at your fingertips with our Pinned Google Map

Morning Explorations
Notre-Dame Cathedral: Don't miss visiting this iconic cathedral, which reopened in December 2024 after extensive restoration following the 2019 fire. While entry is free, we recommend making advance reservations online to avoid long wait times. Inside, marvel at the beautifully restored interior, especially the stunning rose windows that cast colorful light across the nave. Plan about two hours to explore both the exterior and interior, including the fascinating new exhibition about the restoration process.

Marché aux Fleurs: This historic flower market was a feast for the senses. We arrived around 9am when vendors were still setting up their colorful displays. The variety of flowers was incredible, but what really caught our attention were the vintage bird cages and garden accessories. On Sundays, it transforms into a bird market - something we hadn't expected but found utterly charming.


Rue Mouffetard Market Street: This lively market street became our favorite morning spot. We watched cheese mongers arrange their displays while bakeries filled the air with the scent of fresh bread. The fruit vendors let us sample their produce, and we picked up supplies for a picnic lunch. Most shops opened around 9am, but the street really came alive after 10am.
📲 Keep our recommendations at your fingertips with our Pinned Google Map

Jardin des Plantes & Tino Rossi Garden: These connected gardens offered a peaceful escape from the city bustle. The botanical collections in Jardin des Plantes were impressive, especially the alpine garden section. We found a quiet bench in Tino Rossi Garden along the Seine and enjoyed our market picnic while watching boats pass by. The gardens were least crowded before 11am.

Église Saint-Séverin: This gothic church surprised us with its stunning stained glass and unique spiral columns. The afternoon light created magical rainbow patterns on the floor. We spent about 30 minutes exploring the interior and courtyard. Don't miss the ancient tree in the garden - it's one of the oldest in Paris!
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Shakespeare and Company: This famous bookstore lived up to the hype. We browsed the cramped aisles filled with both new and antique books, discovering hidden reading nooks upstairs. The staff recommended some great Paris-themed reads, and we got our books stamped with the store's iconic logo. Visit before 11am to avoid the biggest crowds.

Lunch & Sweet Treats
🍨 Berthillon Ice Cream: Famous for rich and creamy ice cream. Try the salted caramel or dark chocolate. Head to the tip of Île Saint-Louis with your ice cream for great Seine views.
🧆 L'As du Fallafel: Exceptional falafel pita filled with crispy falafel, hummus, and spiced vegetables. Arrive at opening (noon) to avoid lines. Closed Saturdays.
📲 Keep our recommendations at your fingertips with our Pinned Google Map

Afternoon Adventures
Sainte-Chapelle: This gothic chapel took our breath away with its floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows. We bought our tickets online as part of the Conciergerie bundle, which saved us both money and time. The best time to visit is early afternoon when the sun illuminates the windows most beautifully. The upper chapel was particularly stunning - we spent nearly an hour just admiring the details.
📲 Keep our recommendations at your fingertips with our Pinned Google Map


Conciergerie: Marie Antoinette's prison was fascinating and less crowded than other attractions. The medieval architecture and exhibits about the French Revolution were incredibly well done. Using our combination ticket from Sainte-Chapelle, we skipped the line entirely. Plan about 1-1.5 hours to fully explore.
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Pont Neuf: Paris's oldest bridge offered perfect photo opportunities of the Seine. We discovered a hidden staircase that led down to Square du Vert-Galant, a peaceful park at the tip of the island. The best photos were taken during golden hour, just before sunset.

Evening Delights
Le Saint-Regis: A classic French bistro offering perfectly cooked steak-frites and affordable wines. Request terrace seating for lovely Île Saint-Louis views. €25-35 per person. Make reservations two weeks in advance for prime dinner times (7-9pm).

Seine River Cruise: For an unforgettable evening experience, book the 10:15pm tour with Vedettes du Pont Neuf (€15-20/person in 2023), which allows you to witness the beauty of Paris after dark and the Eiffel Tower's sparkling light show that happens on the hour every hour after sunset. Evening cruises tend to be less crowded than daytime ones, and the commentary provides interesting historical context without being overwhelming. For the best photo opportunities of the Eiffel Tower, sit in the front of the boat or left side. Don't worry, both sides of the boat get a great view of the Eiffel Tower since it turns around there. But, the left side gives you a better view of the attractions on the way down the river, plus the better initial view of the Eiffel Tower.
🥐 Not a fan of boat tours? Try this award-winning croissant baking class instead

Day 3: Art & Architecture
Morning Fuel
🥞 Holybelly: Famous for fluffy pancakes with bacon and exceptional coffee. Arrive before 9am to avoid lines.
☕️ Breizh Cafe: Authentic Brittany crepes and galettes with farm-fresh ingredients. Traditional cider available. Book ahead for weekends.

Cultural Immersion
Musée d'Orsay absolutely stole our hearts. Housed in a former train station, the building itself was as impressive as the art collection. We spent hours admiring the Impressionist masterpieces on the top floor, where the natural light through the giant clock windows created a magical atmosphere. The first Sunday of the month has free admission! If that doesn't fit your schedule, be sure to book your tickets online in advance (opens 3 months out). The Thursday evening ticket after 6pm was a fantastic deal at €12 (2023 pricing) and the museum was much quieter then.


💡 Want to see the famous Louvre? It's an all-day affair! We'd recommend booking a guided tour so that you can get the most out of your experience

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Lunch Break
🍷 L’Avant Comptoir de la Terre- Chic seafood and tapas bar with an extensive wine list. €5 to €15 per mini-portion and €3.50 to €17 per wineglass
☕️ Matamata Coffee - Australian cafe with great flat whites and avocado toast, friendly French-speaking staff

Afternoon Adventures
Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés surprised us with its beautiful mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The oldest church in Paris felt peaceful compared to the tourist-heavy Notre-Dame. We particularly loved the restored frescoes and stained glass windows. Try to catch the free organ concerts on Sunday afternoons.
Fun Fact: this is considered to be Notre Dame's precursor

Visit Luxembourg Gardens for a perfect rest stop and slice of local life. Grab one of the iconic green chairs around the central fountain to watch children sail toy boats and locals enjoying the afternoon sun. For the best experience and photos, visit in late afternoon when the sunlight beautifully illuminates the palace facade. Make sure to explore the beekeeping area and historic fruit tree collection while you're there.


Bibliothèque Mazarine took our breath away with its 17th-century baroque architecture. As France's oldest public library, it felt like stepping into a Harry Potter scene. The reading room with its antique globes and leather-bound books was absolutely stunning. Visit during off-peak hours (we went at 3pm) for the best photo opportunities.
Don't miss the stunning Palais Garnier opera house. Start with the magnificent grand staircase, then marvel at the Chagall-painted ceiling and the spectacular auditorium with its crystal chandelier. Save money by keeping your Musée d'Orsay tickets to get a €5 discount on entry. Plan about 90 minutes for the self-guided tour to fully appreciate this architectural masterpiece.
📲 Keep our recommendations at your fingertips with our Pinned Google Map

Evening Delights
For a romantic Italian dinner, try Libertino. The restaurant features a beautiful secret garden with string lights creating an intimate atmosphere. Their handmade pasta dishes are excellent, and they offer a well-curated wine list with reasonable Italian options. Make reservations at least two weeks in advance and specifically request garden seating for the best experience.
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Canal Saint-Martin became our favorite evening stroll destination. We joined locals having picnics along the canal's edge and watched the sunset paint the water golden. The area had a distinctly hip vibe with plenty of wine bars and cafes that felt like a slice of Amsterdam within Paris. If you walk up the river far enough, be sure to try Paname Brewing Company!

Galeries Lafayette's rooftop offered us the most spectacular free views of Paris. We timed our visit for sunset and watched the city light up as darkness fell. The Art Nouveau dome inside was also incredible. Pro tip: visit the gourmet food hall in the basement first to grab snacks for your rooftop sunset viewing.


Where to Rest Your Head
We stayed in Montmartre and absolutely loved its village-like atmosphere and stunning city views, though we learned to avoid the noisy Boulevard de Clichy area. The winding cobblestone streets and artistic history made every walk feel magical.
While we didn't stay in the Latin Quarter, we spent a lot of time exploring the area and would also highly recommend it. The central location is perfect for exploring Paris on foot, and while it's no longer the budget area it once was, the neighborhood retains its historic charm and student energy. The narrow medieval streets are filled with interesting bookshops and cafes that stay open late.

Getting Around Paris
(2023 pricing)
From Orly Airport to City Center
Taxi/Uber: €32-37 depending on destination (book at official kiosk)
Train: Orlyval to Antony + RER B to city (€14.10 per person, runs every 5-7 min)
From Charles de Gaulle
Take free CDVAL shuttle to Terminal 2, then RER B train to city center
City Transportation
Metro/Bus: €2.10 per journey (Zone 1) or €16.90 for 10 tickets
Velib Bikes: €5 per day - perfect for exploring!

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Our Favorite Free Romantic Spots
Gardens & Parks
Luxembourg Gardens - Perfect for afternoon picnics
Jardin des Plantes - Beautiful botanical collections
Palais Royal Garden - Hidden gem with elegant arcades
Tuileries Garden - Where Monet found inspiration
Historic Sites & Streets
Sacré-Cœur - Stunning basilica with city views
Notre-Dame Cathedral - recommend making advance booking online
Rue de l'Abreuvoir - Most picturesque street in Montmartre
Le Moulin Blute-Fin - Historic windmill with charm
Villa Léandre - Instagram-worthy colorful houses
Wall of Love - "I love you" written in 250 languages
Galeries Lafayette - Head to the rooftop (8th floor) for free views of the Eiffel Tower and city
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Free Entry Days for Paris Museums (go early, there will be long lines)
The Louvre - free for all visitors on the first Friday of the month from 6pm to 9pm (except in July and August)
Musée d'Orsay - free for all visitors on the first Sunday of the month
Musée de l'Orangerie - free for all visitors on the first Sunday of the month, online time slot booking is mandatory
Musée National Rodin - free for all visitors on the first Sunday of the month October to March. No need to book in advance
Musée Picasso - free for all visitors on the first Sunday of the month
📲 Want an affordable eSIM so you can navigate Paris with ease? Get $3 off of the same eSIM we used in Paris here!

Budget Breakdown
(2023 pricing)
🏨 Budget hotel/Airbnb in Montmartre or Latin Quarter: €120-150/night (€360-450 total)
🚆 Airport transfer (RER B from CDG): €12 per person
🚌 Metro/Bus tickets: €16.90 for 10 tickets
🚴🏻♂️ Optional Velib Bikes: €5 per day
🎟️ Eiffel Tower with Lift: €28.3 per person
🎟️ Seine River Cruise: €15-20 per person
🎟️ Musée d'Orsay (evening ticket): €12 per person
🎟️ Arc de Triomphe: €13 per person
🎟️ Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie Combo: €18.5 per person
🎟️ Palais Garnier: €9 (bring your Musée d'Orsay ticket for €5 off the regular €14 ticket)
🥐 Breakfast: €8-12 per person (cafes like Holybelly)
🥖 Lunch: €8-15 per person (sandwiches at Cheri Charlot: €8)
🍝 Dinner: €25-35 per person (bistros like Le Saint-Regis)
Total estimated budget for 2 people over 3 days: €600-800, aligning with the suggested budget of €100-150 per person per day for budget-conscious couples.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the best time to visit Paris on a budget?
A: November through February offers the lowest prices on accommodations, though March-April and October also provide good value with milder weather.
Q: Can you really do Paris on a budget?
A: Yes! Take advantage of free museum days, picnic instead of dining out, walk instead of taking taxis, and use the Metro pass for transportation.
Q: Is it worth getting the Paris Museum Pass?
A: For a 3-day trip, the pass can be worth it if you plan to visit at least 4-5 major attractions, but calculate based on your specific Paris 3-day itinerary.
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Q: What are the best free romantic spots in Paris?
A: The Wall of Love in Montmartre, Pont des Arts at sunset, Luxembourg Gardens, and Canal Saint-Martin are all romantic spots that don't cost anything.
Q: How much should we budget per day?
A: Budget-conscious couples can explore Paris on €100-150 per day for two people, including accommodation, by choosing budget hotels, eating at local markets, and using public transportation.

Paris isn't just a destination; it's an experience that stays with you long after you've returned home. With this carefully crafted Paris 3-day itinerary, you'll discover the perfect blend of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and budget-friendly adventures that make Paris truly magical. From the breathtaking views atop Montmartre to the charming cafés of the Latin Quarter, every moment is an opportunity to create lasting memories.
Want more insider tips and travel inspiration? Follow our adventures on Instagram @Noms.Brews.Views, where we share daily updates, stories, and hidden gems from our travels. And don't forget to check out our travel resources page for downloadable guides, packing lists, and money-saving tips to make your Paris dreams a reality!
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ALL GUIDES / EUROPE / FRANCE
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