3 days in Paris | What to see in Paris

Paris is the capital of France. Located in both sides along a bend of Seine River, has a population of 2,193,031 inhabitants according to the census of 2007. One of the most important tourist centers of the world, Paris is known by several names as the "City of Lights", "The City of Love" and many others that make it a very special destination as well as one of the most favorite places for any tourist who has already visited it.

It’s name, Paris, comes from the Gallic people who were settled there, the Parisii. It is believed they founded the city around 250 BC. Although the exact location is still unknown nowadays, there are several indications that place it on the famous Ile de la Cité (City Island). In 52 B.C. with the Roman conquest, it was renamed as Lutetia and reconstructed during the first century on the left bank of the Seine River. The city expanded through the next centuries thanks to Normans and Franks who settled in here. Nevertheless it was not until the transformation of Paris during the Second Empire of Napoleon III when Paris became as we know it today. The Universal Exhibitions housed in the city, were a significant fact that shaped and embellished it even more. Thus, we find buildings as memorable as the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais, the Orsay Museum, the Alexander III Bridge or the Gare de Lyon.

Certainly, Paris it’s a city for walking, observing, photographing, tasting and especially for enjoying and dreaming about it. As significant information we can highlight the Parisian architectural heritage could probably be matched only by Rome, which contributed to UNESCO declared in 1991 The Banks of the Seine in Paris as a World Heritage Site.

Welcome to the city of love! ...

TOUR OF PARIS IN 3 DAYS

Day 1

1. Eiffel Tower

With no doubts the most powerful symbol of the city of Paris. It is recommended climb it early in the morning to avoid long queues. The view from the top at dusk is also spectacular, however you could loose a lot of time due to everybody will have the same idea. Our advice is to go up at first hour in the morning and take the picture at dusk from another high point in Paris. That way you will have a wonderful experience from the top of the tower and a beautiful picture with the rest of the city…

2. Champ de Mars

The Champ de Mars are the green extension located besides the Eiffel Tower. It is the best place for taking a picture with the best perspective of the tower.

3. Cruise in the Seine River

After the Eiffel Tower, the best option is to visit one of the ports around and take one of the “bateaux mooches” that crosses the Seine. This attraction will give you a round trip around the “Cité de la Ile” while you have a first contact with the city. It usually last about 45 minutes, and it will definitely have your arrival in grand style.

4. Trocadero

Located just in front of the Eiffel Tower, it used to be a Moorish palace (first photo). After it’s demolition the current Palace was constructed as well as the gardens of Trocadero (second photo). It’s a pity we are not able to find the first version, isn’t it?

5. Hôtel des Invalides

After a relaxing walk, we recommend visiting this historic building, where you can find the remains of the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.

Initially, it used to house the wounded soldiers from the Napoleonic wars, nowadays; some veterans are still living here.

It's really nice to see... and it is pretty close to the Alexander III bridge.

6. Orsay Museum

This is a pretty cool building. Inside, works of Van Gogh, Matisse and Monet are shown.

7. Notre Dame Cathedral

Another of the most characteristic places in Paris. Famous for different works like the “hunchback of Notre Dame”, which film adaptation from the Disney factory, made it become a must-see among the youngest.

It is very recommended in addition to see the inside of the cathedral as well as climbing one of the towers to see one of the best views of Paris. In fact its famous gargoyles have not been able to leave...

8. Sainte-Chapelle

Considered as one of the most stunning interiors in the world, its windows can transport you to another dimension. It is simply AWESOME.

9. La Concergierie

It is one of the most restrained palaces in Paris, inhabited by the kings of France before moving to the Louvre Palace. Later it became a prison, where personalities as Marie Antoinette and Robespierre were confined until being beheaded.

This building is one of the most majestic in Paris due to its amazing view along the Seine.

DAY 2

1. Arc de Triomphe

You do not know how much this arc can please you until you are in front of it. It does not matter from which position you take the picture, that all of them are going to be absolutely fantastic. It is located in the center of a roundabout and the only way to accede it is by an underground pedestrian passage. Do not try to cross the lanes! There are at least six and all the cars will whistle and shout at you... Once there you are allowed to climb to the top and admire the huge Champs-Elysees.

2. Champs-Elysees

It is one of the main thoroughfares of Paris, where you will find the most luxurious signature stores. It is surprising to find brand car shops, where the vehicle is the least important… Luxury, accessories, gadgets… In this pathway there is "Le Lido", one of the most stylish and spectacular shows that can be matched with the ones offered in “Moulin Rouge”. In our opinion… they are even better that at the Moulin Rouge.

3. Place de la Concorde and its obelisk

Close the Louvre we find this magnificent square, where there is one of the most beautiful obelisks that it is still remaining in Europe. Stolen from the Egyptians during the Napoleonic wars in Egypt, it has become one of the tourist spots of the city.

Incredible views ... do not lose the fountain’s sight: marvelous!

4. Madeleine Chruch

This is an unusual church for its neoclassical style. The construction started in 1764, but the French Revolution stopped it until Napoleon retook it but modifying almost the entire project, obtaining what today we can admire. Napoleon ... Well done!

5. Flower Market

Speaking of Paris is speaking of flowers and it is mandatory to rest a little bit in a typical Parisian place, we recommend visiting this awesome market and immerse into their fragrances. Maybe… Is this the raison why Paris is one of the perfume centers in the world?

6. Garnier Palace

One of the most beautiful buildings in the world for its symmetry, style, elegance, proportions ... everything.

Currently, it is the Opera and Music Palace in Paris and the events from of the famous work "The Phantom of the Opera" were supposed to take place here. If possible, visit the interior and take a look, you will not regret. It is just amazing.

7. Place Vendome

An octagonal square in the city center, like the ones in the Ancient Rome, we can see an imposing column with high reliefs with a statue of Napoleon on the top (copy of Trajan's Column in Rome)

In the arcades of Vendome Square we find some of the most expensive shops in Paris as well as the Hotel from which Lady Diana left for the last time.

8. Jardin des Tuileries

Located in the path between the Place de la Concorde and the Jardin du Carrousel, near the Louvre Museum, we can find a nice stroll through this beautiful French style garden.  Full of sculptures and fountains, a walk during spring or summer, could be really confortable. Notably, this is one of the World Heritage Site... From here to heaven...

9. Jardin du Carrousel

Besides the Louvre Museum. Highlight the Arc of Triumph, which is interesting for its eight pink marble pillars.

If you place yourself between the arc and the Louvre and you look to the opposite side of the museum (the museum should be behind you), we are sure your mouth will open and everything you will be able to say is: “woow...” We are giving no more clues.

10. Louvre Museum

One of the most important and complete museums in the world. In addition to its interesting collection of paintings, note the vast amount of historical artifacts coming from Egypt, Greece, Rome ... It is said that it would take months to complete a tour inside, unfortunately, a tourist usually do not have as much time. However, even for a quick look, it is highly recommended.

The entrance to the Louvre on the first Sunday of each month is free!

DAY 3

1. Monmartre

Welcome to the most authentic, bohemian and artistic Paris. Welcome to Montmartre.

Located on a hill in Paris, you will find the Paris of Matisse and Victor Hugo. Going all over the streets, watching the painters of the squares, having a coffee in one of the terraces, are without any doubt one of the most wonderful memories and one of the most memorable souvenirs that you can have in Paris. It is recommended to start the experience by the modernist Art Nouveau station in Montmartre.

2. Three Brother’s street area

From the streets of Montmartre, la rue des 3 freres is definitely the one that better represents that spirit.

3. Basilica of the Sacred Heart

One of the most BEAUTIFUL (with capital letters) churches, not only for the environment, nor for its whiteness, nor for the quality of its materials, neither for its design, nor its inside… It is actually for all the history behind its walls. With the Eiffel Tower, it is one of the favorite places for those who visit Paris. Besides, this building not only loved by tourists but also by Parisians. Built to atone for the sins of Paris during the time of the commune and ended its construction after World War I, it was financed exclusively with funds from public subscriptions.

4. Monmartre Museum

Interesting place for French literature lovers. In this museum lie the bodies of Alexander Dumas and Degas. Alongside there is the famous inn Au Lapin Agile, where many scholars and artists gathered during the golden age.

5. Place du Tertre

This is the main place where the largest number of street painters of Montmartre meets.

Besides being able to have a drink in a typical French terrace, you can also buy works of art at very good prices. This place could be understood as an outdoor art gallery.

6. Monmartre Cementery

It is certainly true that, as in many cemeteries, a lot of sculptural works can be appreciated here. If we add to this fact the amount of famous personalities French and foreigners buried here, including historic figures in literature, politics, art… as well as contemporaneous actors and singers, this place is a must-see tourist site.

7. Moulin Rouge

Certainly the world's most famous cabaret and one of the major attractions of Montmartre. On its facade there is a replica of the original Red Mill from 1925.

The show is definitely worth it.

8. Museum of Eroticism

Finally the curious Erotic Museum, where records related to eroticism around the entire world are preserved. Not only because its curious theme, but also by the quality of its content.







The best form for move on the city is in the Subway. This is the Paris Subway City Map.