What to See in Paris for 3 Days
Paris is the capital city of France and is famous for its history, architecture and culture. There is so much to see and do when you visit Paris that planning a trip to this city can make one lose his or her mind, especially with three days in hand. This guide will highlight the places to visit and things to try in Paris (City of Lights) in order for you to spend the most of your time.
Day 1: Exploring Iconic Landmarks
On the first day of being in Paris, you need to immerse yourself in the iconic landmarks of the city. Begin with the visit to Eiffel Tower, one of the symbols of Paris. Reach the top of the building with the help of the elevator and see the breathtaking view of the city from the top. Then head to the Louvre museum which is associated with the famous Mona Lisa and many other great work of arts. Do remember to book your tickets in advance to avoid the queues.
After the Louvre, proceed to the attractive Montmartre district. Walk through the narrow streets, see the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica, have a coffee in one of the cute cafes. Cap your last day with a leisure boat cruise on the Seine river so as to view the city’s structures from an alternative view.
Day 2: Cultural Immersion
Begin your second day by attending Notre Dame cathedral that is the masterpiece of the Gothic architecture. Take a walk of the Île de la Cité and stop by nearby bakeries to buy some yummy pastries. From there, go to the Latin Quarter, which is characterized by its active environment, narrow streets, and old bookshops.
For art lovers, the visit to the Musée d’Orsay is not an option. This old railway station contains a great number of masterpieces by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters, including Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir. Then cross the Seine River and see the picturesque Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood with all its shops, art galleries, and upmarket cafes.
Day 3: Hidden Gems and Culinary Delights
On the last day, find some hidden treasures and eat Parisian cuisine. Begin at the cute village-style community of Le Marais, complete with historic architecture, funky stores and glorious falafel stands. Visit Picasso Museum, where one can view an excellent collection of the works by the great artist.
Then, make your trip to the beautiful Palace of Versailles that is just outside Paris. Be awed at the amazing rooms, beautiful gardens and marvelous Hall of Mirrors. To avoid the hassle of long queues and waiting for long hours, you should book for your ticket in advance.
In the evening, taste a classical French dinner in some local brasserie, eating traditional for French such dishes as escargots, coq au vin, or crème brûlée. To top off your trip, you can have a romantic nocturnal romantic walk along the banks of river Seine, lit by the glittering lights of the city.
Tips for Navigating Paris
Transportation
The Parisian public transport is very efficient and consists of metros, buses, and RER trains. Buy a Paris Visite pass or a Navigo card to travel unlimitedly in selected zones. Think of using the Velib bicycle-sharing system or walk around on the city’s delightful roads.
Language
Although English is spoken a lot in tourist places, there is nothing better than to learn some basic French phrases. Residents treasure visitors’ attempt of communicating in their language.
Safety
As with any other large city, watch your stuff and don’t forget to be alert of your surroundings. Avoid popular tourist spots at its high season and be vigilant against common scams.
Food
Devour French cuisine by visiting locals bakeries, cafes, and brasseries. Do not miss out on croissants, baguettes, macarons and French cheeses that are tasty. Visit different neighborhoods to taste culinary diversity.
Conclusion
The idea of seeing all of Paris in less than three days may seem like a daunting task, but if you plan things accordingly, you will be able to see the most important things during your stay. Dive in the city’s rich history, see famous landmarks, enjoy wonderful food, and experience the vibrant Parisian culture. Bon voyage!
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