Leave a Comment:
87 comments
[…] birthday with the locals, took a day trip through the majestic Alps to the Eagle’s Nest, took an evening cruise on the Seine River and watched the Eiffel Tower glittering in all its glory, devoured beer and waffles in one of the most charming cities in the world, and strolled along the […]
Reply […] we would hit 10 countries and I especially didn’t expect to be traveling to Germany and Paris and Amsterdam. There’s no telling where this year will take us, but I’m sure it will be […]
Reply […] we continued checking so many things off our bucket list, from traveling through the Alps to climbing the Eiffel Tower, visiting the coffee shops in Amsterdam and cruising down the Rhine River. We were on a complete […]
Reply […] we aren’t usually a big fan of tours, we really enjoyed the Big Bus Tours in Hong Kong and Paris and found it is an efficient way to cover a lot of ground when you have limited time. The audio […]
Reply […] hop-off tour bus that covers the main attractions on Hong Kong island and Kowloon (similar to the bus tours in Paris and Munich). While it set us back $50/person, it was worth every penny. The tour included an audio […]
Reply […] How to spend 3 days in Paris by The Trading Traveler […]
Reply […] How to Spend 3 Days in Paris: Itinerary and Travel Tips […]
Reply
[…] How to Spend 3 Days in Paris: Itinerary and Travel Tips […]
Reply
Lovin’ this! gave me so much ideas. will be in Paris this Spring for 3 days as well! Thank you for the tips. Please tell me which apartment on Airbnb you stayed. Appreciate it.
Reply Yay how exciting! I’m ready to go back 😉 I’ll send you the listing to your email via Airbnb. Let me know if you have any other questions and have a great trip!
Reply […] How to Spend 3 Days in Paris: Itinerary and Travel Tips […]
Reply
This is very informative. Thanks. I know there’s a lot to see in Paris so I have been thinking what to do on our 3 days stop there. I’m so excited this April. First time for me, 4th time for my Aussie hubby.
Reply Glad you found the post helpful! It sounds like your hubby you should be a Pro at Paris by now 😉 That’s good you’ll have him to play tour guide. Have a great time!!
Reply
Hi,
Thanks for the info, my wife and I are heading out there in August. I enjoyed reading your post and found somethings to plan ahead for. We’ll be in Paris 3 days, hows the attitude towards Americans, from other places I’ve read people tend to portray them as rude but since Ive worked in the tourism industry i know tourists tend to stretch the truth from one bad experience. How did you find the common Parisian to be?
When you say the Louvre was busy and crowded, are we talking black friday shopping crowded or something more do-able?
Thanks in advance.
Frank.
Reply To be honest, we had heard the same about the attitude towards Americans and kind of expected it, but can’t say we ever saw that first hand. I can’t say they were over-the-top friendly, but I don’t think that is the culture there (or big cities anywhere for that matter). They were friendly enough and we definitely never had any negative vibes. The Louvre itself was maybe not as bad as Black Friday, but getting a photo of the Mona Lisa was! It was craaaazy – definitely takes away from the moment. The rest of it (once you get in the door) isn’t so bad. Would just recommend getting your ticket ahead of time and/or getting there early. It’s definitely worth seeing and I’m glad we stuck out the line. It looked worse than it actually was!
Enjoy your trip!! 🙂
Reply
Hi!
I really like how you laid out your itinerary. We might just steal this! 🙂 Is there any way that you could send me the listing to your airbnb? Were on a really tight budget and we might just take the apartment rental route! Hoping for a reply from you! Thanks!
Reply Hi Paula – thank you! Glad you found it helpful 🙂 I’ll send you an email with the Airbnb details!
Reply
Hi, nice reading thru your post and thanks for the tips.
I am heading in next year june and izzit possible if you could send me a list of AIRBNB that is near town and i am traveling alone most likely.
Reply
Hi,
Hope your are doing great, i can see this post is a bit old, but i found it really interesting and useful.
could you pleas send me details for a good Airbnb near to the touristic places and with affordable price, and can you please tell me any experience in Disney.
TIA 🙂
Reply Hi Rana – thanks for your comment! It seems that the Airbnb we stayed in is no longer listed. There are so many options in Paris though so you really shouldn’t have any trouble finding one. Just be sure to read the reviews and check the location. Unfortunately, we haven’t been to the Disney in Paris so can’t offer any tips there. Hope you have a great time in Paris!
Reply
Thank you for taking the time to lay this out for newbie Paris visitors. Its really great and helps a lot
Reply
No problem Tala, hope you enjoy Paris and can save a few Euros while you’re at it!
Reply
Cool to see your experience and to learn from it. Thanks for the post!
My wife and I are headed there for our 1yr anniversary so I’ve been planning to make the best of this trip and your post gave me some things to think about.
Reply Hey Taras,
Glad you found the post useful. Paris definitely isn’t cheap, but you can still get a lot accomplished with a little planning. Let us know if you have any other questions. Otherwise, enjoy Paris!
Reply
You two are awesome. I have never been to Europe before, and have my first trip to Paris planned in July for three days. Your tips are much appreciated, and will definitely help me experience the city more prepared and with less stress! I will be sure to look up other places you’ve been also, because I am planning another trip in the fall. Thanks again!
Reply Wow thank you so much!! Glad you found it helpful. Hope you enjoy your time in Paris! It really is such a beautiful city. Can’t wait to get back again one day 🙂
Reply […] How to Spend 3 Days in Paris: Itinerary and Travel Tips by The Trading Traveller […]
Reply
Greetings from north FL! I knew Charlie must be a native when I saw him wearing a t-shirt with the word “mullet” on it, and it wasn’t referring to a hair style. I’m really enjoying your blog. The posts about Paris are great. I just went for the first time in 2013, and I never made it to many of the big sites or museums. I got sidetracked by wandering in different neighborhoods and seeing some amazing photography exhibitions. I went with a group, but it wasn’t a tour, and most of the travelers were couples. They spent a fortune on average (at best) restaurants . I never could figure out why. I went to supermarkets and cheese shops and had a ‘picnic for one’ every day with good food for a lot less. I’m trying to plan another trip to Paris this year for the week after Christmas, but even hostels are outrageous. Would you mind sharing information about your Airbnb location? Thanks!
Reply Haha thanks, Bonnie! I’ll send you an email with the details 😉
Reply
Hi Charlie and Brittany
I will be visiting in OCt for 3 days too. Could you share the accommodation details and recommendation of the itinerary too?
Reply 
Hi Charlie and Brittany!
Thanks for the post. This just made my day! I was feeling overwhelmed by which hotel we should stay at that was close to transit. Could you please send me your listing to your airbnb? thanks in advance.
Reply It can definitely be overwhelming as there are so many options! We will send you an email with the link 🙂
Reply
Hi Charlie and Brittany,
I will be visiting Paris in July for 3 days too. Could you share the accommodation details and any recommendations? Please. Thank you very much
Reply
This is so helpful since I am planning to go with my family(hubs, 6yr oldand 2 yr old) this September! There are a few things I have in mind which I thought you could shed some light on
-what location do you get the city tour bus from? Also their tickets, are they available online or can you buy in advance etc?
-with two kids, which places ,that you’ve visited, should I omit in case I feel the kids have had enough? Or else what are the must go places out of all, according to you?
Thanks a lot in advance 🙂 cheers!
Thank you! Glad you found it helpful! The website (http://eng.bigbustours.com/paris/tour-highlights.html) has a map with all of the locations and you can start your tour at any of them – whichever is closest to your hotel or most convenient for you. The tickets can be purchased ahead of time on the website or you can buy them when you get on the bus. You might be able to purchase them from your hotel as well. I think you get a small discount for booking online ahead of time for a fixed day however.
I would say the highlights for the kids would be the Eiffel Tower (obviously!), the Latin Quarter which is near Notre Dame, the parks (Tuileries Garden between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde as well as Luxembourg Gardens), and definitely stop at the Arc de Triomphe and take a stroll down Champs Elysees – lots of shops, restaurants and often street performers the whole family will enjoy. Also don’t miss the boat ride on the Seine. Things to skip? Honestly, I think the Louvre could be quite boring for kids and requires quite a bit of walking and at least a half day. I would also recommend getting tickets for things like the Eiffel Tower (or the Louvre if you plan to go) ahead of time to avoid having to wait in long lines. Hope this helps! Enjoy your trip!! 🙂
Reply
Great info thanks!!!! I am heading there in late March with family. Heard so much about aggressive beggars and crime. I’m from NYC so used to watching for scams. Is it really that bad over there? Going with my kids so don’t want them to be upset by any nonsense. Thoughts?
Reply Hey Brian – thanks for the comment! We never felt unsafe in Paris but you do have to be aware of the pick-pockets and scams, especially around the main attractions (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame). We saw a lot of that going on. Just keep your valuables secure, bags/purses zipped, and don’t let them suck you in to taking a survey on the street (first sign its a pick pocket!). Honestly, your kids would probably be oblivious so just make sure you are aware 🙂 Its a great city – have a wonderful trip!!
Reply
Hi Charlie and Brittany ,
Great post. Enjoyed reading it and it’s really a helpful one.
Could you please share the airbnb listing for Paris and the itinerary details.?
Planning to go this month. Will be spending 3 nights in Paris.And could you please recommend another city out of France (another country)to spend 2 nights..I am confused between Amsterdam, Belgium and Switzerland. So it would be helpful if you could suggest one.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks Ashrin! Two nights will give you only one full day of sightseeing. Bruges, Belgium might be a good option? It depends on what you are looking for though. Some people find it a little too Disney-like but we found it very charming and you can see it pretty easily in two days. We weren’t big fans of Brussels so can’t really recommend it, but everyone is different. We loved Amsterdam so that would be a good option as well but it is bigger so you might want to wait until you have a little more time to see it. We haven’t seen Switzerland yet so can’t comment there. That being said, I think you will enjoy any of these options.
The link for our Paris BNB is https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2245174
Hope this helps!! Enjoy your trip!
Reply
Really useful post…many thanks and I hope your budget continues to increase 🙂
Reply […] really great accommodations for a wide range of budgets and is especially useful for the really expensive cities like Paris and Munich. This also helps to keep dining out costs to a minimum when you can prepare your own […]
Reply
Very informative. Will be traveling for a medical consult with my boss and a very ill grandchild (doctors are in a closeby European country) After all is said and done I will have 3-4 days of in Paris as a layover. They will rest for the next leg of trip, I will get 2days and all 3nights to make the most of my time away from the hotel (I know it will be a very nice hotel) if you had to choose fewer place during the day and more places at night what would you suggest. Its a free trip for me but night will have to be my wonderland.
Reply Paris at night is beautiful so you definitely won’t be missing out! Definitely take a cruise on the Seine River to take in the city lights and see the Eiffel Tower sparkling (I think it happens every hour for just a few minutes beginning 11pm until 1 or 2 am). Take a stroll down the Champs Elysees. Visit the Latin Quarter. I don’t think you will be short of things to do at night! Enjoy Paris and sending well wishes to your grandchild.
Reply Important fact I often forget to mention. ..I am deaf..they are hearing. I can speak english, spanish and a few words of french quite clearly however its exhausting therefore I chose my battles. The more visual the better (The Eiffel is a must see for me!)
Reply
My husband and I are taking our daughter to London and Paris for a college graduation gift. We too can only afford 3 days so this itineraries is perfect for us. I would like to try Airbnb but would hate for us to get there and not have a place to stay. How do you know that it’s legit? Since I’ve never tried it before I’m not sure of exactly how it works. Would you mind sending me the info of the place you stayed at? Thanks!
Reply Hi Michele, what an excellent gift to your daughter! Congrats to her! We’ve never had a problem with Airbnb but I do know things like that probably do happen sometimes. My best advice is to spend some time on the site getting comfortable with it before committing to anything. Read through the listings thoroughly to see what amenities are included, their “house rules”, and read each and every review so you know what to expect before arriving. Also, pay attention to location. It is time consuming but it can save you disappointment. We always go with a place that has plenty of reviews and all positive (for the most part, some people complain about silly things) and we’ve never been disappointed. And especially for your first time, I wouldn’t choose a place that doesn’t have any reviews yet. This may not 100% guarantee you but even some hotels overbook sometimes and things happen. Honestly, Airbnb has changed the way we travel and I hope you give it a try. I’m sending you the link to the place we stayed but don’t think it will work for you as it only sleeps 2 (https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2245174). Also, you can always send the host a message through the site with any questions you have if you are unsure before you book. Hope this helps and that you have a great first experience and wonderful trip!
Reply
Very good tips. Thank you. Will definitely follow this as we plan for a 4 day trip in December. Can you also share details of the Airbnb?
Reply Hi Randy – the airbnb we used was (https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2245174) and worked great for us but there are tons of options in Paris! Hope you have a great trip!
Reply
Hi Charlie and Brittany,
thank you for the tips. I am planning a trip in June for my daughter’s first trip to Paris and a surprise birthday celebration. I looking for a nice bnb in walking distance and I really like the tip on the bus tour. Do you have any other suggestions that kids will enjoy? She’ll love the experience and will always remember it. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing your experience. This’s was super helpful! Do you know the website to purchase tickets ahead of time for Eifel Tower, etc.?
Reply Thank you for the kind words! It looks like you can get them here http://www.toureiffel.paris/en/preparing-your-visit/buying-your-tickets.html 🙂
Reply
all those great tips you mentioned are true…i am going to paris in May and did all the things you suggested: plan plan plan….my friend who lives there said the same (his place is tiny he cannot accommodate me, LOL) i found a good place to stay via Airbnb for 50 canadian per night, close to the metro station, 30 mins away from louvre….thanks for for being so generous with tips and ideas! arfel
Reply That’s great, Arfel! Hope you have a fantastic trip!
Reply
Thank you so much for sharing this, I’m so excited on my first trip to Paris and around Europe next week.
Should I get tickets in advance for Eifel tower, Museums, etc?
Thank you!
-Rafa, Philippines
Hi Charlie and Brittany,
My wife is travelling solo to Paris and Amsterdam in about a months time for about 3-4 days at each place. I am the one doing all the homework for her as its her first solo trip whereas i ve travelled a lot (though Paris has been only for a day trip!)
I would like to seek your recommendations for the Airbnb places in and around, preferably in safe localities/ proximity to hop on/ off bus stations.
What do you recommend her plan should be like….for about a 3/4 night stay at Paris and then she travels onwards to Amsterdam
Thanks in advance
P.S I have put her email id here so she gets the mail directly. Me being posted in a non family station at the moment (I am a Navy Pilot), i can only guide her through emails/ whatsapp
So sorry for the delayed response! But your wife is traveling to two AMAZING places! I have only stayed in one Airbnb in Paris (https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2245174) but there are so many options out there, she is sure to find something great. Just pay close attention to the location and reviews from others when booking. The hop on/hop off bus tour is a great way to see a lot in Paris because there is so much to see and it is very spread out (not exactly walkable). It is great for getting around from place to place and then going off to explore on your own. Amsterdam, on the other hand, is very walkable. There is a free walking tour that was about 3 hours by Sandemans that we really enjoyed. They also offer the red light district and “coffee shop” tours that were very interesting as well. The best parts of those cities are just walking around the streets and admiring the architecture and..of course…the food 😉
Reply
Hi there,
I found your post very informative and would appreciate if you can share the list of our airbnb, we are planning to spend 3 days in Paris and of course we would love to do as much as possible without spending a fortune 🙂
Have a wonderful day
Paula
Hi Paula, we stayed in a studio apartment attached to a family home https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2245174. There are so many options on Airbnb in Paris though so you should have plenty of choices! My biggest advice when booking an Airbnb is to pay close attention to location, what is included, and read through others’ reviews. Have fun in Paris!!
Reply
Hi Charlie and Brittany,
We will be visiting Paris in July for 3 days. Could you please share the details of the itinerary?
Thanks in advance,
/Sonny
Reply
The most informative post I have ever seen. 🙂 Thanks a lot for the detailed info.
Reply 
Very informative. Thank you! will visit paris soon (in 3 days ). God Bless you guys!
Reply 
Glad you found it helpful! Enjoy your 3 days in Paris!! 🙂
Reply
My wife and I are planning to spend 3 days in August, sort of our 40th Anniversary celebration. Your post is very helpful. I am also thinking of going to Mouline Rouge. Any suggestions? I don’t believe you covered that.
Reply Wow congrats on 40 years! Unfortunately we never made it to Moulin Rouge because we ran out of time so can’t really offer much insight there. It’s definitely on our list for when we return though. Hope you have an incredible time celebrating your anniversary!
Reply
Thank god I found this!
May I know which airbnb listing you stayed in?
Dear Charlie and Brittany
I will be accompanying the South African athletes to a bodybuilding event In Poland and I said why not stop in Paris and take advantage of a 3 day Tour??? Thank goodness I came across your tips and advise… Thank you guys… my first time traveling…and alone too…. U have made me feel a bit more comfortable and now looking forward to the trip. Will.certainly stop at supermarkets and have already purchased a 2 day bus ticket. Much appreciated.
Reply
video of Paris encouraged me to follow, your forwarded links without hiding helped me. can i be privileged with your suggestion to visit interlaken for 2 days,Lucerne 2 days, Innsbruck 2 days, and lastly Munich for 2 days if you find I need to edit please suggest
Reply
Me & My wife are traveling to Paris in July for 3 days. (Arrival 9 AM on day 1 and departure 7 AM on day4), found your itinerary very helpful and planning to follow the same (day 2 & day 3 I need to reverse as my days fall on SUN,MON & TUE :-().
But I was suggested on TA forum not to include Palace of Versailles in such short visit of just 3 days. As we are not frequent traveler and NOT sure we visit Paris again so do not want to miss and must do site/activities. Can you please suggest and provide your opinion about the same I mean should we include Versailles in our plan or not. same applicable for Louvre as well.
As we will reach early in hotel and may not be able to check in so need to check how can we plan Big Bus tour on our Day 1. We will be staying near to Gare Du Nord station.
Thanks,
Honestly, it really is a matter of preference. We never made it inside the Palace of Versailles and I don’t really have any regrets. But for us, it wasn’t something that we were really dying to see (although I’m sure its lovely). If it is something you really want to do or see, then definitely make the time. But if its something you just feel like you should see, I wouldn’t prioritize it. Especially if there are things you would much rather do and your time is short. The Louvre was definitely cool to see and we aren’t usually museum people. But again, that’s really a matter of opinion. The Louvre is much more central so you could include it in your day among other things. The Palace really will take a large majority of a day though.
As for your first day, I would check with your hotel and see if you can leave bags there and then catch the bus. Your hotel should be able to help you find the closest stop from there and how to get there.
Hope this helps and wishing you safe travels!
Reply
Hi, i really liked the way you planned for 3 days paris trip. i would follow the same too 🙂 would you mind sharing me the hotel details where you stayed ..
Reply Hi Girish, thanks so much for the comment. It seems that Airbnb we stayed is no longer an active listing. However, there are so many options available you shouldn’t have trouble finding a place. Just be sure to read through the reviews and check the location before booking an Airbnb!
Reply
I spent very little money when I was in Paris just because I was hosted and I chose to do the free activities only. But I think I should visit Louvre next time! Thanks for this post x
Reply
Thank you for yout post! It helped me a lot planning my trip to Paris, I decided to come with only a few days in advance.
Reply
Nice post very informative.
Would surely follow the tips.I wish I could most of this in 3 days.
Let me know what I shouldn’t miss in case I couldn’t make all of it?
Truly commendable post. No one has written absolutely anything better in almost 4 years. Sincere thanks for this wonderful down to earth post. Can you kindly share the rest of the trip details that you did please.
Rgds
Mohan
hey really enjoyed reading this post!
so just a bit curious regarding which cities you visited?
Also how long in advacne should one book the tickets? one day before going or one month before travelling?
lastly are the hotels really that expensive and how long in advance should one book the apartment via air bnb??
[…] For more detailed ideas, check out the Trading Travelers 3 Days in Paris Itinerary. […]
Reply
