Planning a short trip to Paris and want to make the most of every moment? Whether you’re going for the food, the culture, or the views, this 3-day Paris itinerary covers what to see, where to eat, and how to explore the city without stress. We just spent an unforgettable 72 hours in Paris and here’s exactly how we did it.

How to Get Around Paris Without Using the Metro

Let’s get straight to it. The Paris Metro is not the most accessible or convenient for everyone. Instead, we used Uber for easy point-to-point travel and booked a 48-hour Big Bus Tour pass.

These open-top buses are perfect for sightseeing and getting your bearings. They stop at all the major attractions and save you from walking miles or figuring out Metro lines. If you’re short on time or energy, it’s a game changer. The night tour is a completely different route and includes sights like the Moulin Rouge and the Eiffel Tower lit up, which is honestly magical.

Day 1 in Paris: History, Shopping, and Sushi

Morning: Louvre Museum
Start your trip strong at the Louvre. Book a 9 am slot online, head straight to the top floor, and work your way down. You’ll avoid the crowds and get amazing views of the Mona Lisa without the crush of people. Entry is free if you have a disability or are accompanying someone who does.

Afternoon: Galeries Lafayette and the Glass Walk
This iconic shopping destination is worth visiting even if you’re not a shopper. The glass dome is stunning, and the rooftop views are free. Book the Glass Walk online for a fun and quick experience with a brilliant view of the interior.

Lunch: Panasia, Galeries Lafayette
Located inside the department store, Panasia serves fresh sushi and cocktails in a comfortable setting. Department store restaurants are often overlooked, but they’re usually spacious, calm, and well-equipped.

Evening: Le Clos Bourguignon
Wrap up your first day with an authentic French bistro experience. Le Clos Bourguignon is traditional, cozy, and full of charm. Expect classic dishes like escargots and frog legs. The food is rich and satisfying and the vibe is straight out of a French movie.

Day 2 in Paris: Landmarks and Local Streets

Morning: Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame is a must-visit and surprisingly easy to access. Get there early to skip the queue and enjoy a quiet moment in this iconic space. The Latin Quarter nearby is perfect for a morning wander after.

Lunch: Café Panis
Right across from Notre-Dame, Café Panis offers a traditional French menu in a relaxed setting. The French onion soup is a standout. Great food and even better views.

Afternoon: Palais Garnier
Whether you’re a fan of Phantom of the Opera or just love architecture, the Palais Garnier is stunning. You’ll need to book online and be prepared for a bit of assistance getting in, but it’s worth it. The gold, the mirrors, the drama — unforgettable.

Evening: Big Bus Night Tour
Hop back on the Big Bus for the evening tour. It starts from the Champs-Élysées and takes you through a completely different side of Paris. Watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle from an open-top bus is a moment to remember.

Day 3 in Paris: Culture, Cobblestones, and Octopus

Morning: Hôtel des Invalides (Army Museum)
This place wasn’t even on our original itinerary but ended up being a surprise highlight. It’s packed with French military history and includes Napoleon’s tomb. You don’t need to pre-book and entry is free for disabled visitors and companions.

Lunch: Tribeca on Rue Cler
If you only visit one street café in Paris, make it this one. Rue Cler is full of charm and local vibes. Tribeca serves incredible Italian food and the staff were some of the friendliest we met. The octopus dish here was a knockout.

Afternoon: Eiffel Tower Walk and Chill
Tribeca is just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, so take your time strolling over. Grab a seat on the grass, snap a few photos, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Dinner: IKÊ at Printemps
End your Paris trip with a little luxury. IKÊ is a Japanese seafood restaurant inside the Printemps department store. It’s sleek, the views are incredible, and the food is top quality. A fitting final meal for a stylish city.

Paris Travel Tips for a Stress-Free Experience

• Book museum and attraction tickets online to skip queues

• Visit big attractions early to avoid crowds

• Use Google Maps’ “search this area” to find nearby restaurants

• Stick to department stores and shopping centres if you need step-free access and accessible toilets

• Don’t overplan — some of our best experiences were unplanned

72 hours in Paris is enough to fall in love with the city. Between the iconic landmarks, world-class food, and friendly locals, Paris really does live up to the hype. You don’t need to see everything. Just slow down, stay curious, and enjoy the ride.

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The Chequers Bath

This is The Chequers Bath blog, a lifestyle blog mostly focussing on food, travel and general lifestyle posts.