Paris Weekend Getaway: Your 3-Day Essential Guide

Before You Go: Essential Travel Advisory

Entry Requirements

Visa: Check if you need a Schengen visa for France. EU/EEA citizens only need a valid ID card
Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended for medical emergencies and trip cancellations

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds
Avoid August when many locals vacation and some restaurants close
Winter offers lower prices and festive charm, despite shorter days

Budget Planning

Accommodation: €80-200 per night (mid-range hotel)
Meals: €40-70 per day (mix of cafés and restaurants)
Transportation: €30 for a 3-day Paris Visite travel pass
Attractions: €50-100 total (many museums free on first Sunday of month)

Day 1: Classic Paris Icons

Morning: The Eiffel Tower District

Start Early (8:00 AM arrival recommended)

Book Eiffel Tower tickets online in advance to skip 2-hour queues
Opt for second-floor access (better value and views than the summit)
Allow 2-3 hours for your visit

Travel Tip: Take Metro Line 6 for scenic above-ground views approaching Trocadéro

Afternoon: Seine River & Champs-Élysées

Stroll along the Seine from Trocadéro to Pont Alexandre III
Walk up the Champs-Élysées to Arc de Triomphe
Advisory: Avoid dining on Champs-Élysées (tourist prices); explore side streets instead

Evening: Dinner in Le Marais

Take Metro to Le Marais district (Lines 1, 5, 8, or 11)
Enjoy authentic bistros on Rue des Rosiers or Rue de Bretagne
Safety Note: Keep belongings secure in crowded metro stations

Day 2: Art, Culture & Montmartre

Morning: The Louvre Museum

Arrive at opening (9:00 AM to beat crowds)

Pre-book timed tickets online (mandatory)
Focus on 2-3 sections rather than everything (it’s impossible in one visit)
Must-sees: Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory
Allow 3-4 hours minimum

Insider Tip: Enter through Porte des Lions entrance for shorter security lines

Afternoon: Montmartre Exploration

Take Metro Line 2 to Anvers or Line 12 to Abbesses
Climb to Sacré-Cœur Basilica (free entry, stunning city views)
Wander cobblestone streets of Place du Tertre
Scam Alert: Decline friendship bracelets and avoid street “artists” who pressure purchases

Evening: Latin Quarter Dining

Cross to the Left Bank for dinner
Explore Rue Mouffetard for casual dining options
Local Advice: Make dinner reservations by 6:00 PM for popular spots

Day 3: Hidden Gems & Departure Prep

Morning: Musée d’Orsay or Sainte-Chapelle

Option A – Musée d’Orsay (Impressionist art lovers)

Pre-book tickets online
2-3 hours recommended
Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh masterpieces

Option B – Sainte-Chapelle (Gothic architecture enthusiasts)

Arrive early or book skip-the-line tickets
Combined ticket with Conciergerie saves money
1-2 hours total

Afternoon: Shopping & Souvenirs

Le Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Independent boutiques over tourist shops near monuments
Duty-free shopping available at Galeries Lafayette (bring passport)
Currency Tip: Use credit cards for best exchange rates; avoid airport currency exchange

Evening: Farewell Dinner & Seine Cruise

Book a 7:00 PM Seine dinner cruise for a magical finale
Alternative: Casual dinner in Saint-Germain + evening stroll along the Seine
Return to hotel by 10:00 PM if early morning departure

Essential Travel Tips & Advisories

Transportation

Metro & RER: Buy a Paris Visite pass or Navigo Découverte card
From Airport: RER B train (€11.45) is fastest to city center
Night Transport: Metro runs until 1:15 AM (2:15 AM Friday/Saturday)
Taxis: Use official taxi stands or apps (G7, Uber)

Safety & Security

Pickpocketing is common near tourist sites and on Metro Lines 1 and 4
Use anti-theft bags and keep valuables in front pockets
Be wary of petition signers, gold ring finders, and survey takers (all scams)
Emergency number: 112 (English available)

Health & Medical

Pharmacies (marked with green cross) provide basic medical advice
EU citizens: Bring European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Non-EU: Ensure travel insurance covers medical expenses

Cultural Etiquette

Greet with “Bonjour” before asking questions (locals appreciate the effort)
Tipping: 5-10% for good service (not obligatory as service charge is included)
Dress code: Casual but put-together; avoid athletic wear in restaurants
Restaurants: Dinner starts around 7:30-8:00 PM

Language

Learn basic phrases: “Bonjour” (hello), “Merci” (thank you), “S’il vous plaît” (please)
Many younger Parisians speak English, but French greetings are appreciated
Download Google Translate offline for menus and signs

Money Matters

Credit cards widely accepted (Visa/Mastercard preferred)
Carry €50-100 cash for small cafés and markets
ATMs (distributeurs) abundant; use bank ATMs over independent ones
Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks

Connectivity

Free WiFi available at most hotels, cafés, and major attractions
Purchase local SIM card at airport or use EU roaming (if applicable)
Paris WiFi available in parks and public spaces (limited)

Packing Essentials

Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll walk 15,000+ steps daily)
Light layers (weather can change quickly)
Small day backpack or crossbody bag
Reusable water bottle (tap water is safe)
Universal power adapter (Type C/E outlets)

Final Advisory

Health Updates: Check current entry requirements and health protocols at France Diplomatie website before departure.

Strike Notice: France experiences occasional transportation strikes. Download the RATP app for real-time metro updates and alternative routes.

Museum Closures: Most museums close on Mondays or Tuesdays. Verify opening days when planning your itinerary.

Reservation Reminder: Book popular restaurants and skip-the-line attraction tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (May-September).

Bon Voyage! This itinerary balances must-see landmarks with practical advice to make your short Paris escape smooth, safe, and unforgettable.