Destinations
How to Spend 72 Hours in Paris: The Ultimate Itinerary
January 2025
Paris, the City of Light, offers an enchanting blend of history, culture, and cuisine. With only 72 hours to explore this magical city, it’s essential to plan your itinerary to ensure you experience the best it has to offer. Here’s a detailed guide to making the most of your three days in Paris, including where to stay for a comfortable and convenient experience.
Where to Stay
Staycity Aparthotel Gare de l’Est Paris: Located near Gare de l’Est station, Staycity Aparthotel offers modern, fully-equipped apartments ideal for travelers looking for comfort and convenience. Its proximity to major transport hubs makes it an excellent base for exploring Paris.
YAYS Paris Issy: Situated in the vibrant Issy-les-Moulineaux area, YAYS Paris Issy provides stylish, serviced apartments with all the amenities you need for a pleasant stay. It’s a bit further from the city center but well-connected by public transport.
Day 1: Embrace Iconic Landmarks
Morning: Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise
Eiffel Tower: Start your Parisian adventure at the most iconic symbol of the city, the Eiffel Tower. Arrive early to avoid long lines and take the elevator to the top for a breathtaking view of Paris. Don’t forget to snap some photos from the Trocadéro Gardens, which offer a perfect vantage point.
Seine River Cruise: After descending from the Eiffel Tower, head to the banks of the Seine River for a relaxing boat cruise. This will give you a unique perspective of many famous landmarks, including Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Musée d’Orsay.
Afternoon: Louvre Museum and Tuileries Garden
Louvre Museum: Spend your afternoon exploring the world’s largest art museum, the Louvre. Home to thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre is a treasure trove of human creativity. To make the most of your visit, consider a guided tour or a self-guided audio tour to focus on the highlights.
Tuileries Garden: After your museum visit, take a leisurely stroll through the Tuileries Garden. This historic garden is perfect for a relaxing break, offering beautiful sculptures, fountains, and views of the Eiffel Tower.
Evening: Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
Champs-Élysées: Walk along the world-famous avenue, the Champs-Élysées, lined with shops, theaters, and cafes. This vibrant street is perfect for a bit of shopping or simply soaking in the Parisian atmosphere.
Arc de Triomphe: At the end of the Champs-Élysées stands the majestic Arc de Triomphe. Climb to the top for another fantastic panoramic view of the city, particularly beautiful at sunset.
Accommodation: After a full day of exploration, return to your comfortable accommodation at either Staycity Aparthotel Gare de l’Est or YAYS Paris Issy.
Day 2: Artistic and Cultural Exploration
Morning: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Montmartre: Begin your day in the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre. Wander through its charming streets, visit artists at Place du Tertre, and explore the unique shops and cafes that give this area its distinctive character.
Sacré-Cœur Basilica: Perched atop Montmartre, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica offers stunning views of Paris. The interior is equally impressive, with its intricate mosaics and serene atmosphere.
Afternoon: Musée d’Orsay and Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Musée d’Orsay: Cross the Seine to visit the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former railway station. This museum boasts an exceptional collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces by artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Spend your afternoon exploring the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés district. Known for its intellectual and artistic history, this area is home to famous cafes like Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore. Browse the boutique shops and art galleries that line the streets.
Evening: Latin Quarter and Seine River Banks
Latin Quarter: Head to the lively Latin Quarter for dinner. This historic student area is full of bistros, creperies, and traditional French restaurants. Be sure to explore the narrow streets and discover hidden gems.
Seine River Banks: After dinner, take a romantic evening stroll along the Seine. The illuminated bridges and buildings create a magical atmosphere that’s quintessentially Parisian.
Accommodation: Retire to your apartment at Staycity Aparthotel Gare de l’Est or YAYS Paris Issy to rest up for the final day of your trip.
Day 3: Historical and Culinary Delights
Morning: Notre-Dame Cathedral and Île de la Cité
Notre-Dame Cathedral: Start your final day with a visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral. Despite the fire in 2019, the cathedral remains a symbol of Paris. Admire its Gothic architecture and explore the surrounding Île de la Cité, the historic heart of Paris.
Sainte-Chapelle: Nearby, visit the Sainte-Chapelle, renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows that depict biblical scenes in vibrant colors.
Afternoon: Le Marais and Place des Vosges
Le Marais: Spend your afternoon in the trendy Le Marais district. This area is known for its medieval architecture, chic boutiques, and a vibrant mix of cultures. Don’t miss the Musée Picasso and the Jewish Quarter with its historic synagogues and delis.
Place des Vosges: Relax in the picturesque Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest planned square. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic or just unwinding while admiring the beautiful surroundings.
Evening: Dinner Cruise and Montparnasse Tower
Dinner Cruise: Treat yourself to a memorable dinner cruise on the Seine River. Enjoy gourmet French cuisine while floating past illuminated landmarks, creating a perfect ending to your Parisian adventure.
Montparnasse Tower: If you still have energy, head to the Montparnasse Tower for a final panoramic view of Paris. The observation deck offers one of the best night views of the Eiffel Tower.
Accommodation: End your day by returning to the cozy and well-appointed Staycity Aparthotel Gare de l’Est or YAYS Paris Issy.
Tips for a Perfect Trip
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Paris involves a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is essential.
Plan Ahead: Book tickets for major attractions in advance to save time and avoid long lines.
Use Public Transport: The Paris Metro is efficient and can get you quickly from one attraction to another.
Learn Basic French Phrases: A few phrases in French can go a long way in enhancing your experience.
Stay Hydrated and Enjoy Café Culture: Take breaks at the numerous cafes around the city to rest and people-watch.
With this 72-hour itinerary and comfortable stays at either Staycity Aparthotel Gare de l’Est or YAYS Paris Issy, you’ll experience the best of Paris, from its iconic landmarks and world-class museums to its charming neighbourhoods and culinary delights. Bon voyage!
