Paris 3-day itinerary
France
Where to go and what to see in Paris – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Anna Brooke.
Bucket list experience:
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This large hill in Pari’s 18th arrondissement may be overrun with visitors, but the village-like neighbourhood of Montmartre is also incredibly charming, with its cute houses, artists’ studios and steep stairways.
It’s known for its long artistic history – in the 18th and 19th centuries many artists lived and worked or had studios in Montmartre, leaving it a unique bohemian charm. Its other claim to fame is the sugary-white domed church of Sacre-Coeur, built in 1914 – the interior is a feast of glittering neo-Byzantine mosaics. It crowns Paris’s highest hill, and offers the best panoramic views of the city from atop its dome (open to visitors).
The main square – Place du Tertre – is horribly crowded with tourists and packed with pseudo-artists, but there are still authentic corners to be discovered in the side streets lower down the hill. For a more laid-back side of Montmartre, explore the cafés and shops along Rue des Abbesses, Rue Lepic and Rue des Trois-Frères.
Other attractions here include Montmartre Cemetery, the Montmartre Museum, and the Dalí Paris art space.
It’s a go-to for all tourists and first-timers, but the area still has charm and a wonderfully bohemian air.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
France
Where to go and what to see in Paris – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Anna Brooke.
France
Where to go and what to see in Paris – a 6-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Anna Brooke.
Take the metro to Abbesses or Anvers, then walk or catch the funicular up the hill to the Sacré-Coeur. You don’t need a guided tour – just wander around and soak up the atmosphere.
For the best food, avoid the restaurants on Place du Tertre and instead head for classic brasserie La Mascotte on Rue des Abbesses.
Montmartre is a huge tourist draw so there are always crowds, although first thing in the morning does tend to be quieter. Avoid weekend afternoons, or visit in the evenings, when old-fashioned, gas-lit street lamps and traditional bistros give the streets a pleasingly romantic atmosphere.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.5 miles]
Homely country-cottage charm and welcoming calm in this 26-room boutique hotel, halfway between magical Montmartre and louche Pigalle.
Official star rating:
Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2.3 miles]
A hip, Haussmann-style hotel is a fab base for anyone looking to mix sightseeing with shopping and nightlife. Uber-central, close to the Louvre, and with a brasserie and bars worth staying in for.
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Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2.5 miles]
A legendary Paris grande dame hotel and altar to old-school opulence, at the historical heart of the city.
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Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2.5 miles]
In a perfect Louvre-adjacent location, this witty, original boutique hotel pays homage to Parisian style.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Ile-de-France, France
Crammed with iconic buildings, world-class art and a culinary scene steeped in history, Paris is one of the world’s great capitals, overflowing with style, romance, and art de vivre.
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Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.1 miles]
This museum in the Montmartre neighbourhood is dedicated to the surrealist Salvador Dali, displaying over 300 of his works. Dali lived and painted in Paris for many years.
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Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.7 miles]
A long-running, extravagant, colourful cabaret featuring dancers and courtesans has been thrilling Parisian audiences since 1889. See the incomparable Can Can – the enigmatic dance that’s its greatest claim to fame.
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