Journey to Paris, France

Bucket List on a Budget

Paris, France: 3.5 Day Trip

Time of Year: January or September/October 2026

Transportation: Take a flight to Paris, France

*Disclaimer I have not taken this travel route yet. This may not be the most effective plan*

A huge thank you to my Aunt Sheila for the suggestions 🙂

Created by Maeve Cox

Day 1

Petit-Pont – Cardinal Lustiger | Photo by Julien Manceau

Check into Hotel Dauphine Saint Germaine

  • 36 Rue Dauphine, 75006 Paris, France

Visit the places on walk to Notre Dame

  • Fontaine Saint-Michel
    • Pl. Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris, France
  • Shop on the Rue de la Huchette
  • Take scenic photo at Petit Pont – Cardinal Lustiger
  • Cross the Pont au Double
  • Arrive at the Notre Dame
  • Walk to Fontaine de la Vierge for another view
    • Public bathrooms are nearby

Walk back towards Hotel

  • Get food and browse Shakespeare and Company
    • Book store and café
    • 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France
  • Stop into clothing and book stores

Rest up for day two!

Day 2

Paris Corners: Rue Joseph de Maistre & Rue Lepic
Paris Corners: Rue Joseph de Maistre & Rue Lepic | Photo by Istvan on Flickr

Drive to Montmartre

  • 18 minute drive from hotel

Eat at a café and admire artwork within Place du Tertre

  • Carette
    • 7 Pl. du Tertre, 75018 Paris, France
  • Galerie Montmartre
    • 11 Pl. du Tertre, 75018 Paris, France

Take photos on the Calvaire Street Stairs

  • 2 Rue du Calvaire, 75018 Paris, France

Walk to Picasso First Studio

  • 49 Rue Gabrielle, 75018 Paris, France

Grab a bite to eat on Rue Lepic

  • La Bossue
    • 9 Rue Joseph de Maistre, 75018 Paris, France
    • Recommended for coffee and pasteries

Walk to Place Blanche then down Bd de Clichy for photos

  • On left side of street there are many stores and architecture
    • Villa des Platanes
      • 58-60 Bd de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France
  • Continue back to main road
    • 36 Bd de Clichy, 75018 Paris, France
  • Pigalle Square
    • 1 Pl. Pigalle, 75009 Paris, France
  • Before you leave the area stop at Librairie Vendredi
    • 67 R. des Martyrs, 75009 Paris, France

Drive to L’Appartement Saint-Martin for food

  • 96 Rue René Boulanger, 75010 Paris, France
  • There are tons of photo opts in the area
    • Porte Saint-Martin
    • Outside the Renaissance Theatre and Théâtre du Petit-Saint-Martin

Walk to Square Émile-Chautemps

  • 263 Rue Saint-Martin, 75003 Paris, France

Buy ticket to Musée des Arts et Métiers

  • 292 Rue Saint-Martin, 75141 Paris, France
  • Scientific and industrial artworks & artifacts

Return to the hotel

Day 3

Eiffel Tower, Paris
Eiffel Tower, Paris | Photo by Anirudh Koul of Flickr

Walk to Apégo for brunch

  • 22 Rue des Saints-Pères, 75007 Paris, France
  • Opens at 10AM
  • Recommended to book a table

Walk and shop on way to Eiffel Tower area

  • GoodNews Rue du Bac
    • 26 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris, France
    • Expresso Bar if you need a pick me up
  • Place du Palais Bourbon
    • 2 Pl. du Palais Bourbon, 75007 Paris, France
  • Rue de l’Université
    • As you walk down the street you will see the Eiffel Tower
  • Le Recrutement Café
    • 36 Bd de la Tour-Maubourg, 75007 Paris, France
    • Street view of Eiffel Tower
    • Reserve a table before hand
  • Esplanade des Invalides
    • Great place to relax
  • Get pictures at Atelier Eiffel
    • 4 Bis Pass. Landrieu, 75007 Paris, France
  • Enjoy the Jardin du Musée du Quai Branly
    • 29 Quai Jacques Chirac, 75007 Paris, France
    • Free to Public
  • Take a ride on the Carousel of the Eiffel Tower
    • Quai Jacques Chirac, 75007 Paris, France
  • Walk through the Jardin de la Tour Eiffel
    • Decide to sit in Trocadero or Champs de Mars
      • These are the two sides of the Eiffel Tower
    • Bring books and books to last you until the tower lights up
    • There are tons of brasseries all around so no need to bring a lot of snacks

Drive back to the hotel.

If you decided not to walk to the Eiffel Tower you may have energy go out to Wanderlust.

  • 32 Quai d’Austerlitz, 75013 Paris, France
  • Night club

Day 4 | Half Day

Pont Marie, Paris | Photo by BikerNormand on Wiki Commons

Azzedine Alaïa Foundation

  • 18 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris, France
  • Café inside

Maison Européenne de la Photographie

  • 5/7 Rue de Fourcy, 75004 Paris, France
  • Photography Exhibit

Walk to Bertillon for famous ice cream

  • 31 rue saint louis en l’ile, 46 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, 75004 Paris, France

Return to hotel for check out

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