The city of love is filled with iconic landmarks, charming cafés, and unforgettable experiences. We feel the best time of the year to visit this city could be any time, but preferably spring or autumn. With days not as hot as summer and not chilling like winter. The city blends the charm of the landmarks, the grandeur of stores, the sweetness of the cafes, chaotic energy of bustling streets and the unavoidable element of urban life – garbage. Our three days in this enchanting city was a blend of sightseeing and magic at Disneyland. Here’s our itinerary to make the most of your trip, including transportation tips, tickets, and food recommendations.
Although Paris has around 3 airports, Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is main one and very well connected. The RER B train is the quickest way to get from CDG to central Paris or Gare De Nord.
Moving Around
Here’s an youtube video that talks about metro pass [ How to buy metro tickets in Paris ] . We took the Navigo pass for all our transport and used the metro mostly everywhere. For all the zonal and pass information this is a very well updated site [ Paris by Train ].
The Bonjour RATP app simplifies travel in Paris and Île-de-France, offering features such as GPS guidance for the fastest routes. It allows users to buy and load transport tickets onto a Navigo pass or directly onto their phone, avoiding lines at the station. The app also provides real-time updates on RER, Metro, Bus, Tramway, and Transilien lines, and includes options for renting bikes/scooters or booking a ride with Marcel.
If you fancy an incredible panoramic view of Eiffel tower then metro line 6 is recommended.
Accomodation
We went ahead with an AirBnB at 18th arrondissement, basically divided in sectors. We had the pass, and hence didn’t mind the travel much. All of the sectors are very well connected. The core arrondissements (1st–8th) are often great options since they provide a safest environment, quaint cafes, and quick access to important attractions. Because of their lively environment and close accessibility to attractions, neighborhoods like the Latin Quarter (5th), Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th), and the Marais (3rd & 4th) are especially well-liked and often pricer option. Below map will give you an idea of arrondissement. [ More reference ]
Day1
As we headed from CDG to Gare Du Nord, we were welcomed with a surprising but recognizable scene as soon as we left the station: a bustling alley lined with Indian eateries, supermarkets, and retail establishments. We were immediately taken home by the sight of vibrant sarees on display and the smell of fresh delectables. This unexpected cultural nook in the middle of Paris left us feeling both amazed and a little perplexed. It was an odd yet endearing moment. But before moving on, we seized the opportunity, ate some delectable Indian food.
The rooftop
After checking in our airbnb, first stop: Galeries Lafayette. I mean, the building itself is gorgeous, all glass and fancy details. But the real magic? That rooftop. Seriously, the view is insane. Paris just stretched out in every direction, and there, smack-dab in the middle, was the Eiffel Tower. It is a free entry, so worth the visit.
Visit Galeries Lafayette rooftop
We just wandered around the Champ de Mars, snapping pictures like crazy, totally awestruck. While we waited for our Seine cruise, we grabbed some waffles – touristy, I know, but they hit the spot. The whole area around the Tower is a bit of a tourist trap, though, so watch your wallet.
Rue de l’Université is one of the best place to get your snap with the tower.
Few more places if you fancy a photoshoot with the Eiffel tower.
The River Cruise
That evening, the 1 hour Seine cruise was pure magic. Paris at dusk, all soft lights and street performers, it was so romantic. And then, the Eiffel Tower lit up! That sparkle show reflecting on the river? Seriously breathtaking. There are variety of river cruise you can book from Get Your Guide. Bit of research needed, but all are pretty affordable.
Must do river cruise at dusk
Day2
Disneyland Paris! We hopped on the RER A train – easy peasy – and before we knew it, we were at Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy, the park’s doorstep. The excitement was buzzing! Inside, it was pure nostalgia, seeing all those familiar faces – Donald, Goofy, even the Avengers! We hit some of the best rides, too. Pirates of the Caribbean is so immersive, Indiana Jones made us scream, and the Avengers ride? Totally epic for any Marvel fan. There were also some relaxing and not so difficult rides to experience, worth the time. There’s also a disney parade which you can look forward to, not much of an exciting thing unless you have a kid with you.
To eat and cost
All that running around made us hungry, of course. We checked out a couple of places to eat – La Cantina a mexican place looked cool, Captain Jack’s sounded fun, and that Marvel-themed Pym Kitchen looked wild! We’d booked our tickets online beforehand, which I definitely recommend – saved us time and cash. They weren’t cheap, though, something like €70-€120 each, depending on when you go. (Check the Disneyland Paris website for the latest prices).
Stay until the end
Make sure to stay until the evening to catch the firework and lightshow. Irrespective of your age, it is indeed magical.
After a day of rides, characters, we headed back to Paris, tired but buzzing from all the magic.
It’s a day’s task at minimum. Stay till the evening – catch the firework and light show.
Day3
On our last day here, we made a beeline for the Louvre. Looking at the queue we just decided to soak the atmosphere from outside (Pro tip: book those tickets online beforehand if you actually want to go in – trust me!).
Instead of battling the crowds, we went on a pastry mission because Paris and pastries go a long way! Our first stop was Stohrer, this adorable bakery has been around forever. And their éclairs? Forget about it. Best. Éclairs. Ever. Seriously, if you go to Paris, find Stohrer.
From Stohrer, we wandered over to Du Pain et des Idées – everyone raves about their croissants, and the queue outside the door proved it. Totally worth the wait, though. We took a butter croissant and few other things from the shop and had a lovely picnic lunch by the Seine, just chilling and enjoying the Parisian vibe one last time. Before our flight, we also visited the Luxembourg Gardens. Such a beautiful, peaceful spot – a perfect way to say goodbye to the city. Then, with our hearts full (and bags full of macarons!), we headed home.
Our Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Parisian Highlights
Arrival & Transport
- Land at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport – the main Paris airport.
- Take the RER B train to Gare du Nord – quickest way to central Paris.
- Navigo Pass: Best for unlimited metro, bus, tram, and train travel. Paris by Train for detailed fare info.
- Download Bonjour RATP app for real-time transport updates & ticket purchases.
Exploring Paris
- Surprise Indian Hub: Around Gare du Nord, find Indian restaurants, grocery stores & shops. A cultural pocket in the city!
- Head to Airbnb in the 18th Arrondissement – A well-connected yet affordable area.
- Alternative Stays: Latin Quarter (5th), Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th), Marais (3rd & 4th) for safer, central locations with cafes & attractions.
Galeries Lafayette – Rooftop View
- Famous shopping mall, but the rooftop offers a FREE panoramic view of Paris & the Eiffel Tower.
- Worth a visit, even if you’re not shopping!
Eiffel Tower & Seine River Cruise
- Best Photo Spots:
- Champ de Mars – Classic Eiffel Tower shots.
- Rue de l’Université – Hidden gem for stunning photos.
- Grab waffles near the Tower (beware of tourist traps).
- Seine River Cruise at Dusk (Approx. 1 hour) – Must-do experience!
- Book in advance on GetYourGuide or Viator for the best deals.
- The Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour for 5 mins after sunset, reflecting beautifully on the river.
Day 2: Disneyland Paris – A Day of Magic!
Getting There
- Take the RER A train to Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy (Direct stop at Disneyland Paris).
Must-Do Rides & Attractions
- Pirates of the Caribbean – Meet legendary Jack Sparrow.
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril – Thrilling roller coaster.
- Avengers Assemble: Flight Force – For Marvel fans!
- Many family-friendly, relaxing rides too.
Food & Dining Inside the Park
- La Cantina (Mexican food)
- Captain Jack’s (Pirates-themed seafood)
- Pym Kitchen (Marvel-themed buffet)
Tickets & Prices
- Pre-book online to save time & money. Prices range €70-€120, varying by season.
- Check the Disneyland Paris Official Website for latest ticket prices & offers.
Stay for the Disney Parade & Fireworks
- Disney Parade: Fun but best enjoyed with kids.
- Night Fireworks & Light Show: A magical must-watch experience before heading back to Paris!
Day 3: Pastries, Parks & Saying Goodbye
Louvre Museum (From the Outside!)
- Didn’t go inside due to long queues – Pro Tip: Book online in advance to avoid wait times!
- Instead, admired the Louvre Pyramid & courtyard atmosphere.
Parisian Pastry Hunt
- Stohrer (Oldest pâtisserie in Paris) – BEST éclairs ever!
- Du Pain et des Idées – Famous for buttery croissants.
- Had a picnic lunch by the Seine, soaking in the Parisian vibe one last time.
Luxembourg Gardens – A Tranquil Escape
- Peaceful & stunning gardens, perfect for relaxation before heading home.
Flight Home
- Picked up macarons as souvenirs before departing.
Back to top, read the full experience