The Travel Edit
Overview
The biggest mistake in Paris is treating it as a checklist. In three days, pick one major museum, one smaller one, and spend the rest walking, sitting at cafés and eating very well. Book the dinners and timed tickets you care about before you arrive. Leave the rest to wandering. It suits first-timers, couples and returning visitors who want to see Paris differently.
Think of this as your starting point — the places, neighborhoods and experiences worth knowing before you build your trip. For something designed entirely around your dates, budget and travel style, Se Fue can take it from here. Opening hours, prices, reservations, entry requirements and transport can change, so check those directly before you go.
01
Where to Stay
Paris neighborhoods have very different personalities. Choose the one that fits how you want to spend your evenings.
Se Fue Pick
Le Marais
The first-timer’s base: central, walkable, full of boutiques, galleries and restaurants, with easy access to the islands and the Right Bank.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Best for classic Left Bank elegance, bookshops and cafés. Polished and often pricier.
South Pigalle (SoPi) and the 9th
Best for cocktail bars and a buzzy, local dining scene, close to Montmartre.
Canal Saint-Martin and the 11th
Best for travelers who want natural wine bars, neighborhood bistros and a younger, residential feel.
02
Eat & Drink
Coffee / Breakfast
Du Pain et des Idées
A celebrated bakery near Canal Saint-Martin. Go for the pastries and escargot-style rolls; note it keeps limited hours.
Café de Flore
The famous Saint-Germain café. It’s pricey; you’re paying for a classic terrace and people-watching, so go once.
Local Food
Bouillon Chartier
A grand, historic dining room serving classic French dishes at low prices. Fun, fast and often has a line.
L’As du Fallafel
The Marais falafel institution. Perfect for a quick, delicious lunch while exploring.
Breizh Café
Excellent Breton crêpes and galettes with cider. A great casual meal in the Marais.
Dinner Worth Planning Around
Septime
A modern, seasonal menu that’s one of the city’s hardest reservations. Book as soon as bookings open.
Clown Bar
Inventive cooking and natural wine in a beautifully preserved room near Cirque d’Hiver.
Drinks / Night Out
Little Red Door
A world-renowned cocktail bar in the Marais. Arrive early or expect to wait.
03
Things to Do
Se Fue Pick
Musée d’Orsay
The Impressionists in a former railway station. Manageable in a morning and often more rewarding for first-timers than racing through the Louvre.
Sainte-Chapelle
Floor-to-ceiling stained glass in a short, unforgettable visit. Go on a sunny day and book a time slot.
The Louvre, done selectively
If you go, book a timed entry and choose two or three wings rather than trying to see everything.
Walk the Seine and the islands
Île de la Cité, Île Saint-Louis and the riverbanks connect half the city’s best views—no ticket required.
Montmartre in the morning
Go early, before the crowds, for its streets and the view from Sacré-Cœur.
04
Getting Around
Walk and take the Métro
Central Paris is very walkable, and the Métro is fast and covers everywhere you’ll need. Taxis and rideshare are useful late at night.
Airport and cars
From CDG, the RER B train or a taxi reaches the center; Orly has its own connections too. Don’t rent a car for Paris itself.
05
Know Before You Go
Start with “Bonjour”
Greet shopkeepers and servers before asking for anything. It makes a real difference to how you’re treated.
Reservations and closures
Book popular restaurants ahead. Many smaller restaurants close on Sundays or Mondays, and some close for part of August.
Tipping
Service is included in French bills. Leaving a little extra for great service is a kind gesture, not an obligation.
Pickpockets
Watch your bag on the Métro and around the big sights. Ignore petition-clipboard approaches.
A Little Inspiration
The 3-Day Edit
Only have three days? Start here. This is a suggested order, not a schedule tailored to your flights, reservations or pace.
Day 01 · The Marais and the islands
Settle in, have a falafel lunch and walk to Île Saint-Louis and Notre-Dame. Have dinner in the Marais and a cocktail after.
Day 02 · Orsay and the Left Bank
Spend the morning at Musée d’Orsay, then Saint-Germain for lunch and a wander. Head to Trocadéro at night to see the tower sparkle.
Day 03 · Montmartre and the canal
Visit Montmartre early, followed by Sainte-Chapelle or a slow café afternoon. End with a final dinner worth planning around.