What to do in Paris in 3 days: a local itinerary through Le Marais, Saint-Germain, and more districts

An afternoon is a good time to explore some of the district's most characteristic streets and squares. The discreet Place des Petits Pères and the elegant Jardin du Palais-Royal invite you to slow down, amidst covered galleries, antique shops, and the famous Buren columns. Nearby, Place Colette gives way to the lively Rue de Rivoli, while Rue Saint-Honoré , which connects the 1st and 8th arrondissement over more than two kilometers, displays its most chic side.

Here, fashion and design boutiques coexist with traditional gastronomic spaces, such as the historic Café Verlet . Founded in 1880, it is the oldest coffee house in Paris still in operation, located just steps from the Palais Royal and the Louvre. Pioneers in importing single-origin coffees and exceptional teas, they now offer more than 30 varieties of coffee and around 40 teas from plantations around the world. The establishment retains a timeless charm: a 1920s-inspired lounge with shiny parquet floors, mirrors, small tables, and the irresistible aroma of freshly ground coffee. Ideal for a breakfast, lunch, or afternoon snack in an atmosphere that celebrates the Parisian tradition of good coffee.

Just a few steps away, the Brigitte Tanaka boutique surprises with embroidered objects and accessories that reinterpret Parisian clichés, elevating them into delicate and humorous pieces.

From here, the walk leads to the monumental Vendôme Column , erected in bronze to commemorate Napoleon's victories and marking the center of the square, which today symbolizes Parisian luxury. It continues to the majestic Place de la Concorde , where the Luxor Obelisk centers the view of the Champs-Élysées.

Dinner has a local flavor at MOTA , a neighborhood bistro with a peeling yellow facade that betrays its former life as a shoe store. From the outside, it already exudes authenticity, and inside, it surprises with a small but precise menu , featuring homemade flavors refined in a bistro style. Dishes that accommodate gluten or lactose intolerances depending on the season and a carefully selected selection of natural wines complete the experience. A small number of tables, a relaxed atmosphere, and friendly service make this a unique find for dining in Paris like a true Parisian.

The day closes with the Opéra Garnier , a Belle Époque gem designed by Charles Garnier in the 19th century. Its gilding, monumental staircase, and Chagall-painted ceiling are a testament to the city's cultural grandeur. Nearby, Boulevard Haussmann and Rue La Fayette lead to the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps , shopping centers with spectacular domes that round out this first day in Paris with an air of elegance and modernity.

The afternoon invites you to take a leisurely stroll. First, Rue du Parc Royal , a quiet residential area with its arcaded facades and classical architecture.

Nearby is Place des Vosges , the oldest square in Paris, with its symmetrical arcades, art galleries, and the legacy of writers like Victor Hugo . From there, the walk continues along Rue de Turenne , crowned by the legendary Royal Turenne brasserie, the epicenter of neighborhood life with its always lively terraces .

On this same street is White Coffee , a minimalist café specializing in specialty coffees, perfect for a refined break. Further along, almost at the end of this street, on Rue du Pont aux Choux , is the charming Boot Café , with just a few tables and a vintage feel that has made it an icon of Parisian coffee , pioneering specialty coffee in the Marais .

After that break, it's time to lose yourself in Merci, the concept store on Boulevard Beaumarchais that brings together fashion, designer objects, household goods, and artisan textiles. Between emerging French brands and pieces steeped in history, this space is a journey through local creativity and a tribute to good design.

The day ends at Brasserie Camille , a classic address in the neighborhood that preserves the authenticity of traditional Parisian brasseries, now with a more modern and updated twist. Here, dishes such as grilled entrecôte, beurre maître d'hôtel, and frites maison are served in a warm atmosphere, accompanied by traditional desserts like chocolate mousse or crème brûlée . A dinner that takes visitors back to the most authentic Paris and closes the day with the lively bustle of the Marais as a backdrop.

The walk continues along the lively Rue de Buci , with its restaurants and cafés spilling out onto the street like a makeshift stage. Here, among locals and visitors watching life go by, you can enjoy one of the district's most authentic atmospheres.

On this same street is L'Atlas , a Parisian brasserie with a lively terrace. With white tablecloths, candlelight, and attentive service, it's a perfect place to stop for a meal, with classic dishes and a characterful neighborhood atmosphere.

The afternoon invites you to explore local shops and flavors at Fromagerie Pierre-Alexandre , a young space rooted in French terroir. Its owner, a neighborhood resident, selects artisanal cheeses from local farms, including the original Sakura , a goat cheese scented with Japanese cherry leaves that combines French tradition with Japanese delicacy.

Nearby, the tour delves into Le Bon Marché , Paris's first department store, founded in 1852 and a symbol of modern European commerce. Beyond fashion and design, it's a destination for discovering fashion, design, and gourmet offerings, such as L'Arbre à Café , which works with direct-trade and biodynamic specialty coffees and is firmly committed to environmental sustainability.

The day comes to a close with a touch of green in the Luxembourg Gardens , one of the city's most beautiful parks, created in the 17th century by Marie de Médici. Its tree-lined avenues, sculptures, and the silhouette of the Senate Palace offer a serene stroll before bidding farewell to the city. To close the tour, nothing is more iconic than Boulevard Saint-Germain , the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where legendary cafés like the Café de Flore maintain their charm intact, although viralized on social media, but with the same literary spirit of yesteryear.