deja12

Hi
this is my first time to Paris (travelling with a buddy)
We were going to book at Hotel Louvre Forum or Tim Hotel Louvre. Does anyone know if they are good? We are on a budget(80 euros/night) but would like clean and ensuite.

Also, because our time is limited to 3 days, what should we do, eat, shop?

thanks for all of your suggestions.

ira

Hi deja,

Have you looked up your hotels at www.tripadvisor.com?

For what to do, start with the miniguide to Paris at www.fodors.com

Travelnut

If you have chosen to go to Paris, you must have some idea of what you want to do (what made you choose Paris...?). Make a list of "Top Ten", look up where they are and what day they're closed, group them together by proximity and split up into 3 days...Allow time for cafes, parks, bridges, strolling and people-watching.
Tim Hotels are not usually as inexpensive as 80E for a double, especially that central...What are your overnight dates..?

Morganne

Hi Deja12!!!

I know the Timhotel Louvre. It is a chain hotel and it is PERFECTLY located in Paris...There are so many things to see just near this area. Have you looked at their website: www.h-louvre.com? You will have a better view of this hotel and what iis near this hotel!!Have a good trip!

got1tiel

buy a three day museum pass.36€ each.
1st day: arc de tripomphe,invalides,eiffel tower.
2nd day notre dame.st chapelle. concergerie.louvre & musee d'orsay.
3rd day versailles main palace, montmartre.finish at champ elysees.
its doable.
Sam

zola

deja:

Since you're not well-acquainted with the City of Light, I recommend grabbing a recent edition of Fodor's Paris. It actually has an itinerary for 3 days, both walking and utilizing transport (Metro and commuter trains are very convenient). You'll find great suggestions for eateries, attractions and shops, too. It's not the most attractive or elaborate guide, but it would target your needs rather well. You can look on this website for hotel suggestions within price categories. Compare that, as Ira suggested, with reviews at tripadvisor.com. Have a great time. Then-- go back again at your earliest opportunity for at least 2 weeks. There's always something going on in Paree!

mamc

In fact, this website has a 3-day itinerary that is pretty comprehensive. About the only thing missing is a visit to St. Chappelle, which IMHO is a must see.

mdmomof7

Definitely do NOT miss St. Chapelle. Even though you walk right by La Conciergerie, I wouldn't stop.

Here's our Paris in 3 days and it was jam packed. We didn't get to see it all, but what we did, we loved.

We go again next week for 4 days at the end of a 2 week European tour. This time we won't miss Montmartre and will go to Versailles. But for 3 days, I'd probably not do Versailles unless you have it as a must see.

Paris in 3 Days:

1st: Go to nearest main Metro stop and get Carte Musee for 3 days. Great investment, best deal ever and worth it just to skip the LONG lines!

AM - Orsay Musuem w/ lunch in cafe or head over to Rodin gardens and do outdoor cafe/carry out.
Rodin Museum
Invalides - Napoleon's tomb, we didn't do the military history museum which I hear is great but we didn't have time.

Dinner in Rue Cler
Evening Walk to Eiffel Tower, view at Sunset, then come down and view tower from Trocadero fountains. Finish up w/ Vedettes Seine cruise from Eiffel Tower

Day 2:
AM -Tower of Notre Dame first thing, then cathedral & crypt
Walk Latin Quarter to see St. Severin, Place St. Michel, St. Chapelle
Lunch near Louvre or in Latin Quarter
PM - Louvre
Dinner in Louvre cafe or Latin Quarter or in Tuileries cafe
Evening - Walk up Champ Elysses to Arch de Triomphe

Day 3: Marais and/or Montmartre If you do Marais, go by Pompidou and check out the lively streetscape w/ artists and roller bladers, but only go in if you want to see modern art
PM Shopping in Latin Quarter or Rue di Rivoli or wherever you like
Dinner - Ile St. Louis
If you're a kid at heart, ride the Tuileries Ferris Wheel

Have a great time!

HowardR

Here's another solid endorsement of Fodor's three-day itinerary which you can find on this website.

deja12

Wow!
this feedback is awesome thanks everyone!!!

My overnights are Friday night and Saturday night!

Paris here I come

LindaandErik

Your message prompts me to remember a postcard my husband sent his sister from Paris, "Forget the tours, forget the museum, just enjoy the ambience!" You don't have to do anything in particular to enjoy Paris, just be there. Walk around, watch the Parisians, hang out in the coffee shops. Keep your museum visits short and don't spend all your time standing in line to get into the Louvre. The Rodin Museum would be good choice.

Wildfire

deja...I was in paris last year for the first time, also for three days. Though i was well prepared and saw a lot Im quite sure that once you see a bit of this magnificent city you will understand that 3 days is very little time. Many have made good suggestions but i particularly agree with LindaandErik....the ambience is fabulous. See as much as you can but just enjoy all the little things you dont see in the tourist guides. Have a wonderful time

deja12

Thanks All

this 10 day London/Florence/PAris trip is indeed too short but all we could workout.
If there was a way to get from London to Florence (easy) then we would have more time in Paris as our last stop

Wildfire

why not take a flight from Paris to Venice or Milan and take the fast train to Florence?