If it’s your first time in the city of love, then you might be feeling overwhelmed with choices.

One of the most iconic and well-Instagrammed locations in the world, Paris is a fusion of delicious bread, escargot, high-end fashion and landmark attractions.

Paris is an eclectic and diverse mix of high-end brands and attractions, such as LVMH’s first hotel in Paris; overlooking the Seine.

Below, we’ve put together the crème de la crème of stops, shops and eateries in Paris. Here’s how to make the most of your 3 days in the most romantic city in the world.

Where To Stay

Hotel Plaza Athénée

True to its extraordinary city, Hôtel Plaza Athénée is no ordinary hotel. Here, on the prestigious avenue Montaigne, the tree-lined boulevard of French fashion, Hotel Plaza Athénée offers guests the very best of Paris.

The hotel is situated directly across from the Eiffel Tower, delivering unparalleled views. Step inside the rooms and suites to experience an art deco dream, defined by their soft lighting and sophisticated finishings.

Prices for Hotel Plaza Athénée vary, with a median price of A$2,681 per night.

The Ritz

The Ritz is a global symbol of wealth, affluence and luxury and for good reason too. Enchanted terraces, spa treatments and all-day Parisian breakfast are all just a taste of the sumptuous experiences that await you beneath the grand exterior.

The hotel boasts a range of exquisite rooms and suites, with terraces overlooking Parisian rooftops, to views of the Ritz’s own Gran Jardin. Inside, interiors are a mixture of charming decor and creative designs.

Depending on your mood, select from a carefully-curated selection of rooms. The Imperial Suite bases its designs and decor on the iconic Château de Versailles whilst the Coco Chanel Suite was called home by French fashion designer Gabrielle Chanel for 34 years.

The median price per night currently sits at A$1,456.45 at the Ritz.

Where to Eat

Coutume Cafe

First things first, you’ll need a hearty breakfast before a full day of sightseeing. A typical Parisian breakfast includes is a coffee, baguette and your choice of pastry. Coutume Cafe are experts in the area, supplying their coffee beans to over sixty bars, restaurants and hotels in the city.

Maison Laduree

If you’re in need of some nourishment after the hard task of sightseeing, we’ve got the solution for you. What better way to increase your blood sugar than with a macaroon from one of the most iconic tearooms on the globe. Laduree’s reputation precedes itself as an icon from the French pastry scene. Choose from a selection of curated macaroons with flavours ranging from bitter almond to raspberry dark chocolate, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and piping hot tea.

Bisous

Offering world-class mixology on Parisian streets, Bisous is where you should find yourself in the evening to begin your night in Paris. There are no reservations because the city waits for no one, so don your cocktail best and grab a table.

Montorgueil

If you really want to align yourself with Parisian culture, a dish on the menu you’ll need to try is escargot or snail. Find the best of this French cuisine at Montorgueil, offering escargot paired with cream and potato, or simply a selection of 30 escargots to eat at your own leisure.

What to See

The Eiffel Tower

No trip to Paris would be complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Standing proudly in Champ de Mars, this construction is the source and desires for many trips to the city. If you save your visit until the evening, you can enjoy the tower as it lights up for five minutes, every hour, on the hour.

How to Get There

According to data, the Eiffel tower amasses almost 6 million visitors per year. Keeping this in mind, you’ll want to plan your trip to ensure a smooth journey. If taking public transport, the metro lines 6,8 and 9 all run to the Eiffel Tower.

Alternatively, if you prefer to travel by boat, a number of companies run transport along the Seine and offer a beautiful scenic route to the tower.

Planning Your Visit

In order to beat the queues, it is a smart idea to pre-buy your tickets online, especially if you want to see the top of the Eiffel Tower. Online tickets can be booked up to two months in advance and are especially recommended for the tourist-heavy season which runs from July to August.

Currently, a ticket with lift access for one adult sits at €16.6 or A$24.82.

Moulin Rouge

To kick off the night, the next stop is the world-famous Moulin Rouge. The effervescence of the Moulin Rouge is felt from the moment you step onto Boulevard de Clichy. This cabaret venue has drawn a high-flying, international since it first opened way back in 1889. Colourful costumes and leg kicking define this show; a series of 60 dancers will take your breath away as they dazzle you with their can-can routine.

A dreamy evening at the Moulin Rouge currently sits at €174 per ticket, or A$260.13 and includes two hours of cabaret amazement, as well as a dinner dance and a half bottle of champagne per person. Two different menus are on offer with the show, so you can dine with the backdrop of live tunes and the shimmering costumes of dancers.

Galeries Lafayette

Paris is home to some of the most beautiful fashion districts’ in the country and Galeries Lafayette will be any avid shopper’s heaven. This grand department store is one of the world’s most beautiful shopping destinations, sprawling across 4,600 square metres, permeated by almost 200 brands. Find your favourite luxury labels, including Cartier, Chanel and Louis Vuitton, as well as a careful curation of more independent and trendier brands.

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Galeries Lafayette | Source: Arrival Guides

River Cruises Along the Seine

What better way to take in all of the iconic attractions and landmarks, than directly through the Seine River? Stretching almost 777-kilometres long, the Seine River flows through Paris and into the English Channel.

It crosses 37 bridges in Paris and runs alongside striking Parisian landmarks. Below are 3-cruises to make the most out of this awe-inspiring Parisian attraction.

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Paris en Scene | Source: Time Out

Champagne Tasting along the Seine

The best place to soak in all the sights, attractions and boulevards of Paris is gliding through the river Seine, but what better way to do it than with a glass of champagne in hand.

Meet at the Les Vedettes in Paris before you sit back with a glass of champagne as your boat tour takes you through the heart of Paris on the gentle waterway. This romantic 1-hour cruise includes a sommelier to serve your champagne and provide you with all the facts and origins surrounding your drink.

Prices for this tour start at A$97.36 per person.

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Sip champagne from a boat tour as you glide through Paris waterways | Source: Viator

Seine and Marne River Cruise

This full day cruise will take you along the peaceful waters of the Seine and Marne Rivers, showing you the sights that inspired Impressionist-era artists.

Enjoy gliding past world-famous attractions as you are treated to a lunch buffet inclusive of starters, mains and dessert as well as a live commentary on the cruise.

Prices for this tour start at A$122.83 per person.

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The Marne River | Source: Electric Boat Rental in Paris

After Dark Cruise and Dinner

Also known as the city of lights, this river cruise will give you the opportunity to see Paris illuminated after dark. This cruise includes an all inclusive a-la-carte dinner, champagne and appetisers and a cruise through historic quays, and past iconic attractions including the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower.

Prices for this tour start at A$163.27 per person.

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Source: Activities Timeout