People dream about spending a weekend in Paris. Whether one is a first-time visitor or not, the City of Light has endless ways to explore and see.
From the most obvious icons like the Eiffel Tower to the cobblestone streets spilling over with history, Paris is indeed a city of the mind.
In this guide, we’ll provide a detailed itinerary to make the most of your weekend in Paris. Additionally, it also offers a package full of suggestions on where to stay, what to do, and how to experience the city like a local.
Key Takeaways:
- Explore iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Champs-Élysées.
- Enjoy Paris like a local: Experience bohemian Montmartre, trendy Le Marais, and local markets like Marché d’Aligre.
- Budget-friendly options: Discover free attractions, affordable eats, and budget accommodations to enjoy Paris on a budget.
- Romantic experiences: Take a Seine River cruise, have a Parisian dinner, and see the Eiffel Tower light up at night.
- Efficient transportation: Use the Metro and walk to navigate the city while saving time and money.
Your Ultimate Weekend in Paris Itinerary
Planning the perfect weekend in Paris can be a little overwhelming as there are lots of things to see and do in this beautiful city.
However, if you have an itinerary, you will not feel rushed at any point in time while covering all the essential places.
Saturday Morning: Louvre
Spend your Saturday morning visiting the most famous museums, the Louvre, housing the Mona Lisa, and many thousands more.
Arrive as early as possible in the morning to avoid the crowds and to truly have a good time in this very large museum.
If art isn’t your thing, spend the morning walking through the beautiful Tuileries Garden, directly adjacent, full of sculptures, fountains, and pathways leading in every direction.
Saturday Afternoon: Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise
From the Louvre, make your way to the Eiffel Tower. It is the symbol of Paris. Make this an absolute must-see attraction, whether you climb up to see the panoramic view from the top or just enjoy it from the ground.
From here, take a Seine River cruise that gives another perspective of the city’s most famous icons, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Musée d’Orsay, among others. These are usually commentated cruises; at nearly every site, you get to know fun facts and histories.
Saturday Night: Dinner and a Show
Paris lives during the night. Begin your evening with dinner in the Latin Quarter. It is known to be vibrant with plenty of bistros. To make it a typical Parisian night, including dinner at a classic French restaurant serving everything from coq au vin to snails.
Next, take in a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge or a night stroll along the Seine to see the city lights. If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, consider stopping into a local jazz club or merely enjoying dessert at a café with a view.
Sunday Morning: Explore Montmartre
On Sunday, casually walk to Montmartre Haven for artists-bohemian style in the air. Bring your camera for the breathtaking views of Paris from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and then meander to the Place du Tertre, famous for lines of artists displaying their talents.
The Musée de Montmartre relays a story about some of the most famous residents, such as Renoir and Toulouse-Lautrec.
Sunday Afternoon: Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe
Take a stroll down Champs-Élysées this afternoon. It is considered as the most famous avenue in Paris. Lined with shops, cafés, and theaters. It is a great place either for shopping or people-watching.
Continue your walk to see the Arc de Triomphe, one of this city’s iconic monuments. If you climb to the top, you’ll enjoy another fantastic view of the city, or at least marvel at the intricate carvings that adorn the structure.
Sunday Evening: Conclude with an Eiffel Tower at Sunset
Finish off your weekend in Paris with a trip to the Eiffel Tower at sundown. Once night falls, the tower twinkles on the hour with thousands of lights. This creates a magical ambiance.
You can picnic in the park below called Champ de Mars, or make the most of it. Additionally, take an evening boat tour on the Seine to watch the city light up.
Where to Stay during Your Weekend in Paris?
The success of your weekend in Paris is all about choosing the right accommodation. Paris offers an excellent choice for different tastes, from luxurious hotels in the Champs-Élysées to charming boutique hotels in the Marais.
- Luxurious Options: If you’re looking to splurge, check out the Ritz Paris or the Four Seasons Hotel George V. They offer top-notch amenities and services.
- Mid-range: Both the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés are vibrant. They have decent rates and several hotels that include proximity to major attractions.
- Budget Options: For tight budgets, Latin Quarter houses some very affordable options. For example, hostels and budget hotels. Consider Airbnb for more of a local experience.
Many of them provide weekends in Paris packages. These packages include breakfast, transportation, and, at times, tickets to various attractions. Visiting as a family or as a couple, these packages are excellent value for money and pretty convenient.
How to Experience Paris Like a Local?
This 3-day tour in Paris will be like experiencing what locals see every day-skipping all the touristy spots, and setting out to find some of the lesser-known neighborhoods of the city.
- Le Marais: It is historic architecture, trendy boutiques, or fashion sense. This is the best place to shop, eat, and people-watch. Especially do not miss the beautiful Place des Vosges, surrounded by elegant buildings and cafes.
- Canal Saint-Martin: This quaint neighborhood is loved by locals; during summer months, one can often find them picnicking or just generally hanging around the canal. It also has some hip cafes and bars.
- Local Markets: This is where locals buy fresh produce, cheese, and delicacies. Visiting the Marché d’Aligre will take you to the heart of the life and culture of being a true Parisian and allow for unique souvenirs.
Weekend in Paris on a Budget
Paris is too often assumed to be a city that has to break the bank, but with a little forethought, a fantastic weekend in Paris can be done on a budget.
- Free Things to Do: Most of the top attractions in Paris are the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and the Tuileries Garden. You can also get into most museums for free on the first Sunday of every month.
- Affordable Eats: Dine affordably by treating yourself to local bakeries or crêpe stands for delicious eats at a fraction of the price of a sit-down restaurant. Picnicking allows you to enjoy many of the beautiful parks and gardens the city has available with relatively little expense.
- Getting Around Town: You can easily take public transportation around town. The Metro of Paris is very efficient and relatively inexpensive, and a weekend pass may be purchased for unlimited travel. Walking is another excellent alternative way of seeing neighborhoods in the city.
If you follow these tips, you’ll get the most out of the place without hurting your wallet.
More Tips for a Fantastic Weekend in Paris
- Flights to Paris: Yes, book in advance for better flight deals. Traveling during the off-season, if possible, secures you more affordable flights and further avoids the congestion of the city altogether.
- Disneyland Paris Tickets: If you plan on going to Disneyland in Paris, then book your tickets in advance. Check out travel packages, too, that include meals with it.
- Eurostar: Travelling from London? The Eurostar is a convenient way to reach Paris in a couple of hours. Book early for the best fares, and if you can, travel midweek to avoid the weekend rush.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Do Paris in a Weekend?
Of course, you can go to Paris on a weekend! With some detailed planning, you will be able to fit in visits to top sights such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the district of Montmartre. You won’t see it all, but you’ll have a chance to take in the city’s highlights.
Is 3 Days Enough Time for Paris?
Three days in Paris is enough to get a look at the main sights and get the feeling of the city. You are going to have time to visit iconic landmarks, try French cuisine, and even explore a couple of neighborhoods.
How Much Does It Cost for a Weekend in Paris?
These are from around $500-$800 for every budget traveler for flights, accommodation, food, and attractions. If you’re planning on splurging, it may be more expensive.
Is Paris Open on Weekends?
Yes, Paris is open on weekends! Most of the things to do, shops, and restaurants are open, especially in tourist areas. A few museums might be open for fewer hours, but there’s still plenty to do.
Do People in Paris Work on the Weekend?
Lots of people work in retail, hospitality, and tourism on weekends, for instance, but office jobs are usually Monday-to-Friday patterns, and things are less busy on weekends.
How to Have a Cheap Weekend in Paris?
Budget accommodations-inexpensive hostels or low-cost hotels-are your best bets for an inexpensive weekend in Paris.
Eat at local bakeries, which are abundant, and visit the free attractions, such as parks and churches. Walking and taking public transportation will also help minimize costs.
Conclusion: Your Dream Weekend Awaits
A weekend in Paris can be the perfect respite-one of history, culture, and romance combined. With the right itinerary in place, you will easily manage to touch on most of the city’s finest aspects within just a few days.
From world-class museums and landmarks to exquisite French food and great nightlife, Paris has got something for everyone.
Plan your weekend in Paris with care, and the memories will last a lifetime. Be it famous sites or searching out places that are hidden, Paris belongs to that category of cities that will have you under its spell and begging to return.
Have a magical time in Paris this weekend, and don’t forget to take home with you a little something of the city in your heart!
