Ah, Paris! I’ve visited this enchanting city three times now, and no matter how many times I go, it never loses its magic. I actually can’t wait to go back again!
Walking along the Seine, marvelling at iconic landmarks, and soaking up the romance of it all. Paris just has that special something.
While I’d love to recommend spending weeks getting lost in its cobblestone streets, sipping wine at quaint cafés, and exploring its museums, sometimes all you have is a weekend. And let me tell you, two days in Paris is enough to fall in love with the city!
This itinerary is perfect for anyone visiting Paris for the first time or for travellers who want to tick off the highlights without feeling rushed. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, and even a scenic Seine River cruise, this guide has everything you need for a memorable weekend in Paris.
⏰ Short on time?
👉 Where to Stay in Paris
– Budget: Hotel Marignan
– Mid-Range: Hôtel le Lapin Blanc
– Luxury: Le Meurice
👉 Must-See Sights
– Eiffel Tower Pre-book tickets here
– Louvre Museum Get your tickets here
– Notre Dame Cathedral
– Sacré-Cœur & Montmartre
👉 Activities to Try
– Seine River Cruise Book a cruise here
– Le Marais Walking Tour
– Bike Rides Through Tuileries Garden
– Rooftop Bars with Eiffel Tower view
👉 Day Trips from Paris
– Versailles Palace & Gardens Book your trip here
– Champagne Vineyards Plan your Champagne visit here
– Mont Saint-Michel Get tickets here
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click on or make a purchase through these links.
Firstly, How to Get to Paris
Getting to Paris is easy, whether you’re flying in or arriving by train.
By Plane – Paris has two main airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY). Both are well-connected to the city centre by RER trains, buses, or taxis. I usually take the RER train from Charles de Gaulle. It’s budget-friendly and gets you to central Paris in about 30 minutes. Read my guide on getting from CDG to Paris centre.
By Train – Traveling from within Europe? The Eurostar (from London) or high-speed TGV trains are convenient and scenic ways to arrive. Paris has multiple train stations, but Gare du Nord and Gare de Lyon are the most common arrival points.
By Car – Driving into Paris can be tricky due to the limited traffic zones (ZTL) in the city centre, so park outside the main area and rely on public transport or walking. If you want to rent a car check out Rentalcars.com. It’s where I found mine.
Where to Stay in Paris
Choosing the right neighbourhood can make or break your weekend in Paris. Here are some top picks that will keep you close to all the main sights.
Le Marais – A vibrant district with boutique shops, charming streets, and great restaurants. Perfect for culture lovers.
The Latin Quarter – Full of history and buzzing with student energy, it’s close to major attractions like the Pantheon and Notre Dame.
Around the Eiffel Tower – For postcard-worthy views and easy access to the Trocadéro Gardens.
👉 Read next my guide on where to stay in Paris (first timers)
Budget
Hotel Marignan – Affordable and charming, located in the Latin Quarter.
Mid-Range
Hôtel le Lapin Blanc – Stylish, modern, and conveniently located near Jardin du Luxembourg.
Luxury
Le Meurice – Pure indulgence with views of the Tuileries Garden and Louvre Museum.
For a weekend, I recommend staying central to maximise your time exploring.
Where did I stay in Paris
👉 Watch our hotel review staying at Hotel Le Millie Rose in Paris!
Getting Around Paris
You might not agree at first, but I think Paris is one of the most walkable cities I’ve ever visited. The narrow streets, iconic bridges, and charming neighbourhoods make wandering a joy.
But when you need to cover longer distances, here’s what to do.
Walking –The best way to soak in the city’s atmosphere. I walked almost everywhere during my weekend and found it the most enjoyable way to explore.
Metro – Efficient, cheap, and reliable. A single ride costs €1.90, but I recommend a Navigo card if you’ll be using it a lot.
Bikes – Rent a Vélib’ bike for a fun and eco-friendly way to get around. It’s perfect for cycling along the Seine River or through Jardin des Tuileries.
Seine River Cruise – A must-do for first-timers. It’s a scenic way to see major sights like Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and Pont Alexandre III.
Here’s How You’ll Spend Your Weekend in Paris
The Eiffel Tower
Kick off the morning at the Eiffel Tower. Whether you climb the stairs or take the elevator, the views from the top are spectacular. Seeing Paris from above, with its beautiful rooftops and landmarks, is unforgettable.
Pro Tip – Visit early to avoid long lines.
👉 Pre-book your Eiffel Tower tickets here
Trocadéro Gardens
After your Eiffel Tower experience, walk over to the Trocadéro Gardens for those picture-perfect views of the tower. It’s also a great spot for a coffee break while soaking in the atmosphere.
The Louvre Museum
Spend your afternoon exploring the Louvre, home to iconic masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Even if you’re not a big art fan, the museum’s architecture and history are worth the visit.
Pro Tip: The Louvre is huge! Plan ahead and focus on a few key exhibits.
👉 Pre-book your tickets Louvre here.
Seine River Cruise
In the evening, hop on a Seine River Cruise to see Paris’ landmarks illuminated at night. Floating past Notre Dame, Pont Neuf, and the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the dark is pure magic.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Start your morning at Notre Dame. While the interior is still under renovation, the exterior is breathtaking, and the nearby Ile de la Cité is worth a stroll.
Le Marais
Spend late morning exploring Le Marais, one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Paris. Its boutique shops, cozy cafés, and lively streets make it a delight to wander.
Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre
Head to Montmartre in the afternoon. Climb the steps to Sacré-Cœur Basilica for stunning views of the city, then explore the charming streets where artists like Picasso once worked.
Watch the Eiffel Tower Sparkle
End your weekend with a drink at a rooftop bar like Le Perchoir or Terrass Hotel. Watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle on the hour while sipping on a classic French wine is the perfect Parisian goodbye.
👉 Read Next: How to Visit the Champagne Region from Paris
Have Extra Time? Day Trip Ideas I Recommend
Mont Saint-Michel
This enchanting island abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage site and feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The journey is long, but the views are worth it.
Champagne Vineyards
Head to the Champagne region for wine tastings and vineyard tours. It’s a must for wine lovers and a relaxing escape from the city.
Versailles Palace and Gardens
Step into royal opulence with a visit to the Palace of Versailles. The Hall of Mirrors and expansive gardens are truly unforgettable.
Day trips we recommend from Paris
🚂 Explore the Loire Valley: Fairytale Loire Castles with Wine Tasting – Visit enchanting castles and sample local wines.
🌸 Experience Monet’s World: Giverny with Monet’s House and Gardens (Half-Day) – Discover the inspiration behind Monet’s art.
🏰 Discover Mont Saint Michel: Mont Saint-Michel at Your Own Pace by Coach – Explore this iconic island and its abbey.
👑 Visit the Palace of Versailles: Half-Day Trip to Versailles with Palace Tour – Immerse yourself in royal history and splendor.
What to Pack for a Weekend in Paris
Comfortable Shoes – You’ll be walking a lot, so comfy shoes are a must.
Layers: Paris weather can be unpredictable. A light jacket or scarf is perfect.
Portable Charger – Keep your phone powered for maps and photos.
Reusable Water Bottle – Stay hydrated while exploring.
Crossbody Bag – Practical and secure for navigating busy areas.
FAQ for a Weekend in Paris
Yes! With a well-planned itinerary, you can visit the major sights and enjoy the city’s charm in two days.
Absolutely. Popular attractions like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Seine River Cruises can have long lines, so pre-booking saves time and stress.
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, but Paris is beautiful year-round.
Stay in the city centre. Le Marais, the Latin Quarter, or near the Eiffel Tower are all great options.
PIN THIS PAGE FOR LATER
Add comment