Are you planning a weekend in Paris but don’t know where to begin? Look no further! I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Paris multiple times and this is my recommended itinerary to spend a weekend in Paris.
DAY 1
9AM
Today will be a busy day, so let’s start with a good breakfast! There are many brunch spots in Paris, but note that many don’t take reservations and the queues can be crazy. My advise is to go early (even before opening time) to avoid a long waiting time. One of my absolute favourites is Bon Bouquet Café.
Some other recommendations are:
- Kozy Bosquet
- 5 Pailles
- Holly Belly
10:30AM
Next, we’re heading over to Montmartre. This is a great area to walk around and soak up all the views. Start by climbing the stairs all the way up to the Sacre-Coeur and enjoy the incredible view over the city. Thereafter, go over to Place du Tertre and check out the work of the artists while grabbing a coffee at Au Cadet de Gascogne.
Some iconic spots that you can visit as well are:
- La Maison Rosé
- Le Consultat
- The Sinking House
For the final stop in this neighbourhood, walk down to the famous Moulin Rouge. On your way, you’ll find some ‘interesting’ shops on the main street as well as fun bars & restaurants.
1PM
Hop on the Metro and go to the Arc de Triomphe to admire this stunning monument! Walk down the Champs-Élysées and if you’re into that: do some shopping!
AFTER SUNSET
After diner, take the metro to the Eiffel Tower. You absolutely need to see it both by day and by night. At night, the Tower is lit with thousand of lights that sparkle for 5 minutes every hour on the hour. You definitely don’t want to miss these 5 minutes.
End your night with a fresh pancake on the go. You’ll find a pancake stand at every corner here.
DAY 2
9AM
Start your day with a coffee & croissant on the go and head back to the “Iron Lady”. Today is an exciting day because you’re going to climb the Eiffel Tower. I highly suggest taking the stairs instead of the elevator up until the 2nd level. The stairs are way more fun and also cheaper. Plus, normally there is no line taking the stairs while there’ll definitely be one at the elevators.
Note that if you want to go to the top, you’ll need to take the elevator from the second level.
Don’t forget to soak up the beautiful views!
12AM
If the weather is nice, go to a grocery store, head over to Parc du Champs de Mars and treat yourself with a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower! I’m sure it will be one of the highlights of your Paris trip.
2PM
Next, take the metro to Louvre Museum. This area is a great spot to hang around and enjoy the surroundings. If you want to go inside, entrance tickets start at 15 euro (no tour/guide). I do recommend to book your ticket in advance and order a skip the line ticket as the queue can get very long.
3/5PM
Just a few steps away from the Louvre, you’ll find Palais Royal. During my first trips to Paris, I constantly skipped this place and I feel like many people do. But I’m here to tell you: don’t miss out on this beautiful spot! This building complex in a classicist style is very eye-pleasing and makes for a great opportunity to take some creative pictures.
Extra:
If you’re an “Emily in Paris”-fan, check out these film locations!
- Emily’s apartment, Gabiel’s restaurant & “Boulangerie Moderne”: 1 Place de l’Estrapade, Paris
- Savoir: Place de Valois
- Café de Flore
- Place Dalidi
Other fun things to do:
- Take a trip to Château De Versailles
- Try the famous Laduree Macarons
- Cruise the Seine
Looking for photo spots in Paris? Check out these posts: The best places to view The Eiffel Tower & The most Instagrammable photo spots in Paris