The Perfect Weekend in Paris Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Magical Days in Paris
The City of Light is a stunning name for such a beautiful place- evoking feelings of wonder and excitement that only a city such as Paris can live up to
After traveling to Paris, France twice over the past few years, I’ve used my expertise and experience to put together the best weekend in Paris itinerary! This post covers all the top things to do in Paris (some of my favorites!) and will help you have the most awesome trip possible!
Whether you need to know the best things to do for your Paris weekend trip, or you just need a place to start while planning a longer trip, use this article to help you get the most out of your visit.
Day 1 of Your 2-Day Paris Itinerary
Day one is all about getting out and around some of the major sites in center-city Paris. Get ready for this one, because you’re going to get your steps in! Here’s what to do your first day:
1. Begin at the Arc De Triomphe
A beautiful place to start your weekend is at the Arc de Triomphe, which stands at the top of the Champs-รlysรฉes in Place de l’รtoile.
Not only is it a fantastic sight to see, but it is also a perfectly centralized place to begin acclimating yourself to the city itself.
Take a quick photo in front of the Arc de Triomphe, or buy tickets to take the stairs or the lift to the top. Here, you can view Paris from above and immerse yourself in the new Virtual Reality kiosks at the top.
Buy tickets for the Arc de Triomphe here.
Note: If you have the Paris Museum Pass, you DO NOT need an advanced entry ticket.
2. Walk the Champs-รlysรฉes
One does not just come to Paris and NOT walk the Champs-รlysรฉes. It is such a quintessential piece of Paris.
So, take some time here. Wander down the boulevard and peek into whichever shops suit your fancy.
Grab a sandwich or a macaron from a cafe and enjoy a slow Parisian morning.
Although the Champs-รlysรฉes is well-known for being an upscale shopping destination, it has become more reasonable as of late.
Sure, there are still your Louis Vuitton stores along with some others like Dior and Cartier.
However, you’ll find the Official PSG store here as well as a current fan fave, the Stranger Things Store. Other reasonable destinations along the Champs-รlysรฉes include the Disney store, Zara, and Nike.
One of the things I love to do in new cities is wander into a local department store. Check out the Monoprix on the Champs-รlysรฉes. It has a little bit of- literally-everything! You might as well call it France’s Target- ha!
Continue along the Champs-รlysรฉes until you run into your next destination!
Tip: One of the must-try foods while in Paris is a macaron! The best spot to grab a unique take on these French classics is Ladurรฉe. Their restaurant and salon on the Champs-รlysรฉes is beautiful!
3. Place de la Concorde & Jardin des Tuileries
If you continue walking down the Champs-รlysรฉes, you will pass through the stunning Jardin de Champs-รlysรฉes and eventually come to Place de la Concorde.
This area is famous for its Egyptian Luxor obelisk which was moved from a temple in Egypt to sit in Place de la Concorde.
If not for its location in the middle of the avenue, I would not recommend that you see Place de la Concorde. Nonetheless, since you are walking through the area, it makes sense to mention that you will see it!
Just past the obelisk, however, is where the real beauty lies.
Jardin des Tuileries is like a little world all on its own. These gardens contain a bookstore, restaurants, and a museum, along with ponds and formal garden decorations.
If you’re traveling with kids, Jardins de Tuileries is a fantastic place to spend some time exploring. The gardens include a playground named Aire de Jeu0x, a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and a trampoline park.
Similarly, there are often additional festivals or events happening in the gardens with everything from pony rides to children’s games.
Tip: If you’re traveling between the end of June and the end of August, chances are you’ll catch the Fรชte des Tuileries. This fair is an amazing attraction complete with rides, games, and activities for kids of all ages!
4. Visit the Louvre: The Top Art Museum in the World!
Once you pass through the Jardin des Tuileries, you will arrive at the Louvre.
While I’m not the biggest art expert (and- to be honest- I don’t LOVE visiting art museums), I would still suggest that you spend time in the Louvre. No itinerary would be complete without it.
Easily the most popular museum in the entire world, the Louvre is MASSIVE. Like…so massive that you can easily get lost inside.
And, look. You need to know what you want to see inside the Louvre. If not, you’ll spend too much time wandering around overwhelmed.
Thankfully, the map provided by the museum does point out some of the most popular pieces that you won’t want to miss.
Some things in the Louvre that I’d highly recommend you add to your list:
โ๏ธ Winged Victory of Samothrace – A Greek statue depicting the victory of Nike. This sculpture stands at the top of the Daru staircase, one of the most prominent places in the museum.
โ๏ธ The Mona Lisa – Ah, the famous Mona Lisa. This one made the list because of how popular it is. Truth be told, I find this masterpiece overrated. The painting is incredibly small (relative to how big you’d assume it is), and there is almost always a long line to see it. Nonetheless, to be able to say you’ve seen it, add The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci to your list.
โ๏ธLiberty Leading The People – This painting is stunning. Created by Eugรจne Delacroix, it depicts the July Revolution of 1830 in France.
โ๏ธ Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss – I adore this sculpture. There is so much feeling evoked by it that it is hard not to love it. You can see the emotion on the faces of both Cupid and Psyche, and this masterpiece is well worth your time to see while in the Louvre.
โ๏ธ Egyptian Antiquities – The entirety of the Egyptian Antiquities wing is incredibly breathtaking. The relics are enormous, and, at least for me, were items I didn’t expect to see outside of actually traveling to Egypt. Head down to the bottom floor of the Louvre- the crypt- to see sarcophogi, the Sphynx of Tanis, and other Egyptian artifacts.
โ๏ธ Venus de Milo – Known as one of the most well-preserved Greek sculptures in the world, Venus de Milo is believe to depict Aphrodite and is definitely worth seeing.
If the idea of taking on the Louvre sounds daunting to you- you’re not alone!
โ Book this small-group tour of the Louvre in order to skip the line and see all of the highlights without having to navigate and research on your own!
5. Les Halles & Lunch
Just about a five minutes walk from the Louvre is the neighborhood of Les Halles.
This indoor/outdoor mall area is a beautiful neighborhood in Paris to shop around and grab a bite to eat.
If you start at Les Halles and branch off in either direction, you’re sure to stumble onto something magnificent.
For cooking aficionados, some of the most notable cooking stores in the city, E. Dehillerin and La Bovida are found here.
We had the best meal of our trip near Les Halles at L’Escargot. This beautiful pub-like atmosphere is filled with old wood and charm but is actually a fabulous upscale restaurant experience. We had the most delicious steak frites, endive salad, and, of course, escargot here. Pair with wine and-voila!- a perfect Parisian lunch experience.
6. รle de la Citรฉ & Notre-Dame Cathedral
Continue on your walk for 15 minutes until you find yourself in the รle de la Citรฉ part of Paris, most famous for the Notre Dame Cathedral.
รle de la Citรฉ is technically an island situated within the limits of Paris. Connected on both sides by bridges, the water surrounding this neighborhood gives it stunning character.
Although the Notre Dame cathedral is under scaffolding after the fire in 2019, as preservationists try desperately to restore what was damaged, it is still worth seeing.
Currently, you cannot get very close to Notre Dame, and you aren’t able to get any great pictures, either. However, you can see the beautiful artwork on most of the facade of the building as well as the gargoyles which loom over the top.
7. Peruse the Shelves of Shakespeare & Company
Cross over the banks of the opposite side of รle de la Citรฉ and make your way towards Shakespeare & Co,
I could not WAIT to get to Shakespeare & Co. I mean, everyone has heard of this fantastic bookstore, right?
It is tucked away in the Latin Quarter, and it is a world-famous bookstore that you must visit. Shakespeare and Company is a small shop that is often crowded, but it is incredibly charming.
The upstairs features a reading room with various places to sit and stretch out, as well as a cat, Aggie, who has been known to keep readers company.
This shop stocks some of the most popular current books as well as other independent titles.
Tip: Make sure you buy a book or two at Shakespeare & Co during your Paris weekend trip.
The bookstore will use their special seal stamp inside the covers of your new books- a perfect souvenir!
8. Dinner in the Latin Quarter
While some parts are very touristy, the Latin Quarter is the perfect place to end your first evening in Paris.
There are tons of fantastic cafes and restaurants. This is an incredibly walkable neighborhood in the 5th Arrondissement, so don’t be afraid to just wander until you find a place that looks delish!
Some of the most popular in the area are La Jacobine for traditional French dishes or La Petite Bouclerie for delicious crepes.
The most important thing, though, is that once you’ve finished dinner, you grab dessert at Amorino Notre Dame Huchette. They make gelato that is to die for AND free of preservatives and artificial flavors.
As a bonus, you can choose as many flavors as you want to be made into a rose-like cone of gelato to devour.
It was so great that we went back twice in one day!
Tip: If you’re looking for those typical Paris souvenirs, the Latin Quarter is your place to find them. After dinner, take a walk down Rue de la Huchette, where you’re sure to find more stores than you can possibly visit in one evening.
Day Two of Your Paris Weekend Itinerary
Day two slows things down a little bit and is all about enjoying French culture, food, and architecture. Plus, you get some French je nais se quois in there as well! Without further ado, here’s what you should do on day two in Paris!
1. Climb the Eiffel Tower
You knew we’d get here eventually…THE Eiffel Tower. A true bucket list item.
This beautiful piece of architecture lies at the end of the Champs de Mars and is the iconic picture of Paris.
Although it is an incredibly over-populated experience, I can’t in good faith give you a full weekend in Paris itinerary without suggesting that you climb the Eiffel Tower– ESPECIALLY if it is your first time visiting the city.
After all, it’s the perfect spot to get some romantic Instagram shots, of course.
Climbing the Eiffel Tower is a beautiful way to see the city of Paris from a birds-eye view.
There are two primary ways to get to the top:
โ Climb the Stairs + Take the Elevator: If you’re up for physical fitness, you can take a climb (about 30 minutes) to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower and then hop onto the elevator for the final stretch to the top. This is called the “Ticket with Access Stairs 2nd Floor + Lift: THE TOP.”
โ Take the Elevator: If you are not keen on climbing the stairs (I don’t blame you!), there are tickets that allow visitors to take an elevator all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower. This is called the “Ticket with Access Lift: THE TOP.”
Tip: It is EASY to get the wrong type of ticket for the Eiffel Tower.
Do yourself a favor and buy directly from the official Eiffel Tower site, using the ticket names above.
2. The Catacombs of Paris
Your time in Paris is not complete without experiencing one of the most unique ways to explore Paris- heading beneath the city.
Back in the Eighteenth Century, graveyards in the city were becoming overcrowded and causing massive health problems for the inhabitants of Paris. A decision was made to move the bones underground.
From 1787-1814, bones were hauled into the depths beneath the city to what was then dubbed the Paris Municipal Ossuary.
Soon after, the Ossuary was opened for public visitation, and, thus, the legend of the Catacombs of Paris was born.
Now, thousands of visitors a year visit this site, descending the 131 steps- or 5 stories- to explore below the city.
This was one of the most shocking parts of our visit to Paris. The bones in the catacombs are literally stacked floor to ceiling. In fact, some of the piles of bones are even designed into shapes- like a heart of skulls! Crazy.
There are memorials and burials scattered throughout the area as well.
Dress warmly for the visit here, as the dampness and cold are definitely felt more underground. I would also recommend not bringing a backpack if you can help it. There are points where you are inches away from touching bones, so any additional items brought with you can be troublesome!
I highly recommend you book advance tickets to the Catacombs of Paris!
Tickets open 7 days in advance, and they DO sell out.
โ Looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Book a tour of the Catacombs with a live guide here!
3. Enjoy Baguettes (Or Other French Food!) at a Boulangerie
In most cities in the world, I would not recommend that you grab a quick sandwich as a way to experience the local food culture.
In Paris, I would.
Boulangeries are sandwich shops that sell tantalizingly delicious-looking sandwiches and other items such as pastries.
It doesn’t really matter which one you decide to visit, but be sure to grab a baguette with some kind of meat, cheese, and spread on it.
I personally love ham and cheese toasties with mustard, Caprese sandwiches, or Croque monsieurs.
Generally, sandwiches at a boulangerie are wrapped to go, meaning you can grab your lunch and keep walking since we are packing all of our sights into a short amount of time in Paris!
4. See Basilica Sacrรฉ-Cลur, Montmarte & Moulin Rouge
I’ve got to be honest…I don’t love Sacrรฉ-Cลur and Montmartre. I just don’t. I find them to be crowded, touristy, and dirty. As of late, they’ve become really run-down, and pickpockets are RELENTLESS here.
However, these are also two of the most famous things to see in Paris, and many people feel as though they must see them during their time in Paris or they missed out.
Montmartre tends to be recognized as a little village within the city. Its cobblestone streets and buildings built along the hillside give it a feel that is reminiscent of Old Europe.
It is a great section of the city to roam around in. The streets are packed with cafes, artists, and stalls or merchants selling anything you can think of. You will also find the Moulin Rouge here as well as many film locations from the popular movie, Amรฉlie.
If you visit Montmarte, make plans to visit Basilica Sacrรฉ-Cลur. The Basilica, a dedicated place of worship, sits overlooking the town of Montmartre and the entire city of Paris.
It is a beautiful church, so make sure to step inside and see the Basilica is all its glory. .
When you’re finished inside, step out and take an iconic photo overlooking the city. You can see for miles, and it is truly breathtaking.
Note: There are two ways to reach the Basilica at the top of the Butte of Montmartre: climb up the steps (approximately 300 of them), or ride the funicular up to the top.
The funicular tickets can be purchased at the Funiculaire de Montmartre and cost the same as a one-way metro journey (about โฌ1.90).
โ Book this highly-rated walking tour for the best experience in Montmartre. A guide will take you through the neighborhood, showing you Moulin Rouge, locations from Amรฉlie, artist streets, and, of course, Basilica Sacrรฉ-Cลur.
Montmartre is a ways outside of the city. This tour also offers a free shuttle option from Paris, making it a no-brainer!
5. An Evening Seine River Cruise: A MUST For Your Paris Weekend Itinerary
There is no other way to end your Paris itinerary than to take an evening cruise along the Seine river.
It is the most beautiful experience.
Ours was in the pouring rain, and it was still fantastic!
Head over to Pont Neuf and hop aboard a large boat for an unforgettable experience. If you can, grab seats on the top deck and watch in awe as the city passes by.
The best part is when you end up just under the Eiffel Tower right as it lights up. PERFECT view and picture-taking opportunity.
The average cruise lasts about an hour, returning to the pick-up point.
This cruise hosted by Vedettes du Pont Neuf is a great budget cruise option.
โ For a fabulous, upgraded experience, you HAVE to book a luxury Seine River Cruise with Bateaux Parisiens.
This beautiful evening experience includes a served 3-course dinner with wine for you to enjoy during your elevated cruise around Paris.
Where to Stay On Your Paris Weekend Trip
Paris is massive. With 20 arrondissement, or sections, it can be difficult to know where to book accommodations for the safest neighborhood, closest attractions, and overall best experience.
After staying in multiple places around Paris, I would highly recommend staying in the Saint Germain or Latin Quarter neighborhoods.
All three of these offer convenient accessibility, safety, and charm, regardless of what type of group you are traveling with.
Best Places to Stay in Saint Germain
Typically known as a higher-end neighborhood, tourists and locals frequent Saint Germain in equal measure.
The area is popular without being overly touristy and is a fantastic location for your home base during your time in Paris.
The neighborhood is brimming with restaurants, cafes, and shops, offering many choices for an evening out in the city.
Best Budget Accommodation: Villa Des Princes
Close to the Boulevard Saint Germain and Luxembourg Gardens, this stay might be classified as “budget,” but it is a centrally-located and updated hotel that visitors consistently rate as their favorite location in the city.
Best Mid-Range Accommodation: Millรฉsime Hรดtel
Nestled in the heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Prรฉs district, the Millรฉsime Hรดtel is a stunning escape from reality. With a relaxing and secluded courtyard in addition to complimentary breakfast and a central, walkable location to a multitude of the most popular sites in Paris, this hotel is a top choice for our accommodations in Paris.
Best Luxury Accommodation: Hรดtel D’Aubusson
Rated at more than a 9/10, this private mansion-turned-hotel is brimming with old-world luxury and sophistication. Rooms with exposed beams, fireplaces, and four-poster beds complement amenities like an airport shuttle and jazz bar. A 10-minute walk to the Louvre and Notre Dame makes this hotel the best choice for a place to stay.
Best Place to Stay in the Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter has retained some of the most charming pieces of old Paris.
Largely away from massive crowds, this area is filled with cobblestone streets, cafes and restaurants, and old-town charm.
The Latin Quarter is the 5th arrondissement in Paris and contains the Pantheon, Rue Mouffetard (Market Street), and the beloved Shakespeare and Co. bookstore.
It is just bustling enough that you still feel as though you’re in the inner city and have access to food and sights, but not so busy that you feel as though you’re staying in the middle of a tourist town.
Best Budget Accommodation: Hotel Elysa-Luxembourg
This stunning hotel is an incredible location for a budget hotel. With rooms overlooking the Jardin du Luxembourg, you are sure to have a peaceful stay in Paris. Air-conditioned rooms and a free buffet breakfast, making this the perfect hotel for a place to stay in the city.
Best Mid-Range Accommodation: Paris Art Hotel Quartier Latin by Malone
Located a few hundred feet from Notre Dame Cathedral and less than a 2-minute walk to the nearest Metro station, you can’t beat the comfort and beauty of Paris Art Hotel. Visitors consistently rate this hotel as the best location in the heart of the city!
Best Luxury Accommodation: La Lanterne and Spa
In the heart of the Latin District, just a short walk from Notre Dame, is La Lanterne and Spa. Complete with an indoor spa, pool, and air conditioning, this renovated and modern hotel is a fantastic choice for your accommodations in Paris.
How to Get Around Paris
Here are the best ways, in my experience, to get around the city of Paris:
Paris On Foot
People often ask: Is it possible to walk around Paris entirely on foot?
Realistically, the answer is no. Paris is too large to cover all on foot.
There are 2o different arrondissements in the city of Paris. While a large number of the well-traveled, popular tourist sights are within walking distance of each other (For example, Notre Dame, the Louvre, and Champs-รlysรฉes), not all are.
More than that, it is likely that your hotel will be some distance away from these main thoroughfares.
Does that mean you shouldn’t walk in Paris? Absolutely not!
If you’re planning to see Paris in a weekend, then you’ll need to walk around! Plus, walking is a fantastic way to see parts of the city you might have otherwise overlooked.
However, just be prepared that you will likely need to utilize the metro in addition to walking at some point.
Paris By Metro
The metro is hands-down the easiest and most affordable way to get around Paris.
There are multiple lines, but once you have access to a map with subway routes, you can get anywhere you need to go. And metro tickets are CHEAP!
For more detail on various tickets and trains in the Paris metro, click here.
Paris by Taxi
Paris by taxi is certainly an experience. The city has thousands of taxis, all publicly certified. On top of that, they are surprisingly affordable.
There is a base fare of โฌ2.20, with additional charges added for each kilometer traveled based on the time of day or day of the week.
In reality, if you have to get somewhere across town quickly, your best bet is going to be to hail a taxi. Especially if it’s raining!
The only downside is that sometimes you will be caught in traffic, and the taxis most often only take cash.
Additional Options for Your Time in Paris
Here are some additional options for your itinerary as far as things to do in Paris go!
๐ท Take a French Cooking Class
Cooking is something the French do incredibly well.
While in Paris, try your hand at learning to whip up your own French delicacy!
This is the perfect thing to do to give your feet a break from all of the walking around in Paris. Get your hands dirty and learn a new skill!
You can participate in cooking classes for just about anything in France.
โ Learn to make your own French Macarons when you book this small-group, hands-on, Parisian cooking class experience!
โช Visit Sainte-Chapelle Church
Sainte-Chapelle is a magnificent Christian church set in the middle of Paris. Although a gem in its own right, I’d even more highly recommend a visit now that Notre Dame Cathedral is not accessible.
You can find Sainte-Chapelle in รle de la Citรฉ, right across the street from the Notre Dame Cathedral. It is a very similar gothic structure, but it has the most incredible stained glass windows to admire– 1,113 of them to be exact.
The church was intended to be a place where relics and artifacts from the Christian church could be housed. As such, one of the items on display here is the Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus Christ.
Reserve your visit by buying an entrance ticket online here. Entry is โฌ11.50 per person, and those under the age of 18 are free.
โฒ Soak Up Sunshine In Jardin du Luxembourg
If you had more time in the City of Love, I’d say waste away an entire afternoon basking in the beauty that is Jardin du Luxembourg.
This sprawling garden sits in front of the Luxembourg Palace and offers a stunning expanse of greenery in a bustling city.
Admire the manicured blooms, many trees, and statues surrounding the area. My favorite thing to do here is to grab a baguette, wine, and cheese, and enjoy a lazy afternoon on the green.
If you’re in the mood to do something while you relax, Jardin du Luxembourg is packed with activities. There are slides and rides, remote control boats, and a chessboard. Kids will have a blast here in the children’s area- and they might even catch a puppet show or pony ride!
๐ฅ Embark on a Parisian Food Tour
It is no secret that Paris is a foodie lover’s dream. If you can fit it in, add a Food Tasting Tour to your itinerary.
French delicacies include baguettes, pastries, escargot, chocolate, macarons, crepes, croissants, cheeses, and numerous other treats.
Stroll around the Montmarte neighborhood on a food tour and visit a chocolatier, a boulangerie, an artisanal, a cheese shop, and a butcher. Enjoy tastings at each stop and, finally, a wine pairing at the end!
โ Reserve your spot on this popular, small-group Parisian Food Tour in Montmarte today!
๐ Peruse the Galleries of Musee D’Orsay
Housed in an old railway station, the Musee D’Orsay is one of the most fantastic museums in Paris.
This museum focuses mainly on impressionist artwork- specifically paintings. Although there are other mediums on display- such as photography and sculptures- many visitors come to the Musee D’Orsay to admire the brushstrokes of greats from all over the world.
All visitors are free with a reservation on the first Sunday of each month.
Otherwise, tickets are available online in advance and start at โฌ16, with those under 18 years old free of charge.
Best Day Trips From Paris
Palace of Versailles
One of the most popular day trips outside the city of Paris is the Palace of Versailles– and with good reason. This extensive palace was built by Louis XIV, was the home of Marie Antoinette, and was the site of the peace treaty that ended World War I.
The palace and its grounds are breathtaking.
It is possible that your time in Paris would not be complete without seeing Versailles. And, if that’s the case, you should go!
There are many tour companies that offer transportation and entry to Versailles.
As well, you can also easily take the RER C train to the Versailles Chรขteau-Rive Gauche station. The Palace is about a 10-minute walk from the train station.
Entry to the palace is only with a ticket, and Versailles is very popular.
Book tickets online in advance here. There are a multitude of ticket options, including free and reduced tariffs for some.
Note: The Palace of Versailles is closed on Mondays.
โ If you are looking for an easy trip to Versailles, book this tour that includes transportation to the Palace of Versailles from Paris AND skip-the-line entry to the Palace with your tour guide!
Visit the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley of France holds so many castles and chateaus that it often looks like a fairytale.
It is well worth a trip outside the city to see some of the opulence of the countryside and enjoy smaller French towns- a totally different experience from Paris!
My favorite tour picks you up around the city of Paris and takes you to multiple chateaus. With a guide, visit Chรขteau de Chambord first, admiring the castle that inspired the one from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
Next, enjoy free time in the town of Blois where you can grab a bite to eat or explore another famous castle- Chateau Royal de Blois.
Finally, enjoy wine tasting at one of the most famous chateaus in the Loire Valley- Chรขteau de Chenonceau. This massive palace acts as a bridge over a river and has beautiful gardens and grounds to explore in addition to the chateau itself.
This tour is a fantastic way to see multiple parts of the Loire Valley in just a day outside of Paris.
โ Book your day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris here!
Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is a must-see for many Disney lovers!
Thankfully, Disneyland is extremely easy to get to from the city center, so it makes for the perfect day trip location from Paris!
Disneyland Paris is made up of two different parks, Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, in addition to on-site hotels and Disney Village.
The two parks are right next to each other, making travel to and from them incredibly convenient.
While you can drive or take the train, I recommend booking tickets for the Disneyland Paris Express.
This shuttle bus picks up at four locations around the city: Gare du Nord, the Eiffel Tower, the Opera, and Chatelet. You can book shuttle tickets here.
Similar to Disney World in the USA, Disneyland Paris has rides, attractions, shows, parades, and other exciting encounters with characters.
Perhaps the most recent excitement here is the newly-opened Discover Marvel Avengers Campus which joins some favorites that we have here in the USA such as It’s a Small World, Ratatouille, and Peter Pan’s Flight.
Park tickets can be purchased in advance through the Disneyland Paris website.
The Sites of Normandy
One of the most-visited spots in all of France is Normandy, a place that should absolutely be on your bucket list.
People flock to the area in order to see sites from World War II.
Although Normandy is definitely a bit out of the way, visiting from Paris is doable! You will just need a full day to do it.
Take a small-group trip in a private vehicle through the countryside to Normandy. First, you’ll visit Pointe du Hoc where United States Rangers scaled the “Atlantic Wall” on the coastline, attempting to defeat a German stronghold. Here you can walk around the coastline where there are still bunkers, barbed wire, and plenty of holes created by grenades that were thrown.
After, walk along Omaha Beach and visit the memorials here that honor the lives lost during the landing of Allied troops on D-Day. Then, enter the Overlord Museum at Omaha Beach and learn through artifacts and personal stories just how the battles in Normandy unfolded.
Finally, visit the Normandy American Cemetery and pay your respects to the thousands of American lives lost during these battles. This is a beautiful space to walk along the grassy lawns and memorials and contemplate the true cost of freedom and the sacrifice it takes to maintain it.
Your tour returns to Paris in the evening so that you can enjoy dinner in the city.
โ Book this perfect small-group day trip to Normandy today and enjoy stress-free transportation to and from Paris and a guided tour!
Cost of Food in Paris
Paris might be the city of romance, but when it comes to food, it can feel like you’re courting a pricey affair. That said, dining in the French capital doesnโt have to break the bank if you know a few tricks!
On average, a casual meal at a cafรฉ or bistro will set you back around โฌ15โโฌ20, while a three-course dinner at a mid-range restaurant can easily climb to โฌ40โโฌ60 per person.
Breakfasts are typically cheaper, with a croissant and coffee costing around โฌ5โโฌ7. For those iconic Parisian treats like macarons or crepes, expect to pay โฌ2โโฌ5 each, depending on where you buy them.
Eating Well Without Spending a Fortune
If youโre on a budget but still want to eat it all, head to the local bakeries (boulangeries) for fresh baguette sandwiches, quiches, and pastries. These are not only affordable but also oh-so-Parisian.
Another great option is the street food sceneโcrepe stands and falafel shops in the Marais are crowd favorites and wonโt cost you more than โฌ10.
For an authentic Parisian experience thatโs super cheap, explore the Marchรฉ des Enfants Rouges, one of the oldest covered markets in Paris. Here you’ll find lots of amazing food from around the world at pretty good prices.
Tips for Saving Money on Food
๐ฅ Prix fixe menus: Many restaurants offer set menus for lunch, which are significantly cheaper than ร la carte dinner options. This is a great way to enjoy high-quality meals without the hefty price tag.
๐ท Avoid tourist traps: Skip restaurants with menus in five languages or overly enthusiastic hosts waving you inโthey’re often overpriced and underwhelming. Instead, opt for small, tucked-away places with lots of locals dining there.
๐ง Shop at local markets: Parisian markets, like Rue Cler or Bastille Market, are ideal for picking up fresh produce, cheese, and bread for a DIY picnic. We did this on our last visit to Paris and it was so much fun!
๐ Tap water, please: Donโt get caught off guard paying for bottled water. Simply ask for une carafe dโeau to get free tap water with your meal.
Choosing the Perfect Restaurant
When hunting for a good spot to eat, keep an eye out for small, busy places with handwritten menus. This usually means the food is seasonal, fresh, and beloved by locals.
If you hear the customers speaking French you’re probably onto something! Checking reviews online can also help, but donโt be afraid to walk in and trust your gut if a place feels inviting.
Can You See Paris in a Weekend? Is 2-3 Days Enough for Paris?
Truthfully, you can get a pretty great taste of Paris in a weekend. In fact, I’d say you can see Paris in a weekend.
However, you can’t DO all of Paris in a weekend.
With this itinerary, you see some of the most fantastic places in the city- and a wide range of things, too!
Depending on your personal interests, two or three days in Paris may be plenty of time for you. You can see the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Notre Dame, and Champs-รlysรฉes. These are the most popular things to see in the city.
The largest exceptions to this would be if you’re interested in art history or if you plan to take some day trips outside of Paris. If either of these is the case, then, no, 2 days in Paris, even when fully packed, is simply not enough.
Is a Weekend in Paris Worth It?
Absolutely.
People dream of visiting Paris for their entire lives. It is one of those top cities that is on everyone’s bucket list.
It is a beautiful city that has countless famous landmarks and things to see. It is also unlike any other city in the world.
Spend as much time in Paris as you can! You’ll love every second!
Conclusion: Perfect Weekend in Paris Itinerary
This jam-packed itinerary for your 2-3 days in Paris will get you to all of the top sites and must-see attractions. Plus, I’ve sprinkled in some lesser-known places, too!
Whatever you choose to do during your time in the City of Lights, I hope you have the time of your life!
Exploring More of Europe?
โญ Need help packing for your trip to Paris? Read Next: 9 Must-Have Travel Items for Europe in 2023
โญ Plan an Epic Trip to Amsterdam with this 4-Day Itinerary, a rundown of the best canal cruises, and an amazing top-notch hotel stay!
โญ Traveling to nearby Scotland? I’ve got you covered!
– The Best Edinburgh Itinerary for First-Timers
– All the advice on Where to Stay in Edinburgh
– Transportation Options (Like Uber!) In Scotland
– How to Easily Travel to Loch Ness!
-The Top Things to Do in Edinburgh with Kids!
-Plus, Epic Harry Potter Tours & Escape Rooms in Edinburgh!
