The city of love - Paris - has been romanticised by rom-coms and A-list celebrities alike. What with the many strikes, over-inflated food prices, and overcrowded tourist spots, the city’s reputation has increasingly been veering towards being a destination that many Europeans see pictures of but steer clear of, especially in comparison to the many hidden gems throughout the rest of Europe. As a self-proclaimed Londoner who has seen the best and worst of Eurostar, I am here to bring back Paris’ romanticism with a sprinkle of realism. Here are my humble sharings on things you need to know for a weekend getaway in Paris (if you can’t be bothered to read all my random musings, feel free to skip to the end for a summarised itinerary map!
How to get around:
Nothing beats the metro for getting around Paris. It's fast, frequent (one every 5-10 minutes), comfortable, and covers most of the city. You can easily plan your journey with Google Maps or the RATP app (link), which also gives you real-time updates. And the best part? You can stay connected with 4G/5G underground, a luxury a Londoner like myself can only dream of.
If you're under 26 and visiting on a weekend, you can save money with the Navigo weekend pass. It costs only 4.6 euros for zones 1-3 and lets you use both metro and buses all day. Just get a Navigo card (2 euros) and top it up at any Navigo booth in the metro stations.
Buses are a possible alternative during peak hours when the metro is crowded, however, they are less reliable and predictable. So if you're on a tight schedule, I would advice sticking to the metro.
The one thing to plan ahead for are the public transport strikes to minimize disruptions to your plans and the possibility of being stranded. You can check the strike dates before your trip and plan your itinerary accordingly via the RATP app or the signs in the stations. Don't worry, though. There are plenty of attractions within walking distance of each other requiring minimal public transport. Read on to find out more.
Things to see and do:
Day 1:
On the first day of a weekend trip, I like to make the most of my energy and excitement by exploring the key sights in the city centre on foot.
I would recommend starting at the Pantheon, a stunning neoclassical monument that honours the greats of French history, from Voltaire to Marie Curie. It's only a 5-minute walk from the Cardinal Lemoine metro station, and is situated in a lively area near the Pantheon-Sorbonne University where students and locals mingle. Fans of Emily in Paris can also spot the bakery (Boulangerie Moderne) and the restaurant (Terra Nera) featured in the show, just around the corner.
A casual 8-minute stroll would bring you to the Luxembourg Gardens, a beautiful oasis of greenery and flowers in the heart of the city. Alternatively, Jardin des Plantes (15 minutes walk away from the Pantheon) boasts long columns of colourful flowers for one to admire and its own greenhouses. You can often spot groups of locals exercising there, and it also hosts the National Museum of Natural History. For a budget-friendly brunch, I’d recommend grabbing a croissant and coffee, and relaxing on one of the two gardens. They are great spots to soak up the sun, watch the ducks and people, and snap some selfies.
Next, head to the chic neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, which is about 10-minute walk away from either garden, where you can find some of the most famous cafes in Paris, such as Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, where writers, artists, and celebrities have hung out for decades. If you don't mind splurging on a coffee, you can enjoy the atmosphere and the people-watching. If you prefer something more affordable, I suggest walking 10-15 minutes to the Latin Quarter, where you can find a narrow street (3 rue Xavier Privas) packed with cheap and tasty food options. I usually go for a crepe or a sandwich, but you can also find pizza, kebab, and Asian cuisine.
Shakespeare & Co, a charming bookshop with a rich history, makes for a great post-lunch stop. It was a home away from home for many literary legends, such as Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Its piano, cat, and lovely view of the Notre-Dame Cathedral definitely adds to the coziness and intrigue of the place. There are tons of souvenirs and merch for purchase, and for the bookworms out there, you can find French and English books, which can be stamped with their signature logo upon purchase.
A 4-minute walk would bring you to the Île de la Cité, the island in the Seine where Paris was born. Here, you can admire the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is sadly closed for restoration after the fire, but remains impressive from the outside. You can also visit the Conciergerie, the former royal palace and prison, where Marie Antoinette spent her last days, and the Sainte-Chapelle, a stunning Gothic chapel with stained glass windows. These two attractions close early in the afternoon, so I make sure to get there before 4 pm.
Le Marais is a trendy and vibrant area with lots of boutique shops and budget eateries, and is about 20 minutes away from Île de la Cité by foot. Mid-way, you may also pass by Hotel de Ville (former City Hall with the iconic Olympic Rings by its front facade). Here, treat yourself to the famous and delicious falafel (L'as du Fallafel, which you can also take away), wander around the streets, sampling free teas and perfumes, and admire the architecture and the street art.
To end the day, take the metro (about 30 minutes) to Montmartre, a charming hilltop neighbourhood with a bohemian flair. It has plenty of cafes (the famous Pink Mamma and La Maison Rose are among them), photo spots (the Wall of Love is a must), and entertainment (buskers, street artists, and the Moulin Rouge). Here, you can head up to the Sacré-Cœur, a majestic white basilica that offers a panoramic view of the city. You can pay to go to the very top, but even from the stairs in front of the church, you can enjoy a stunning sunset.
If you want to splurge on a night out, you can catch a show at the Moulin Rouge, the legendary cabaret that inspired the movie. While not cheap (I paid about 130 euros), it's definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The venue is glamorous, the costumes are dazzling, and the choreography is stunning. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the old-fashioned glamour and romance of Paris.
Day 2:
If you love palaces and castles, you can't miss the Palace of Versailles when you visit Paris. It's the most magnificent and grandiose of them all, with its vast gardens, splendid rooms and halls, and rich history. You'll need at least half a day to explore it properly, and trust me, you won't regret it. It's easy to reach from central Paris by train, so you can head there early, beat the crowds, and still have time for more sightseeing later.
The rest of the day is all about the iconic landmarks - the ones that make you say "Oui, je suis à Paris!" When back in central Paris, start at Champ de Mars, a lovely park at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, where you can enjoy a picnic, a bike ride, or just a relaxing stroll. Then head up to the Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views of the city. You can either take the elevator or the stairs, depending on your energy level and budget. Walk down to the Trocadero, a spacious plaza with fountains, gardens, and cafes, where you can snap some more stunning photos of the Eiffel tower from a different perspective. A 10-minute walk will take you to the Arc de Triomphe, another impressive monument that honors the French soldiers and heroes. You can climb to the top for a small fee and admire the views of the Champs Elysées, the famous avenue that leads to the Louvre Museum. Along Champs Elysses, you can shop, dine, or browse at some of the classic stores and restaurants that line the street.
To end the night on a high note, catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower sparkling at the Debilly footbridge, a charming pedestrian bridge over the Seine. After sunset, the tower lights up for 5 minutes every hour, creating a magical spectacle that you won't forget. Don't forget to bring your camera and capture the moment!
Day 3:
On your final day in Paris, treat yourself to a feast of art and culture at some of the city's most splendid attractions. Start with a visit to the Petit Palais, a stunning museum of fine arts that offers free admission to its permanent collections. Admire the elegant architecture, the exquisite paintings, and the serene garden cafe, where you can enjoy a croissant and a coffee in the morning sun. Across the street, you can catch a glimpse of the Grand Palais, a majestic exhibition hall that is currently undergoing renovation.
From there, stroll for 5 minutes along the Seine and cross the Pont Alexandre III, one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris, adorned with ornate lamps and sculptures. Along the way, you might spot some charming stalls selling paintings and second-hand books. You'll soon reach the Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris, where you can see the towering obelisk and the majestic fountains. Next, wander through the Tuileries Garden, a lovely green oasis where you can relax among the flowers and statues.
Within a five-minute walk from the Tuileries Garden, I’d recommend visiting one (or two) of three stunning museums: the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Musée de l'Orangerie. The Louvre is the most famous and the largest, but also the most crowded. If you prefer a more intimate and less stressful experience, consider the other two. The Musée d'Orsay showcases stunning sculptures and impressionist paintings in a former railway station, while the Musée de l'Orangerie displays Monet's mesmerizing Water Lilies in a circular gallery that envelops you in their beauty.
For the rest of the evening, head to the BNF (National Library of France), a modern and impressive building that houses millions of books and documents. You can access some of the public areas for free, or pay to see some of the exhibitions on offer. Finally, end your day with a visit to the Palais Garnier, the opulent opera house that inspired the Phantom of the Opera. You can either pay to enter and admire the lavish interior, or splurge on a ticket to see a ballet or an opera performance. Either way, you'll be dazzled by the grandeur of this Parisian icon.
Where to eat
Being a huge foodie, I can't talk about Paris without dedicating a whole blog post to its amazing cuisine. Trust me, you don't want to miss out on the local dishes and desserts that this city has to offer. You can check out my full guide to what to eat in Paris (link)!
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