Paris’ monument-lined boulevards, masterpiece-filled museums, and diverse patchwork of neighbourhoods are endlessly absorbing to explore. Even if you’re visiting on a quick break, the city’s excellent transport network makes it easy to cover a lot of ground. This itinerary takes in the French Capital’s unmissable highlights and local secrets to give you an unforgettable weekend in Paris.
Friday evening
Centrally located on the Left Bank, Paris’ lively Latin Quarter – named for the language students prevalent here until the French Revolution – remains a student hub today, with prestigious university La Sorbonne at its heart. This vibrant neighbourhood is an ideal place to kick off your time in the French capital, and you’ll see it at its most rambunctious as the sun sets on Friday evening.
Begin with an apéro (aperitif; pre-dinner drink) at a riverside cafe such as Café Panis. Then bypass the overpriced, touristy restaurants in the maze of tiny streets between the Seine, rue St-Jacques and bd St-Germain and seek out authentic bistros like Le Petit Pontoise, which features bare wooden tables and classic dishes like cassoulette d’escargots (snail stew), or contemporary Baieta, offering refined Niçoise cuisine in a sleek dining room.
After dinner, immerse yourself in the literary world at Shakespeare & Company, a magical shop filled with books, then head to one of the quarter’s famous jazz clubs like Caveau de la Huchette, atmospheric in its medieval cellar, or the welcoming Café Universel. Conclude your evening with a scenic stroll along the Seine’s illuminated bridges, with Paris’ monuments reflecting in the water. C’est magnifique.
Saturday morning
Start your Saturday rejuvenated with expertly brewed coffee and a delightful vegetarian dish (including vegan and gluten-free options) at the charming cafe Cuppa. Just a few footsteps away is the Musée d’Orsay, situated in a stunning former railway station. This museum showcases France’s major impressionist and post-impressionist collections from 1848 to 1914. Renowned artists such as Manet, Monet, and Van Gogh grace its halls with their masterpieces.
Nearby, the Musée Rodin features sculptures by Auguste Rodin in his former workshop at the elegant Hôtel Biron, including the famed white-marble The Kiss, set within tranquil rose-filled gardens where you’ll also find the striking bronze-cast The Thinker.
Saturday afternoon
Continue your journey west along the Seine to the Eiffel Tower. If you’ve never ventured to the top before, this is your chance—just ensure you pre-book a time slot to minimize the queues. For a delightful perspective of the city from the water, consider a Vedettes de Paris river cruise or hop aboard a Batobus.
Venture to the place de la Concorde, where Louis XVI met his fate in 1793, and stroll along the plane tree–shaded avenue des Champs-Élysées, lined with luxury shops and showrooms. At its western end, the grand Arc de Triomphe stands tall, commemorating Napoléon’s victory at Austerlitz in 1805. Climb its 284 steps for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
Saturday evening
The area surrounding the former wholesale markets of Les Halles bursts with dining options; standouts include the 24-hour brasserie Au Pied de Cochon known for its delicious onion soup, and Michelin-starred neo-bistro Frenchie. If you can’t secure a reservation at the latter, try its walk-in wine bar Frenchie Bar à Vins, which serves delectable small-plate sharing dishes.
Make sure to catch a performance at Paris’ magnificent opera house, the Palais Garnier. For those interested in vibrant nightlife, consider visiting Le Rex Club for a house and techno experience, or head up to Montmartre for a classic can-can show at the Moulin Rouge. For live music, visit Le Divan du Monde, or enjoy cocktails at Lulu White, an enticing absinthe bar.
Sunday morning
Explore over 150 stalls at Marché Bastille, showcasing seasonal produce, baked goods, cheeses, and seafood. For an even more local feel, visit Marché d’Aligre, which features a covered food market and a bustling flea market. A post-market grape at rustic wine bar Le Baron Rouge is a cherished neighborhood tradition.
Equipped with picnic provisions, head to the garden-filled Jardin du Port de l’Arsenal, located on the eastern side of Paris’ marina Port de l’Arsenal, or relax in the elegant Place des Vosges, known for its stunning symmetrical houses and cloister-like arcades.
Sunday afternoon/evening
Wander through the tangle of narrow streets in Le Marais, one of Paris’ trendiest districts, filled with vibrant cafes, bars, and boutiques offering designer goods. As one of the city’s ZTIs (international tourist zones), Le Marais permits shops to open on Sundays, making it a delightful weekend destination. Bring France Home is a highlighted spot for unique French gifts and souvenirs.
Northeast of Le Marais, picturesque Canal St-Martin, lined with wrought-iron bridges, offers numerous shops dedicated to fashion, art, and homewares, all welcoming visitors on Sundays. The shaded paths along the tow are perfect for an afternoon stroll, or you can unwind at charming cafes like waterside Chez Prune. If time allows before your departure, enjoy a meal at one of the many local restaurants, such as the cozy bistro/wine bar Le Verre Volé.
