This article is for those who would like to visit Paris at the weekend and have only 2 days to enjoy. We have selected the essentials to see and do for the first time in Paris. Follow our itinerary and our good addresses to discover Paris for a weekend with family or loved ones!
Eiffel Tower
To start the visit to Paris, what is better than the emblematic Eiffel Tower? We must admit that even if we see her very often, she continues to amaze us. We still come to Paris to admire it, don’t we? So if you want to keep a memorable memory, book your ticket as soon as possible to access the 2nd floor or the top of the Eiffel Tower and admire the panoramic view of all of Paris. The view at sunset is particularly magical!
After having been amazed, we advise you to have lunch while admiring the Iron Lady. Picnic on the lawn of the Champs de Mars or on the Quays of the Seine under the Pont d’Iéna. Otherwise, we recommend the restaurant Chez Pippo, avenue de la Bourdenais, a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower. Their pizzas are really excellent and would even be the best in the capital, so remember to book!
The Trocadero
Then, cross the Pont d’Iéna to reach the Trocadéro esplanade which faces the Eiffel Tower. This is one of the best places to admire the Eiffel Tower, especially at night when it begins to sparkle. Moreover, in order not to miss this show, know that the Eiffel Tower lights up every evening at nightfall and until 1 am, for 5 minutes at the start of each hour.
200 meters from the Trocadéro is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Paris: the Avenue de Camons. Make a short stop there to admire its view and its magnificent staircase!
The Arch Of Triomphe
To discover one of the most famous monuments in Paris (after the Eiffel Tower), head to the Arc de Triomphe. Located on the Place de l’Etoile, this national symbol faces the famous Avenue des Champs-Elysées. If you want to take a little height, go up to its terrace, which offers a superb view of Paris and the Champs-Elysées.
Champs-Elyses & Avenue Montaigne
The Avenue des Champs-Elysées is renowned for being one of the most beautiful avenues in the world with its boutiques, restaurants and prestigious cafés. For a sweet break, stop at the Ladurée tea room at 75 Avenue des Champs-Elysées to taste the house’s famous macaroons. Then continue your walk with a small detour via Avenue Montaigne located in the center of the Golden Triangle. It is certainly the most chic and luxurious of the Parisian streets.
The Alexander III Bridge
By joining the quays of the Seine by Avenue Montaigne, you will inevitably fall under the charm of the Pont Alexandre III which connects the Invalides to the Grand Palais. This bridge is surely the most majestic in Paris with its bronze statues and its view of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine. It’s also my favourite Parisian bridge!
If you are visiting Paris with your family, Julius Homes recommend the Palais de la Découverte. Located within the Grand Palais, this science museum will delight your children!
The Louvre Museum & The Tuileries Garden
It is now time to join the Louvre Museum which is one of the most beautiful and largest museums in the world. This museum is therefore a must for the first time in Paris. Of course, it will be impossible for you to visit the museum in half a day, so choose the rooms and rooms that interest you the most.
The Louvre Museum is also one of the most visited sites in Paris, so remember to book your ticket in advance (€17/adult, free for children under 18, the museum is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and until 9:45 p.m. on Friday, closed on Tuesday).
After this cultural visit, you can stroll or sit on one of the famous green chairs in the Jardin des Tuileries. It is a garden that we particularly like because of its beauty and its prestigious location between Place de la Concorde, Place Vendôme and the Palais Royal.
Dinner Cruise On The Seine
To end this first day in Paris in style, there is a very nice experience to enjoy with family or lovers: the famous dinner cruise on the Seine. Having done it several times, I can tell you that you will live a magical moment. Dinner at sunset in a pretty barge, admire all of Paris from the water and finish the cruise facing the illuminated Eiffel Tower, that’s what Le Calife offers.
We had the chance to dine there twice and can only recommend it. The cruise lasts 2 hours and boarding is at Port des Saints-Pères under the Pont des Arts, Rive Gauche (dinner from €97/person, €45/child, lunch €49/person). It is of course imperative to book!
Walking Itinerary Of Day 2
Montmartre & The Sacred Coeur
For this second day in Paris, let’s start with Montmartre, one of the most beautiful areas of Paris, but also my favourite area. Located in the 18th arrondissement, there is an authentic and bohemian atmosphere.
Start with the Butte Montmartre to admire the view of all of Paris. It is accessible by funicular (€1.90 per ticket) if you don’t have the courage to climb the 220 steps. At the top of the hill is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, which is free to visit (for a guided tour, click on this link ). If the stairs don’t put you off, you can climb up to the Dôme to discover a 360-degree panoramic view of Paris (about 300 steps, €7/adult, €4/child from 4 to 16 years old).
After this start to a sporting day, you would certainly like to have a drink on the terrace of a café on Place du Tertre before strolling through the heart of Montmartre. Go through Avenue de l’Abreuvoir in particular to see its Maison Rose , Place Dalida, Rue Lepic with its Moulin de la Galette… For the rest of the itinerary that will take you to the 9th arrondissement, take a break in front of the legendary Moulin Rouge cabaret.
The Opera District & Department Stores
A few steps from the Opéra Garnier (whose visit is worth the detour), the department stores are a must during a weekend in Paris. Of course, people come here for shopping but also to admire the architecture of these buildings. The Art Nouveau domes of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps on Boulevard Haussmann are true works of art. It must also be said that these two prestigious brands have a rooftop that offers a superb view of the most beautiful Parisian monuments. So even if you’re not a shopaholic, don’t miss this panorama, which is free to enter!
Notre Dame De Paris
Even if since the fire of 2019 the Cathedral can no longer be visited, there are pretty things to see around this historic monument. You can stroll on the Ile de la Cité dominated by Notre Dame but also on the Ile Saint-Louis which has many mansions. In spring, the facade of the restaurant Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole, located at 24 rue Chanoinesse will amaze you with its lush wisteria. The opportunity to make a nice shot!
Leaving Notre Dame to reach the Latin Quarter, stop by the famous English-language bookstore Shakespeare and Co., then stop at Odette, the cream puff specialist!
The Latin Quarter
One of the most representative neighbourhoods in Paris is the Latin Quarter. It is here that we find, for example, the vestiges of the Paris of yesteryear with the Arènes de Lutèce. But as you stroll through the district, you will also discover some must-see places:
- The Place de la Sorbonne
- The Luxembourg Garden
- The Pantheon: book your skip-the-line ticket
- The Grand Mosque of Paris (go in the spring when the wisteria is in bloom!)
- Garden plants
- The Natural History Museum
Saint Germain Des Pres
Before leaving Paris, why not feel the soul of an artist by visiting the chic district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés? Located on the Left Bank, this village was the haunt of intellectuals and artists. The latter used to meet at the Café de Flore or at the Deux Magots near the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Stroll through the neighbourhood and admire the Saint-Sulpice Church. Lose yourself in its alleys and go to the Pont des Arts, the famous lovers’ bridge which faces the Institut de France.
If you have more time and want to visit Paris in 3 days, you could add to your itinerary:
- The Montparnasse Tower and its panoramic terrace
- The Marais District
- The Centre Pompidou
- The Orsay museum