Take a look at our guide to the ultimate weekend in the city of lights!
Friday
The Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame 4 p.m.
Why not start your weekend off with the city’s most iconic piece of architecture, The Eiffel Tower! After wandering around in amazement, and snapping a few pictures of course, rent a Vélib bike by the Pont de l’Alma Bridge and ride along the seine until you reach Notre Dame.
Dinner in Saint Germain 8 p.m.
After you’ve worked up an appetite, stroll through the lively Saint-Germain-des-Prés area and find a café or brasserie to enjoy a glass of French wine with dinner. A few of our favorites are Le Sainsev’ (17 Rue Saint-Séverin) or Chez Clement (9 Place Saint-André des Arts).
Wine on the Seine 10 p.m.
After dinner, explore the many themed bars along the narrow street of Rue de la Huchette or grab a bottle of your favorite French wine and sit along the Seine and watch the Eiffel Tower light up.
Showcase 11 p.m.
(Port des Champs Elysées) A favorite club for locals and students. This nightclub is located under the Pont Alexandre III bridge and features famous DJs from around the world every weekend. Tickets are typically 15 to 30 Euro depending on the DJ, but it is sure to be a night you won’t soon forget!
Saturday
Boulangerie 10 a.m.
Find a local boulangerie by your hotel and order a pain au chocolat and a café au lait.
Musée d’Orsay 10:30 a.m.
After you’ve enjoyed your petit dejeuner, take a trip over to Musée d’Orsay (62 rue de Lille) to see the world’s largest collection of Impressionist works inside a converted train station.
Lunch the Parisian Way 12:30 p.m.
Sit outside and people watch, while enjoying a Parisian lunch just around the corner from Musée d’Orsay at Les Deux Musées (5 Rue de Bellechasse).
Rodin Museum 2 p.m.
Just a few blocks away is the Rodin Museum (19 boulevard des Invalides, musee-rodin.fr), formerly Rodin’s personal studio and mansion. Walk through the beautifully manicured gardens while admiring his most famous sculptures, admission is just one euro!
Shopping on the Champs-Élysées 3:30 p.m.
Walk down the most famous street in Paris and do some shopping if you wish! Although the street has lost some of it’s old school charm, it’s still worth a visit.
Arch de Triomphe 5:30 p.m.
Although this is the less popular view of Paris, it’s much easier and cheaper than the trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower and the view is still spectacular! Climb to the top and watch the sunset over Paris as cars stream down the Champs-Élysées.
Dinner is Le Marais 7:30 p.m.
Hop on the Metro to Place des Vosges and enjoy dinner outside at Ma Bourgogne (19 Place des Vosges). This traditional French restaurant is located in Place des Vosges, one of the oldest squares in Paris, built in the 16th century to honor King Louis XIII and home to famous writers such as Victor Hugo. Admire the symmetry and grandeur of the buildings, while indulging in the house red wine.
Night out in Oberkampf 10p.m.
After a nice dinner, venture over to Rue Oberkampf, home to many student friendly bars. Two favorite spots are Le 114 (114 rue Oberkampf) and Espit Chupitos (117 Rue Saint-Maur), which offers over 300 shots to choose from.
Sunday
Croque Monsieur s’il vous plat! 10 a.m.
Have brunch in Le Marais with the locals at Café Charlot ( 38 Rue de Bretagne). This old-school French café is an original café of Paris, yet perfectly balances traditional French with a charming retro allure.
Marché des Enfants Rouges 11 a.m.
Walk across the street to the oldest covered market in Paris. Fresh produce and flowers fill this hidden market, but you’ll also find cuisine from all over the world, Moroccan, Lebanese, Italian, Japanese, and of course French.
Centre Pompidou 1 p.m.
(Place Georges-Pompidou) End your weekend of historical sites with a visit to Paris’ most famous modern art museum. Just down the street from Marché des Enfants Rouges in Le Marais, Centre Pompidou is a perfect place to spend your last afternoon in Paris.