A city of love and light, Paris is the ultimate weekend break destination. Rich in art, culture, history and beautiful architecture, as well as exceptional food, wine and, of course, chic fashion and incredible shopping experiences. It’s easy to reach from much of Europe by rail, and from anywhere else in the world by air, which is just one reason why short breaks to Paris are so popular. With world-class art galleries, museums and historical landmarks, there’s no end of things to do in Paris. In fact, fitting it all into one weekend is no mean feat.
If you’re wondering what to do in Paris with just two or three days to explore the city, you need to be sure to cover the top sights, but also take the time to experience the Parisian atmosphere and the everyday sights of the world’s most romantic city. This guide to a Paris city break covers the top must-see and must-do of the city, and also includes tips for the best places to eat, dance, shop and stay, as well as day trip suggestions for top attractions outside of Paris. Start your weekend break to Paris with our essential guide.
Getting around Paris
Paris is a large city, but many of the main sights are concentrated in the centre, mostly in the 1st to 8th Arrondissements (districts). If you plan your time carefully, you’ll be able to walk between many of the city’s top attractions, however, the Parisian Metro train system is the easiest way to get about, as well as being fast, reliable and relatively cheap. If you’re going to use the Metro for more than one or two journeys a day, it’s worth considering getting a 1-day or 3-day pass. An extensive bus, tram and nightbus system is also in operation all over Paris.
Discover world-class art and museums
Not just the most famous Paris art gallery, but one of the most famous art museums in the world, the Louvres Gallery is an essential part of any Paris city break. It is home not just to the famed Mona Lisa, but also The Winged Victory of Samothrace and Venus de Milo. The second most famous of the art museums Paris has to offer is the Musee D’Orsay, which houses the world’s most important collection of impressionist and post-impressionist artworks, including works by Manet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Monet and Cezanne. I
n the 4th Arrondissement, you’ll find the Pompidou Centre, a work of architectural innovation in itself. Completed in 1977 it has a high-tech ‘inside out’ design, with fully exposed workings. The centre houses a vast public library and the National Modern Art Museum, the biggest modern art museum in Europe. Just a ten minute walk from the Pompidou Centre is the Musée des Arts et Métiers, Europe’s oldest science museum, home to exhibits that include the Lumieres brothers’ cinematograph and amazing scale models of French engineering feats.
Explore iconic historical landmarks
Of all the things to do in Paris, there are two landmarks that you simply can’t miss: the Eiffel Tower and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The 324m high Eiffel Tower, located on the southern bank of the Seine, doesn’t even need an introduction; it’s one of the most iconic buildings on Earth and top of any list of what to visit in Paris. Visitors can walk the steps to the first or second floor, or take a lift to the third, where you’ll enjoy far-reaching views across the city and beyond. The Notre-Dame Cathedral, located on the Seine’s Île de la Cité, is considered to be the world’s finest example of French Gothic architecture. If you can, take the 387 steps up one of the towers, for amazing views and the chance to see the famous gargoyles up close.
Indulge in boutique shopping
As one of the world’s leading fashion capitals, no trip to Paris is complete without hitting the stores. Whether you head to the beautiful arcades and Belle-Epoque ‘grand magasins’ department stores of Boulevard Haussmann, to the flagship designer shops along Champs-Elysees or perhaps spend time searching for unique vintage jewellery in the Marais, there’s simply no other shopping experience like shopping in Paris.
Dining out in Paris
Kick the morning off with the classic breakfast Paris offers: coffee and a croissant in your hotel, the perfect start for a day of sightseeing. With over 100 Michelin-starred Paris restaurant options, you’re never far from an unforgettable meal for lunch or dinner. It’s not easy to choose the best restaurant in Paris, between historic heavyweights such as the Bouillon Chartier or Cafe de la Paix, world-famous names such as Guy Savoy and the innovative menus from the newcomers such as Cena or Liquide. Wherever you go, however, food is prepared and served with acute attention to detail and prepared with quality ingredients. Even budget cafes and street stalls serve delicious snacks and excellent light lunches. Some of the everyday, must-try food Paris offers includes filled baguettes, pastries, cake, falafel and of course, steak & frites.
Enjoying the nightlife in Paris
By night Paris is a buzz of theatre, music, shows, bars and clubbing. The nightlife is excellent, whether you want to tick off the historic Moulin Rouge cabaret or dance the night away at one of the most exclusive Paris nightclubs such as Le Montana or Chez Castel.
Extra time in Paris
If your weekend break to Paris extends from Friday to Monday, you’ll have time for some of the city’s other highlights. This includes a river cruise along the Seine, the perfect end to a weekend in the world’s most romantic city. Alternatively head underground to the haunting Paris Catacombs, an 18th-century labyrinth filled with the bones of six million Parisians. Those with an extra day might want to head to Montmartre, a hill in the 18th Arrondissement and home of the spectacular white-domed Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur.
Day trips from Paris
As you can see, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Paris, but sometimes it’s good to get out and see what else there is. If time permits, spend a day at Disneyland Paris, Europe’s only Disneyland and a must-do for those visiting Paris with children. Alternatively, take a trip to the incredible Palace of Versailles, just 20km southwest of Paris, or perhaps visit the beautiful home and gardens of Claude Monet, located 70km northwest of the city.
Where to stay in Paris
Home to some of the world’s finest luxury hotels, there are plenty of places to indulge in five-star treatment for your short stay in Paris. Many of the most exclusive hotels are located in and around the 1st Arrondissement, where you’ll find the Hotel Renaissance Place Vendome, the Intercontinental Paris le Grand, the Mandarin Oriental and the Grand Hotel du Palais Royal, perfect for a romantic getaway. If you need a hotel that caters for the family, you’ll find plenty of options in the districts that lie north of the centre, where you can enjoy affordable rooms and easy access to the main attractions, such as the Hotel Victor Masse or the quirky Hotel du Théâtre.
When to take a city break in Paris
Short breaks to Paris can be enjoyed any time of year. Springtime in Paris is beautiful, when the city positively blooms with mild weather, street fairs and flower displays. Paris then basks in a long, warm continental summer, with the sunniest weather occurring during July and August. During this time parts of the Seine are transformed into city beaches, where locals and visitors alike enjoy a spot of sunbathing. Those hoping to miss the queues at the museums and attractions might want to consider a break in June or September instead when it’s also easier to find accommodation and affordable flights or rail tickets. During Autumn the weather remains mild, the crowds dial down and the trees of Luxembourg Gardens create a spectacle of changing colours. Autumn is the ideal time for families to book a weekend break to Paris, especially those who want to avoid the bustle of Summer. Come Winter the city is illuminated with elegant festive lights, making this season one of the most romantic choices for short breaks to Paris. The most notable displays are found along Avenue Montaigne, Champs-Elysees and at Place Vendome. Also, don’t miss the creative window displays in the grand magasins or the Christmas market, funfair and ice-rink at Jardins des Tuileries.
Between the museums and well-known landmarks lies street after street of architectural splendour and surprises, so it also takes some time to just ‘be’ in Paris. The sooner you book your Paris city break, the sooner you’ll find yourself in one of the world’s most beautiful locations, for an unforgettable holiday with friends or loved ones.
