My advice for enjoying your weekend in Paris
To make the most of Paris in two days, book everything in advance: museums, cruises, the Eiffel Tower, Sainte-Chapelle, etc. Skip-the-line tickets are essential, especially on weekends. This will allow you to spend more time admiring the sights and less time waiting in line.
During the day, don't be afraid to grab a bite to eat while walking around: a baguette and some cheese from the market are enough to make you feel like a Parisian. But in the evening, take the time to dine in a real restaurant: eating in Paris is part of the pleasure of being there. From neighborhood bistros to century-old brasseries, every table has its own story. And if you're in a hurry, taxis are an excellent option. They save precious time between visits and allow you to enjoy the beauty of Paris on the move, especially at night, when the city becomes a huge theater of light.
Finally, always leave yourself a little leeway: Paris is never more beautiful than when you get a little lost.
Saturday – Île de la Cité, Latin Quarter, and Louvre
Notre Dame emerging from the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris. Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: olgacov via depositphotos
9:30 a.m. – Notre-Dame Cathedral
When we enter Notre Dame. Photo selected by Monsieur de France: gilmanshin via depositphotos
Begin your stay in the heart of historic Paris: the Île de la Cité. This is where the city was born, around a cathedral whose first stone was laid in 1163. Notre Dame, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, impresses with its arches, rose windows, and gargoyles. Every detail tells eight centuries of history. Approach the forecourt to contemplate the west facade: three sculpted portals, the kings of the Old Testament, and higher up, the 69-meter towers that dominate the Seine. Since its reopening, visits inside the cathedral must be booked in advance: make sure you do this before you leave and note that admission is still FREE (don't be fooled by commercial websites).
Notre Dame at sunset. Image selected by Monsieurdefrance.Com: STYLEPICS via depositphotos.
To the south, Jean-XXIII Square offers a magnificent view of the spire: it is a quiet place to photograph the cathedral and listen to the bells ringing.
- Allow: 1 hour
- Metro: Cité (line 4)
- Batobus: City Hall
11:00 a.m. – Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie
The Sainte Chapelle has 670 square meters of stained glass windows. Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos.com
Just a stone's throw away, the Sainte-Chapelle (1248) is a miracle of glass and light: 1,113 stained glass windows rise 15 meters high. Saint Louis had this jewel built to house Christ's crown of thorns. The interior radiates light, with every ray of sunshine transforming into a rainbow.
The Conciergerie Palace / Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos.com
Next door, the Conciergerie, formerly the palace of the Capetians, became a prison during the Revolution. You can still see Marie Antoinette's cell and the large hall of the soldiers, vaulted like a nave.
The oldest clock in Paris is located at the Paris courthouse, the Conciergerie / Photo selected by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
Allow: 1 hour 15 minutes
Metro: Cité (line 4)
Batobus: City Hall
12:30 p.m. – Break on the banks of the Seine
Head down to the Quai de Montebello: it's one of the nicest spots for a quick lunch. Grab a baguette from a bakery on Boulevard Saint-Michel, a cold drink, and enjoy a simple meal overlooking the Seine. The booksellers, the bridges, the street musicians... the Paris of postcards, brought to life.
The Pont Neuf/ photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Pascale Gueret/ Shutterstock.com
Allow: 30 min
Metro: Saint-Michel (line 4, RER B/C)
🕯️ Romantic spot: sit on the low wall of the Montebello quay, just opposite Notre Dame: the reflection of the cathedral in the water at dusk is one of the most beautiful sights in Paris.
2:00 p.m. – Latin Quarter and Pantheon
A small street in the Latin Quarter / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: by samuellenox from Pixabay
Cross the Saint-Michel bridge and enter the Latin Quarter, dominated by the Sorbonne. Its narrow streets are lined with bookshops and cafés where students and professors mingle. Head up to the Pantheon, a vast neoclassical rotunda built in the 18th century, where Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Zola, and Marie Curie are buried. Then head back down Rue Mouffetard, where old shops, the smell of crêpes, and lively terraces make it feel like a village within the city.
The facade of the Pantheon and the dome in the background. Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Mix7777 via depositphotos.
Allow: 1 hour 30 minutes
Metro: Luxembourg (RER B)
Batobus: Saint-Michel
4:00 p.m. – Louvre Museum
Pyramid of the Louvre photo by Pavel L Photo and Video/Shutterstock.com
Beneath its glass pyramid, the Louvre tells the story of the world. It houses 35,000 works of art and evokes just as many emotions. For two days in Paris, focus on the must-sees: the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Venus de Milo. But the magic of the Louvre also lies in its immense galleries, in the murmurs and the mix of languages.
Psyche revived by the Kiss of Love at the Louvre / photo Paolo Gallo/Shutterstock.com
Remember to book your admission: skip-the-line tickets are essential.
Before heading out, watch the sky turn pink from the Cour Carrée: the sunset there is magnificent.
Square courtyard of the Louvre Pavel L Photo and Video/Shutterstock.com
Allow: 2 hours
Metro: Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (lines 1 and 7)
Batobus: Louvre
🕯️ Romantic spot: the Pont des Arts, right in front of the Louvre. Stand in the center of the wooden footbridge as night falls: the view of the Institut de France and the streetlights along the Seine will melt your heart.
The Pont des Arts / Photo selected by Monsieur de France by Christelle PRIEUR from Pixabay
6:30 p.m. – Evening in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Cross the Pont des Arts to reach the Left Bank. The Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood retains its intellectual soul and artistic charm. Stop at the Café de Flore or the Deux Magots: people have been putting the world to rights here for a century. In the adjacent streets, galleries and bookshops stay open late. In the evening, the neighborhood lights up: a meal in a brasserie with antique wood paneling and a glass of Saint-Émilion will immerse you in eternal Paris.
Le Café de Flore in Saint Germain des Prés Photo by Alex Segre/Shutterstock
Allow: 2 hours 30 minutes
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés (line 4)
Batobus: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Sunday – Eiffel Tower, Seine River, and Les Invalides
The Eiffel Tower / photo Peggy and Marco Lachmann-Anke de Pixabay
9:00 a.m. – Eiffel Tower
You can't leave Paris without seeing it. The Eiffel Tower, built in 1889 for the World's Fair, rises 330 meters above the Seine. From the second floor, the view is breathtaking: the Trocadéro, the Champ-de-Mars, the gray rooftops of the city. Buy your tickets online to avoid the wait and come early in the morning. On your way down, take a stroll on the Champ-de-Mars or sit on the grass facing the Iron Lady: it's an unforgettable experience.
The Eiffel Tower at night / Image selected by monsieurdefrance.com: by Stefano Vazzoler from Pixabay
Allow: 1.5 to 2 hours
Metro: Bir-Hakeim (line 6)
Batobus: Eiffel Tower
Detail of the Eiffel Tower/ photo chosen by Monsieur de France: by M_Horn71 from Pixabay
🕯️ Romantic spot: the Champ-de-Mars at dusk. Settle down on the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower around 10 p.m., when the golden lights come on: a magical moment that won't cost you a thing. The view is also beautiful from the Trocadéro.
11:00 a.m. – Cruise on the Seine
The banks of the Seine in Paris / Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos
Embark at the Port de la Bourdonnais for a one-hour cruise aboard a riverboat. It's the most relaxing way to see Paris go by: the bridges, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Musée d'Orsay. The commentary tells the story of the city as you float along the river, but the simple spectacle of the Seine is enough.
Allow: 1 hour
Metro: Pont de l’Alma (RER C)
Batobus: Eiffel Tower
12:30 p.m. – Lunch in the 7th arrondissement
Around Rue Cler, a lively residential neighborhood, the terraces offer a taste of local Paris. Order a Niçoise salad or an omelet in a small brasserie and watch the regulars chat: this is the Paris of the locals, warm and authentic.
On the terrace of a Parisian brasserie. Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: asinskki / Depositphotos.
Allow: 45 min
Metro: École Militaire (line 8)
2:00 p.m. – Les Invalides and the Golden Dome
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The dome of Les Invalides, interior view / photo by RistoH/Shutterstock.com
Beneath the resplendent dome of the Hôtel des Invalides lies Napoleon I. Built by Louis XIV to house wounded soldiers, the monument now houses the Army Museum. The courtyards, galleries, and resplendent golden dome create a majestic setting where the history of France is laid out in grand style.
Les Invalides at sunrise from the Alexandre III Bridge/ by Dennis van de Water/Shutterstock.com
When you exit, walk towards the Pont Alexandre III, a Belle Époque masterpiece lined with golden cherubs and nereids.
Allow: 1 hour 30 minutes
Metro: Invalides (lines 8, 13, RER C)
Batobus: Invalides
🕯️ Romantic spot: in the center of the Pont Alexandre III bridge, around 7 p.m., the sun sets behind Les Invalides and the statues are illuminated by the golden evening light: it is one of the most romantic views in Paris.
The Alexandre III Bridge at dawn / Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: Manjik via depositphotos.
4:00 p.m. – Tuileries Garden and Place de la Concorde
Roof tiles are so romantic/ Photo selected by Monsieur de France: by Gerhard Bögner from Pixabay
Walk to the Tuileries Garden: classical statues, fountains, green chairs, and the scent of lime blossoms in summer. At the end, the Place de la Concorde opens up to the Arc de Triomphe. This is the Paris of the Grand Siècle and elegant strolls: a place to relax and marvel.
Place de la Concorde: magnificent and very lively / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France by Rodrigo Pignatta from Pixabay
Allow: 45 min
Metro: Concorde (lines 1, 8, 12)
Batobus: Louvre
5:30 p.m. – Evening in the Marais
Place des Vosges and its unique architecture / Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: masterlu via depositphotos
To round off your weekend, head to the Marais district with its cobbled streets, mansions, and lively terraces. Stroll around the symmetrical and peaceful Place des Vosges square under its red arcades. Have a drink or dinner on Rue Vieille-du-Temple : modern bistros and galleries stay open late.
The rooftops of Paris / Photo selected by Monsieur de France: by COLIN MIDSON from Pixabay
Allow: 2 hours
Metro: Saint-Paul (line 1)
Batobus: City Hall
9:00 p.m. – Last stroll along the Seine
The banks of the Seine at night / Photo selected by Monsieur de France: depositphotos
To end on a gentle note, follow the pedestrian quays between Pont Neuf and Pont des Arts. The lights dance on the water, the barges sway, the sound of footsteps mingles with the chords of a street guitarist. This is the Paris of all romances, the one that stays in your heart when you leave.
Allow: 45 min
Metro: Pont Neuf (line 7)
If you arrive on Friday evening
One of the two golden groups on the opera house facade. Here, Harmony by Charles GUMERY. Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Baloncici via depositphotos.
If you arrive on Friday evening
If you arrive in Paris on Friday evening, there are two wonderful ways to start your stay. The first takes you to the Opéra district and the Place Vendôme, in the heart of elegant Paris. The Haussmann-style facades are lit up, the shop windows sparkle, and the grand boulevards are bustling with life. You can take a stroll to the magnificently lit Place de la Concorde, before dining at a classic brasserie in the neighborhood.
What makes Place Vendôme so beautiful is the harmony of its facades. Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: AndreaA. via depositphotos
The other, more bohemian option takes you to Montmartre. At the top of the hill, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica dominates Paris and offers an incomparable romantic spot at sunset. The nearby Place du Tertre retains its old-world charm with its artists and terraces. Sharing a drink on the heights is a wonderful way to say good evening to the City of Light.
Place du Tertre in Montmartre with its painters and cafés. Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Daboost / Shutterstock.com
Allow: approximately 1.5 hours for the walk and dinner.
Metro: Opéra (lines 3, 7, 8) or Abbesses (line 12).
Romantic spot: the steps of Sacré-Cœur at dusk.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Montmartre. Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: Shutterstock.com
FAQ – Paris in 2 Days
1) Can you really see Paris in 2 days?
Yes, if you follow a smart route: start with the Île de la Cité (Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle), explore the Latin Quarter and the Louvre on Day 1, then focus on the Eiffel Tower, a Seine cruise, Invalides, and the Marais on Day 2. Book tickets in advance.
2) Should I buy the Paris Museum Pass for 48 hours?
It’s worth it if you plan to visit at least two or three museums per day (for example, the Louvre, Orsay, and Arc de Triomphe). It’s valid per hour from the first use, and covers more than 50 monuments — but not the Eiffel Tower or Sainte-Chapelle.
3) Do I need to book Eiffel Tower tickets in advance?
Yes. Online elevator tickets open up to 60 days ahead and often sell out quickly. Stair tickets open about 40 days before. Book early, especially in summer.
4) Should I reserve Sainte-Chapelle?
Absolutely. Entry is by time slot only, and queues can get long. Buying your ticket online saves you precious time.
5) Are there any Louvre “gotchas”?
The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. It stays open late on Wednesdays and Fridays. Always book a timed ticket online and arrive 30 minutes early.
6) Where should I stay for a weekend?
Choose a central, walkable area: Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Marais, or the Latin Quarter. You’ll be close to cafés, museums, and nightlife.
7) What’s the easiest way from the airport into Paris?
From CDG, take an official flat-fare taxi (€56 Right Bank / €65 Left Bank), or the RER B train to central Paris for about €13. From Orly, the Orlyval train connects to the RER B. Allow about 45 minutes.
8) What Metro ticket should I get?
Buy a Navigo Easy card or simply tap your contactless credit card or phone at the gate. Paper tickets have disappeared; the system is fully digital.
A café in Montmartre. Photo selected by Monsieur de France: RuslanKal on depositphotos.
9) Is tap water safe to drink?
Yes. Paris tap water meets all European standards. Bottled water is optional — many locals drink straight from the tap.
10) Do I need a power adapter?
Yes. France uses Type E outlets (230 V, 50 Hz). Most US chargers work fine with a plug adapter, but check that your devices are dual-voltage before plugging in.
11) Credit cards, Apple Pay, and tipping
Credit cards and Apple Pay are accepted almost everywhere. Service is included in restaurant bills; tipping 5–10 % for excellent service is appreciated but not required.
12) How do I avoid long lines?
Buy timed tickets for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Sainte-Chapelle. Visit early morning or late evening. The Paris Museum Pass lets you skip ticket lines at most covered sites.
13) Can I get a VAT (tax) refund?
Yes. If you spend over €100 in a single store within three days, ask for a tax-free form (détaxe) and validate it at the airport before departure. You’ll get about 12 % back on eligible purchases.
14) Is a Seine cruise worth it for a short trip?
Definitely. A one-hour cruise from the Eiffel Tower area shows you the city’s highlights from the water — a relaxing way to end the day.
<time datetime="November 11, 2025">Updated: November 2025</time>
