Paris is a beautiful city to explore, there are so many incredible places to see, markets to visit and, of course, the views from the Eiffel Tower. Best of all, you can see lots of these things to do on a weekend in Paris.
All are pretty easy to find and really fun to see.
After all, Paris is one of those cities that conjures up a sense of magic and adventure. Trust me, visiting in person only does more to solidify that feeling. I think one of the best things about Paris is how there’s a little something for every taste.
So, to help you maximise your weekend in the city, I’ve jotted down some of my favourite things to do on a weekend in Paris. Have the best time exploring!
What to do in Paris
Renowned for its history, art, culture, architecture and fashion – Paris has become a place to satisfy all visitors’ tastes.
A trip up The Eiffel Tower is a must! So, make sure you pre-book these Eiffel Tower tickets to not miss out. Tickets can sell out fast, especially if you plan to go at dusk.
Just like The Eiffel Tower, no visit to Paris would be complete without going to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, which stands so elegantly in the city. You can even watch an awesome organ performance on selected evenings for free.
Also, I totally recommend at least one night enjoying a relaxing evening of French cinema.
Somehow, French cinema always captures my imagination and with a magical free experience in Paris at Parc de la Villette open-air cinema, there is no excuse for us not to go and get our cultural blood flowing.
It is a lovely way to spend a warm summer night and is perfect with some olives, sweet treats and a glass of wine (or two).
Paris is one of the world’s most-loved cities for shopping; from high fashion brands, Parisian markets, local art and world-renowned couture; Paris will get your inner-fashionista blood flowing.
For all of us bargain hunters out there, why not take advantage of seasonal sales in many of the city’s famous destinations, such as Galleries Lafayette?
They regularly hold end-of-season sales. So if shopping is your thing, late summer is a perfect time. For those not wanting to rummage for their fashion, you could always pre-plan and use online offers that open up discounts in-store.
If you like some vintage and antique shopping, head to the Bouquinistes, consisting of 250-300 licensed stalls, they line the quayside area of Paris begging to be explored.
Every time I go to the quayside I always buy myself a vintage postcard from one of the Bouquinistes market stalls near the Louvre.
They are usually from the late 19th Century and cost a few euros at most but hold within them such fascinating history.
Often these postcards were sent to family members and friends. I love translating the messages written on the postcards when I get home, which somehow becomes so exciting.
The last postcard I purchased was to a nephew from his aunty in 1898, she mentioned how lovely the city was and how she wanted to tell them all about it when she got back to Brussels. How sweet!
Where to Eat in Paris
Okay, this can be the part where you judge me, I am not fond of macarons…. *Gasp*
I’m not sure what it is – but I never seem to get too excited by them – though no trip to Paris is complete without at least one, even for me (Yaya refuses to touch the stuff).
If I had to choose my favourite, it would be Pierre Herme – their macarons did sway me (after your suggestions to Yaya) and I’m sure that if you crave macarons you will fall in love with this place!
Have you always dreamed of eating on the Champs-Elysées close to the Arc De Triomphe?
It’s always good to consider that it is a tourist hot-spot and can be more expensive so plan and see if you can get an offer online before you go as money saved can be spent on admission into one of Paris’ many museums and galleries.
Where to Stay in Paris
With thousands of hotels in Paris, choices can be daunting! It’s hard to know where to stay – especially if you are looking for something a little different as well as value for money.
For a quirky night’s sleep in Paris, a room at Hotel Le Bellechasse offers some unique decor and beautifully designed rooms by Christian Lacroix!
In so many ways the decor feels so Parisian, as soon as I saw this hotel I fell in love. With prices at around £100 per night, it is very reasonably priced for a designer, city centre luxury hotel. Interestingly, each room is different and adds to a quirky and fun experience to any stay!
If you want to feel fancy-free in your suite in the city and want to keep your costs in check, why not organise an apartment?
A sort of home away from home, an apartment gives you the feeling of living in Paris. Cook in your kitchen, enjoy panoramic views of the city and plan the rest of your evenings from the comfort of your new Parisian home.
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