The city of love - Paris - has been romanticised by rom-coms and A-list celebrities alike. What with the many strikes, over-inflated food prices, and overcrowded tourist spots, the city’s reputation has increasingly been veering towards being a destination that many Europeans see pictures of but steer clear of, especially in comparison to the many hidden gems throughout the rest of Europe. As a self-proclaimed Londoner who has seen the best and worst of Eurostar, I am here to bring back Paris’ romanticism with a sprinkle of realism. Here are my humble sharings on things you need to know for a weekend getaway in Paris!
DAY 1
On the first day of a weekend trip, I like to make the most of my energy and excitement by exploring the key sights in the city centre on foot.
I would recommend starting at the Pantheon, which is only a 5-minute walk from the Cardinal Lemoine metro station, and situated in a lively area near the Pantheon-Sorbonne University where students and locals mingle. Fans of Emily in Paris can also spot the bakery (Boulangerie Moderne) and the restaurant (Terra Nera) featured in the show, just around the corner.
Panthéon
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A stunning neoclassical monument that honours the greats of French history, from Voltaire to Marie Curie - and a great photo spot!
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SAS boulangerie moderne Rabineau
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As featured in the Emily in Paris Netflix show - a friendly and casual place to grab a coffee and croissant to start your day!
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Terra Nera
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Known for its feature in the Emily in Paris Netflix show - it was not open when I visited, but its facade was definitely iconic for Emily in Paris fans
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A casual 8-minute stroll would bring you to the Luxembourg Gardens, a beautiful oasis of greenery and flowers in the heart of the city. Alternatively, Jardin des Plantes (15 minutes walk away from the Pantheon) boasts long columns of colourful flowers for one to admire and its own greenhouses. You can often spot groups of locals exercising there, and it also hosts the National Museum of Natural History. For a budget-friendly brunch, I’d recommend grabbing a croissant and coffee, and relaxing in one of the two gardens.
Jardin du Luxembourg
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A beautiful oasis of greenery and flowers in the heart of the city. It's a great spot to soak up the sun, watch the ducks and people, snap some selfies or have a quick picnic
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Jardin des Plantes
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Jardin des Plantes boasts long columns of colourful flowers for one to admire and its own greenhouses. You can often spot groups of locals exercising there, and it also hosts the National Museum of Natural History.
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Next, head to the chic neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, which is about 10-minute walk away from either garden. If you don't mind splurging on a coffee, you can enjoy the atmosphere and the people-watching. If you prefer something more affordable, I suggest walking 10-15 minutes to the Latin Quarter, where you can find a narrow street (3 rue Xavier Privas) packed with cheap and tasty food options.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
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A chic neighbourhood hosting some of the most famous cafes in Paris, such as Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, where writers, artists, and celebrities have hung out for decades. If you don't mind splurging on a coffee, you can enjoy the atmosphere and the people-watching here.
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Latin Quarter
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Known for its rich history, intellectual atmosphere, and vibrant student life and packed with cheap and tasty food options.
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Shakespeare & Co, a charming bookshop with a rich history, makes for a great post-lunch stop. There are tons of souvenirs and merch for purchase, and for the bookworms out there, you can find French and English books, which can be stamped with their signature logo upon purchase.
Shakespeare and Company
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The building was a home away from home for many literary legends, such as Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Its piano, cat, and lovely view of the Notre-Dame Cathedral definitely adds to the coziness and intrigue of the place.
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A 4-minute walk would bring you to the Île de la Cité, the island in the Seine where Paris was born. Here, you can admire the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is sadly closed for restoration after the fire, but remains impressive from the outside. You can also visit the Conciergerie, the former royal palace and prison, where Marie Antoinette spent her last days, and the Sainte-Chapelle, a stunning Gothic chapel with stained glass windows. These two attractions close early in the afternoon, so I make sure to get there before 4 pm.
Île de la Cité
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Île de la Cité in Paris is known for its historical significance as the city's medieval heart. Here you can admire the awe-inspiring Notre Dame Cathedral, stroll along charming streets, and discover landmarks like Sainte-Chapelle. The island encapsulates Parisian history and architectural splendor in a picturesque setting along the Seine River.
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Notre Dame
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Notre Dame is known for its iconic Gothic architecture, stunning rose windows, and historical importance as a symbol of French culture.
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Conciergerie
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Conciergerie is known for its medieval architecture, but more importantly its historical importance as a former royal palace and revolutionary prison, having housed Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution.
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Sainte-Chapelle
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Sainte-Chapelle is known for its Gothic beauty and historical significance. Its stunning stained glass windows depict biblical stories, offering a captivating journey through medieval artistry and religious narratives in a remarkably preserved architectural gem.
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Le Marais is a trendy and vibrant area with lots of boutique shops and budget eateries, and is about 20 minutes away from Île de la Cité by foot. Mid-way, you may also pass by Hôtel de Ville (former City Hall with the iconic Olympic Rings by its front facade). At Le Marais, treat yourself to the famous and delicious falafel (L'as du Fallafel, which you can also take away), wander around the streets, sampling free teas and perfumes, and admire the architecture and the street art.
Hôtel de Ville
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Hôtel de Ville is Paris' former City Hall, and currently boasts the iconic Olympic Rings by its front facade
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Le Marais
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A trendy and vibrant area with lots of boutique shops and budget eateries. To soak up the vibe, wander around the streets, sampling free teas and perfumes, and admire the architecture and the street art.
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To end the day, take the metro (about 30 minutes) to Montmartre, a charming hilltop neighbourhood with a bohemian flair. Here, you can also head up to the Sacré-Cœur, a majestic white basilica that offers a panoramic view of the city.
Montmartre
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A charming hilltop neighbourhood with a bohemian flair. It has plenty of cafes (the famous Pink Mamma and La Maison Rose are among them), photo spots (the Wall of Love is a must), and entertainment (buskers, street artists, and the Moulin Rouge).
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The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre
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A majestic white basilica that offers a panoramic view of the city. You can pay to go to the very top, but even from the stairs in front of the church, you can enjoy a stunning sunset.
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If you want to splurge on a night out, you can catch a show at the Moulin Rouge, the legendary cabaret that inspired the movie. It's not cheap (I paid about 130 euros), but it's definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Moulin Rouge
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The legendary cabaret that inspired the movie. While not cheap (I paid about 130 euros), it's definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The venue is glamorous, the costumes are dazzling, and the choreography is stunning. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the old-fashioned glamour and romance of Paris.
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DAY 2
If you love palaces and castles, you can't miss the Palace of Versailles when you visit Paris. It's the most magnificent and grandiose of them all, with its vast gardens, splendid rooms and halls, and rich history. It's easy to reach from central Paris by train, so you can head there early, beat the crowds, and still have time for more sightseeing later.
Palace of Versailles
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One of most magnificent and grandiose palaces in Europe (trust me I've been twice), with its vast gardens, splendid rooms and halls, and rich history. I'd recommend at least half a day to explore it properly, and definitely don't miss the trending Hall of Mirrors. Some less famous landmarks are also worth visiting, including the Estate of Trianon, which was a retreat for French royalty, notably Marie Antoinette and boasts a different aura of elegance and modernity.
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The rest of the day is all about the iconic landmarks - the ones that make you say "Oui, je suis à Paris!" When back in central Paris, start at Champ de Mars, a lovely park at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, where you can enjoy a picnic, a bike ride, or just a relaxing stroll. Then head up to the Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views of the city. Walk down to the Trocadero, a spacious plaza with fountains, gardens, and cafes and another 10-minute walk will take you to the Arc de Triomphe. The Arc is another impressive monument that honors the French soldiers and heroes. Atop it, you can admire the views of the Champs Elysées, the famous avenue where you can shop, dine, or browse at some of the classic stores for the remainder of the evening. To end the night on a high note, catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower sparkling at the Debilly footbridge!
Champ de Mars
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A lovely park at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, where you can enjoy a picnic, a bike ride, or just a relaxing stroll
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Eiffel Tower
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Iconic landmark with amazing views of Paris city. You can either take the elevator or the stairs, depending on your energy level and budget.
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Trocadéro
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A spacious plaza with fountains, gardens, and cafes, where you can snap some more stunning photos of the Eiffel tower from a different perspective
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Arc de Triomphe
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Another impressive monument that honors the French soldiers and heroes. You can climb to the top for a small fee and admire the views of the Champs Elysées
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Champs-Élysées
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The famous avenue where you can shop, dine, or browse at some of the classic stores
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Debilly Eiffel Tower view
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A charming pedestrian bridge over the Seine and boasts the perfect view of the Eiffel Tower. After sunset, the tower lights up for 5 minutes every hour, creating a magical spectacle that you won't forget. Don't forget to bring your camera and capture the moment!
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DAY 3
On your final day in Paris, treat yourself to a feast of art and culture at some of the city's most splendid attractions. Start with a visit to the Petit Palais, a stunning museum of fine arts that offers free admission to its permanent collections. Across the street, you can catch a glimpse of the Grand Palais, a majestic exhibition hall that is currently undergoing renovation. From there, stroll for 5 minutes along the Seine and cross the Pont Alexandre III, one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris, adorned with ornate lamps and sculptures. You'll soon reach the Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris. Next, wander through the Tuileries Garden, a lovely green oasis where you can relax among the flowers and statues, and leads up to the iconic Louvre Museum.
Petit Palais
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A stunning museum of fine arts that offers free admission to its permanent collections. Admire the elegant architecture, the exquisite paintings, and the serene garden cafe, where you can enjoy a croissant and a coffee in the morning sun.
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Pont Alexandre III
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One of the most beautiful bridges in Paris, adorned with ornate lamps and sculptures. On both sides of the Seine, you might spot some charming stalls selling paintings and second-hand books.
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Place de la Concorde
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The largest square in Paris, where you can see the towering obelisk and the majestic fountains
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Tuileries Garden
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A lovely green oasis where you can relax among the flowers and statues (especially in non-Winter months) and leads up to the iconic Louvre Museum.
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Within a five-minute walk from the Tuileries Garden, I’d recommend visiting one (or two) of three stunning museums: the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Musée de l'Orangerie. The Louvre is the most famous and the largest, but also the most crowded. If you prefer a more intimate and less stressful experience, consider the other two.
Louvre Museum
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The Louvre is home to a vast collection of art spanning centuries, from the Mona Lisa to ancient artifacts. It is also known for its historical significance as a former royal palace and its architectural grandeur, making it a popular destination for art enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
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Musée d'Orsay
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Musée d'Orsay showcases stunning sculptures and impressionist paintings in a former railway station,
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Musée de l'Orangerie
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Musée de l'Orangerie displays Monet's mesmerizing Water Lilies in a circular gallery that envelops you in their beauty. One of my favourite museums - the phenomenological experience is unlike any other!
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For the rest of the evening, head to the BNF (National Library of France), a modern and impressive building that houses millions of books and documents. Finally, end your day with a visit to the Palais Garnier, the opulent opera house that inspired the Phantom of the Opera.
BNF Richelieu Site
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A modern and impressive building that houses millions of books and documents. You can access some of the public areas for free, or pay to see some of the exhibitions on offer.
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Palais Garnier
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The opulent opera house that inspired the Phantom of the Opera. You can either pay to enter and admire the lavish interior, or splurge on a ticket to see a ballet or an opera performance. Either way, you'll be dazzled by the grandeur of this Parisian icon.
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WHERE TO EAT
Being a huge foodie, I can't talk about Paris without dedicating a whole blog post to its amazing cuisine. Trust me, you don't want to miss out on the local dishes and desserts that this city has to offer. You can check out my full guide to what to eat in Paris!
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