A Practical Weekend in Paris
How to spend 48 hours in the city without the tourist traps.
Planning a weekend in Paris requires a focus on geography. If you try to see every museum and monument in two days, you will spend your entire trip in traffic or waiting in lines. The key is to pick one or two neighborhoods and stay there.
Where to Base Yourself
Your choice of hotel determines how much of the city you can actually see. If you want to be in the center of the action, the Marais is the best bet. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, look toward Montmartre.
| Budget Level | Hotel Recommendation | Neighborhood | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Hotel Marignan | 11th arr. | $110 to $130 |
| Budget | Le Village Montmartre | Montmartre | $120 to $150 |
| Mid-range | Hotel Henriette | Le Marais | $210 to $250 |
| Mid-range | CitizenM Paris Gare de Lyon | 12th arr. | $180 to $220 |
| Luxury | Le Bristol Paris | 8th arr. | $650 to $800 |
| Luxury | Le Meurice | 1st arr. | $800 to $1,200 |
Friday: Arrival and First Impressions
Most visitors arrive via Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Gare du Nord. If you land at CDG, the RER B line takes about 35 minutes to reach Châtelet-Les Halles. If you are coming from London, the Eurostar gets you to Gare du Nord in 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Once you check in, avoid the heavy tourist zones. Head to the Marais for a drink at Le Perchoir. It is a rooftop bar where you can see the city lights for $15 per drink. Spend about 2 hours here to get your bearings before finding a local bistro for a late dinner.
Saturday: The Heavy Hitters
Saturday is for the landmarks. Start early to beat the crowds.
Morning Sightseeing
You will want to start at the Eiffel Tower. A Summit ticket costs $30 and the experience takes about 2 hours. From there, move to the Arc de Triomphe. Scaling the roof costs $13 and takes 1.5 hours, providing a 360 degree view of the Champs-Élysées.
Afternoon in the Marais
Walk over to the Marais. This neighborhood is great for food. You can find falafel stands or classic bistros. If you want a sit-down meal, Le Comptoir du Relais on Rue Saint-André is a classic choice. Expect to pay around $45 per person for duck confit and Burgundy wine, which takes about 1.5 hours.
Evening Entertainment
End your night in the Latin Quarter. The Caveau de la Huchette is a historic jazz cellar with a $20 cover. It is a high-energy spot to spend 2 hours listening to live swing bands.
Sunday: The Left Bank and Slow Pace
Sunday should be about the atmosphere of the city rather than ticking boxes.
Morning Culture
Start at the Left Bank. Visit Shakespeare and Company, the famous independent English-language bookstore. Afterward, walk to the Jardin du Luxembourg. It is free to enter, and you can spend an hour strolling by the Medici fountains.
Afternoon Treats
Walk toward Île Saint-Louis to visit Berthillon. A pistachio scoop costs $8 and is a local staple. If you have a few hours left, take a Canal Saint-Martin walk. A coffee at a street-side café costs $5, and the walk takes about an hour.
Logistics and Timing
Getting into Paris is straightforward, but the timing of your trip changes everything.
Transit Options:
- From CDG: RER B (35 minutes).
- From Orly: Orlyval tram and RER B (45 minutes).
- From Brussels: Thalys train (1 hour and 22 minutes).
- From Amsterdam: Thalys train (3 hours and 20 minutes).
When to Visit: May is the ideal time. Temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C, and hotels are often 15% cheaper than in July. September is also strong, with temperatures between 18°C and 24°C and thinner crowds.
What to Skip
Do not visit in July or August. These months are hot, humid, and packed with tourists. You will find yourself waiting 90 minutes just to enter a museum. If you only have one full day, skip the Louvre. The halls are too vast for a short trip. Instead, visit the Musée de l’Orangerie or the Musée Rodin for a more manageable experience.
The Final Takeaway
Paris is a city that rewards walking over rushing. Do not try to see every arrondissement. Pick one base, like the Marais or Montmartre, and explore the immediate surroundings. The best parts of the city are the small moments, like a salted caramel tart from a patisserie, not the long lines at the monuments.