Here’s how to do Paris in a weekend: Expert tips on fitting in all the must-see—and must-eat—attractions

There’s so much to see and do in Paris that it’s impossible to fit all the bucket list experiences in two days. But if a weekend is all you have to spend in Paris, we recommend this itinerary for an unforgettable getaway.

The location of your hotel is important for your Paris weekend getaway. You’ll save time if you’re in a central area, closer to some top attractions.

We recommend setting your base in the 7th arrondissement, home to Paris’ most famous market street—Rue Cler. This cozy area is very French, with many local stores, specialty markets, and cafés. It’s close to the Eiffel Tower, Seine River, and Champs-Élysées. If you have a bigger budget, splurge on hotels with the best views of the Eiffel Tower, like Hotel Duquesne Eiffel.

There are more affordable lodging options in the Marais district. The vibrant neighborhood boasts rustic streets and cool bakeries, bars and even art galleries catering to a diverse crowd. It’s not far from Paris’ two islands, Île Saint-Louis and Ile de la Cité, and attractions like Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle. Check out this guide to the best arrondissements to stay in Paris to find your ideal place for the weekend.

Begin your weekday escapade in the Rue Cler neighborhood. The charming cobbled stone, pedestrian-only street offers a window into the daily lives of the locals. You’ll see Parisians shopping for groceries in local stores that sell everything from cheese and bread to wine.

Have a hearty breakfast at the local café Le Petit Cler where you can enjoy an authentic French breakfast at affordable prices. Stop by A la Mere de Famille, one of the oldest chocolatiers and best chocolate shops in Paris, for their exquisite French-style chocolates. If you’re craving more sweets, pick up some irresistible macarons from Ladurée.

Spend the rest of your morning with the symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, just a short walk from the neighborhood. You can admire its magnificence from a distance in Champ de Mars park while enjoying a picnic with the goodies you picked up from the shops at Rue Cler.

For a more intimate experience, visit the tower and go up to the observation platforms. Save time by buying online tickets in advance or booking a skip-the-line tour that gives you priority entry with summit access by elevator.

Spice up your Parisian weekend with a Michelin-starred experience in the culinary capital of the world. Pamper yourself with French fine dining at the 2-Michelin-star restaurant, L'Oiseau Blanc. The restaurant is situated on the rooftop of the Peninsula Paris, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Popular restaurants in Paris are usually packed on weekends, so make reservations as early as possible. Here’s a guide to more Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris to suit any budget.

After lunch, wander down the grand avenue at Champs-Élysées. Marvel at the elegant sidewalks, architectural wonders, and luxury shops. If shopping is not your cup of tea, have a break at one of the many cafés along the stretch and watch the Parisian scene unfold.

Head to the landmark of Montmartre, the Sacré-Cœur. The iconic church sits on one of the highest points in Paris and is well known for its awe-inspiring structure and intricate mosaics. As the sun starts to set, sit on the steps in front of the church and be mesmerized by the changing hues of the Parisian cityscape.

Navigate down the narrow streets and stairways in the Montmartre quarter and find a casual French bistro for dinner. After that, stroll to Moulin Rouge and capture some artistic shots with the iconic neon-lit windmill. If you’d like to catch the cabaret show, we recommend booking your tickets in advance.

Or score yourself a ticket to the show at the long-standing Au Lapin Agile and travel back in time with classic French songs.

Start your Sunday morning by visiting the Bastille Market that only opens every Thursday and Sunday. It’s one of the best open-air food markets in Paris, offering fruits and vegetables, local and regional cheese, meat and seafood, and even fresh crêpes.

If you have time on your hands after breakfast at the market, amble over to the Marais quarter. The area is very lively on Sundays and some roads are closed to vehicles. Most stores are open here even though shops in other parts of the city are typically closed on Sundays. A leisurely stroll through the area will take you to the Place de la Bastille where the historical Bastille fortress used to be, Place des Vosges, and the Jewish quarter.

If there’s time for only one museum visit in Paris, the Louvre is obviously it. The largest museum in Europe houses an incredible collection of art spanning vast periods of history and covering works from different cultures. It’s not possible to see all of the Louvre in one afternoon so focus on the greatest hits: the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, and your favorite paintings.

Purchase timed-entry tickets online to avoid long lines as the museum is usually packed on weekends. For a more in-depth understanding of the artworks, book a skip-the-line guided tour and you’ll be in the good hands of an expert docent.

Walk over to Pont Neuf, one of the oldest bridges in the city to reach Ile de la Cité. You can’t miss the two must-visit monuments in the historic core of Paris: Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle. As Notre Dame is currently under repairs, it remains closed to the public but you can still observe its impressive façade.

Steal quiet moments inside Sainte-Chapelle near closing time. There’s something magical about standing in front of the resplendent stained glass panels when the chapel is almost empty.

Celebrate the end of your whirlwind vacation with a dinner cruise down the iconic Seine River. Soak in the unobstructed views of the city and the astounding buildings flanking the river in the comfort of the boat. Savor classic French cuisine and live music as you take in the seductive scenery of Paris. It’s the perfect way to bid Paris au revoir.

More like this: