A WEEK END IN PARIS: WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO

A WEEK END IN PARIS. WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO – CIAO VALENTINA

Discovering Paris in a weekend might seem like a difficult task. Here is my itinerary with the 10 MUST SEES in order not to miss anything out.

Paris is one of the most popular destinations for a weekend not too far from home. Thanks also to low cost travel, Paris is definitely one of those destinations that nobody wants to miss. After the attacks in 2015 and the Notre-Dame fire in 2019, Paris has had a decline in tourism, thus seeing the economy fluctuate. So, let’s go to Paris, if only for a couple of days! The question is, can you visit it all in one weekend? The answer is NO! – but don’t worry, you can see the main attractions and just need to decide which ones.

Below you will find a list of the 10 must sees that cannot be missed whether it’s your very first time in Paris or if you have already been 100 times before, because here you can never get bored!

Read also: Scams in Paris, know them and avoid them.

Watch also my videos:

TOP 10 IN PARIS, what to do in Paris in just 2 day:

At number 10 of my “TOP TEN” is Notre Dame, one of the oldest Gothic buildings in Paris. Although you will now find it half covered and scorched after the 2019 fire, it still has its charm. In Notre-Dame, overlooking the Seine and Parisian street vendors, you will find a perfect mix between poetry and reality.

At number 9 on my list is Galerie Lafayette, the most famous chain of stores in Paris which in 2009 recorded earnings of over one billion pounds. The rooftop is highly recommended from where you will have a breath-taking view of Paris for free! If time and wallet will allow you, I suggest you have lunch in the new restaurant that is open here!

At number 8 is the Arc de Triomphe that you get glimpses of from the Champs-Élysées Gardens. It doesn’t matter if you come here during day time or night time – it still looks so romatique!!

My number 7, the Jardin des Tuileries is nothing short of wonderful. Created by Catherine de ‘Medici in 1564 it is well cared for and beautifully kept. Prepare the camera because here, the number of photographs you take will be in the hundreds!

At number 6 there we have the Musée du Louvre, the largest art museum in the world and considered a historical monument in Paris. Prepare to spend a whole day there, it’s enormous and there is a lot to see. Get ready to queue a long time for a glimpse of the famous Mona Lisa. If you are a museum person, you will not miss the opportunity to visit the Louvre for anything in the world. If you aren’t a fan of museums, you might give this a miss but even a walk around the outside it is worth it!

At number 5 we have the Seine. If you want to feel like a real Parisian, relax by the river, take off your shoes and feel the grass under your feet, uncork a bottle of champagne and enjoy the moment. Otherwise, you can take a river cruise, but be sure to buy tickets in advance. Especially during the summer or you risk finding everything sold out.

At number 4, the extraordinary, unique, inimitable and unmissable Moulin Rouge – in my opinion the best cabaret in the world. Entrance is around €150 per person – dinner is not included but a bottle of champagne is! Definitely expensive, but sometimes you also have to treat yourself and trust me, you won’t regret it! If you want to start getting an idea of ​​what to expect watch my video on my YouTube channel:

At number 3 we can’t miss the beautiful Montmartre which takes the name of the hill it sits upon. Despite being a destination for many tourists, it does not lose its authenticity. Elegant, traditional and lively in all the right places. Getting lost in the nearby beautifully kept streets, with balconies full of flowers, is almost a must. Unfortunately however, I do not recommend eating here due to the high price and typical tourist food quality. But don’t worry, if you look around and search the adjacent streets, you are sure to find an intimate place you can stop and taste the typical French dishes and feel, once again, almost like a Parisian!

Given the area, I cannot leave out in my number 2, the elegant Basilique du Sacré Cœur de Montmartre. Right on top of the hill is this beautiful Basilica with its wonderful views of Paris. Get ready to climb a lot of steps, but worth it to enjoy the atmosphere with street musicians.

At number 1, I place the iconic Eiffel Tower. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve seen and visited it, it will never be enough. Needless to say, you won’t see Parisians here …even using binoculars but it doesn’t matter – the Eiffel Tower is always worthwhile! There is the possibility of climbing to the top but be prepared to queue which could last for hours. Having only one weekend available, I don’t know if it is worth waiting to go up because, let’s be honest, the best view is looking up at it from below.

Paris is a beautiful city, and it is worth visiting at any time of the year. But like all big cities it is full of scams. So, try to prepare before going. Read also (Scams in Paris, know them and avoid them)

Also don’t miss the videos on my YouTube channel:

TOP 10 IN PARIS, what to do in Paris in just 2 days:

Other useful tips:

– Most Parisian restaurants are closed from 2pm in the afternoon until around 7pm in the evening.    They close immediately after lunch and reopen for an aperitif.

– Paris is expensive, you can save a few euros by booking online in advance.

– Especially in tourist areas, be watchful of you bags and wallets.

Responsible and sustainable Paris:

– Avoid printing maps or buying them. Use the City Mapper App. It’s easy and convenient to use. I use it in all big cities.

– Avoid single-use plastic. Make sure you have a reusable bottle, lunch box and washable cutlery with you in your backpack.

– Go on foot and visit the secret gardens of Paris.

Au Revoir.

And remember: Live, Travel, Laugh and Repeat

                                    in a responsible way