There’s something magical about spending a weekend in Paris. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, the city always seems to offer new corners to explore, cafés to linger in, and views that make your heart skip a beat. As someone who’s lived here for ten years, I still find myself falling in love with Paris every single weekend. So, if you’ve only got two or three days to soak it all in, here’s how I’d do it.
Day 1 – Getting Lost in the Classics
Morning: Start with Paris’ Beating Heart
Begin your weekend right in the center — Île de la Cité. Grab a croissant and coffee from a local bakery (I always stop by La Parisienne on Boulevard Saint-Michel), then stroll to Notre-Dame Cathedral. Even though it’s still under restoration, the area around it — the Seine, the bridges, the little book stalls — is full of that timeless Parisian charm.
Cross to the Left Bank and wander through the Latin Quarter, where narrow streets, student energy, and old bookstores make you feel like you’ve stepped into another era. If you’re a book lover like me, don’t miss Shakespeare & Company, a cozy labyrinth of English books facing Notre-Dame.
Afternoon: Art and Gardens
Next, head toward the Louvre Museum. Even if you don’t go inside (it’s huge — and best reserved for another trip), the courtyard with its glass pyramid is iconic. From there, stroll through the Tuileries Garden, one of my favorite spots to sit and people-watch.
For lunch, I recommend a terrace café nearby — Angelina is a classic for a hot chocolate and light meal. Then cross the Seine to the Right Bank, and walk up the Champs-Élysées all the way to the Arc de Triomphe. It’s touristy, yes, but standing at the top watching the city spread out below is unforgettable.
Evening: Sunset on the Seine
Nothing beats your first Paris sunset on the Eiffel Tower or, even better, from the Trocadéro gardens just across the river. When the tower lights up, it’s pure magic — even for us locals. End your evening with dinner in the 7th arrondissement — Le Comptoir du Relais or Café Constant are solid bets for that authentic Parisian bistro feel.
Day 2 – Hidden Corners and Montmartre Magic
Morning: The Artistic Soul of Paris
Start your second day in Montmartre, a village perched on a hill that still feels like a small town inside the city. Walk up to Sacré-Cœur Basilica early to enjoy the view before the crowds arrive — it’s one of the best panoramas of Paris.
Afterward, wander the cobbled streets around Place du Tertre, where painters display their work. It’s a bit cliché, yes, but I can’t help loving it. Stop for coffee at Le Consulat or La Maison Rose — they’ve been around forever and have stories to tell.
Afternoon: A Different Side of the City
Take the Metro 12 down to Pigalle and explore South Pigalle (SoPi), a neighborhood full of trendy cafés, vintage shops, and cocktail bars. I often go there for brunch at Hardware Société or KB Coffee Roasters.
Then head east to the Canal Saint-Martin, one of my absolute favorite spots in Paris. It’s laid-back, full of locals sitting along the water, sharing a picnic or just chatting. If the weather’s nice, grab a baguette, some cheese, and a bottle of wine — it’s the perfect way to spend a Parisian afternoon.
Evening: Food and Music
For your final evening, explore Le Marais, one of Paris’s most vibrant districts. Between Rue des Rosiers (famous for its falafel) and chic concept stores, it’s the perfect mix of old and new Paris.
If you’re in the mood for something special, try dinner at Les Philosophes or Robert et Louise — both offer that cozy, rustic charm that I adore. Afterwards, enjoy a glass of wine at a local bar or, if you’re lucky, catch a bit of live jazz — there’s something about Paris at night that feels eternal.
Bonus: If You Have a Third Day
Spend your last morning at Musée d’Orsay (I prefer it to the Louvre — smaller, warmer, full of light and impressionist masterpieces). Then stroll along the Seine, cross the Pont Alexandre III, and maybe end your trip at Saint-Germain-des-Prés, sipping one last coffee at Café de Flore.
Paris is a city that rewards slow exploration — even if you only have a weekend, let yourself wander, get lost, and look up often. You’ll see why so many of us never tire of calling it home.
Final Thoughts
Paris in 2 or 3 days isn’t about seeing everything — it’s about feeling the city. The rhythm of its cafés, the sparkle of the Seine at night, the mix of history and everyday life. Take your time, follow your curiosity, and I promise — you’ll fall under its spell, just like I did.