A Weekend Guide to Paris For First Time Visitors

Paris is hands down one of my favorite cities. The charming cafe-lined streets, museums, and architecture should be experienced at least once. Although, if you’re like me, you’ll find yourself longing to get back. In this weekend guide to Paris, I will cover everything from where to stay, where to eat, and what to do.

Without further ado, here is my complete weekend guide to Paris, France

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Where to Stay During Your Weekend in Paris

Staying in either the 1st Arrondissement or the 8th Arrondissement will give you easy access to everything you could possibly want to see as a first-time visitor. Because this is a weekend guide, I am going to offer recommendations for both of these arrondissements. I stayed in the 15th Arrondissement during my first visit to Paris, but I was in Paris for a week, so I didn’t mind being a little further away from everything.

Hotel Rochester Champs-Elysees – The perfect boutique hotel located near the Champs Elysees. The hotel offers free wifi, private transfer service to the airport, and even laundry service.

Hotel Relais Du Louvre – Charming hotel with an old world feel near the Louvre. Within walking distance to Tuileries, Palais Royale and many other locations in the 1st Arrondissement.

Hotel de Crillon – This luxury hotel is nestled between the 1st and 8th Arrondissements. If you want to splurge during your time in Paris, then Hotel de Crillon is the place for you.

Where to Eat During Your Weekend in Paris

Breakfast

Cafe Central – Cute cafe near the Eiffel Tower. The perfect place for a cup of coffee and quick breakfast before you start the day.
Honor – Paris’ first outdoor coffee shop with Australian and British influences. Grab a coffee and a handmade sourdough crumpet with avocado and herbed butter.

Lunch

Candelaria – If you’re like me and love a good taco, then you can’t miss Paris’ first taqueria.
Le Lulli – Located near the Louvre, Le Lulli is the perfect place to stop for lunch while you’re out exploring. Try the Truffle Rigatoni or the Sea Bass.
Le Chalet de Neuilly – If there is one place you need to eat at it Paris, it’s Le Chalet de Neuilly. Very popular with locals and not overrun with tourists. Definitely get the Raclette or the Beef Tenderloin.

Dinner

Ferdi – Order the cheeseburger and churros (for dessert obviously) and thank me later. You’ll need to book a reservation (via text only) and the earlier you can get in, the better, as the cheeseburgers typically sell out later in the evening.
Le Cinq – Located at the Four Seasons Hotel George V, this Michelin-Star restaurant is the perfect dinner spot for any foodie.
Septime – If you are lucky enough to get a reservation, you definitely don’t want to miss this truly amazing dining experience while you’re in Paris.

What to Do During Your Weekend in Paris

Museum Hop – There are so many amazing museums in Paris and having the Paris Museum Pass makes visiting museums like the Louvre and d’Orsay a breeze.

Walk Along the Seine – The Seine River winds it way through Paris and it’s so magical strolling along people watching and site seeing. You could even take a Seine River Cruise if you want to experience the Seine in a completely different way.

Stroll Through Montmartre – Located in the 18th Arrondissement, Montmartre is a gem of a neighborhood. With cafe-lined streets and squares filled with artists, you really feel like you’re in Paris. Grab a coffee at La Consulat or sit on the steps of the Sacre-Coeur and people watch. It’s one of my favorite activities when traveling.

Have a Picnic on the Champ de Mars – There is nothing more Parisian than grabbing a baguette, some cheese, and bottle of wine and picnicking under the Eiffel Tower!

If You Have More Time

Paris is a huge city and there is so much to see and do outside the city limits. If you find yourself in Paris with more than a weekend to spend, its worth checking out some locations outside the city.

Visit Versailles – Once the royal residence of France, and home of Marie Antoinette, the Palace of Versailles is a must see if you have the time. Plan to spend a full day so that you are able to enjoy the palace and the gardens.

Disneyland Paris – Heading to Disneyland Paris is a great choice if you are traveling with kids and want to do something together, or if you just love theme parks! I have never been, so I can’t say it’s worth the trip, but it would be something to look into if you’re interested.