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Paris, known as the City of Lights, is a beautiful place often associated with romance and beauty. The city is huge and divided into districts that each seem to take on their own personality and atmosphere. With so many restaurants, shops, galleries, and sights, it seems as though you could spend years here and never fully experience it all. The following itinerary is meant to help you navigate it all and hopefully narrow down your options!
Saturday 9 am – Baguettes
You can’t visit Paris without getting a baguette and there’s no better place to grab one than Eric Kayser’s. With lines often out the door, this bakery’s bread and pastries has a reputation for being one of the best. They have multiple locations throughout the city so stop by and indulge.
Saturday 11 am – Montmartre Walking Tour
Get to experience the 18th Arrondissement with tour guide Chris at City Free Tour. He’ll walk you through the area and highlight sites like Van Gogh’s house and the Sacre Coeur Basilica and include stories from Paris, past and present. Best of all, the tour is free! If this isn’t the area you were looking to explore more check out their other free walking tours they offer on their website - http://www.cityfreetour.com/home/.>
Saturday 2 pm – Explore Le Marais
This hip neighborhood is in the heart of Paris (the 3rd arrondissement) and has an abundance of cheap thrift stores and other shops for you to spend your afternoon exploring. Le Marais is the perfect place for you to go to get away from the tourists and experience the “real” Paris.
Walk the street Rue des Rosiers which is described as the “Jewish Quarter” and where you can find some of the best falafels you have ever tasted at L'As du Falafel. They have lines out the door and the entire lunch is said to be a great experience, from the falafels themselves to the fun and boisterous staff.
Bring your lunch and enjoy it at Place de Vosges, the oldest square in Paris. It’s the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing and to observe and interact with locals who are there hanging out and eating lunch.
L'As du Falafel. Photo by Aschaf.
Saturday 5 pm – Latin Quarter
Start your evening off at the Brasserie Balzar in the Latin Quarter. Known more for its atmosphere and eccentric waiters than for its food, this bistro is where intellectuals used to and still come to discuss and debate while eating their meals. Past customers include Sartre and Camus. Come here for a guaranteed great experience and environment with your dinner.
After dinner explore the Quarter for dancing and nightclubs. It’s the perfect place to start the night because there always is so much going on. While you’re their check out Café Universel to experience some of the jazz music the area is so famous for. They never charge a cover and feature jazz musicians from around the world.
The Latin Quarter at dusk. Photo by austinevan.
Sunday Morning – Eiffel Tower or le Jardin des Plantes
The Eiffel Tower is a must if it’s your first time visiting the city. Head over in the morning, ride to the top, and enjoy the views with a cup of coffee. It’s the most-visited paid monument in the world for a reason!
If you’ve already seen the Eiffel Tower and are looking for another to beauty to explore with your morning head over to the Jardin des Plantes. This is the main botanical garden in the city and is located in the 5th arrondissement. Walk through the beautiful gardens or check out the galleries they have as well.
Le Jardin des Plantes. Photo by Djof.
Sunday Lunch – Angelina’s on Rue de Rivoli
Head over to Angelina’s, located in the 1st arrondissement for delicious hot chocolate and lunch before you explore the Louvre. Made from melted chocolate bars this hot chocolate will be sure to satisfy any chocolate lover. For lunch their quiches and salads are said to be quite good, as well as any dessert. Order: L’African (the hot chocolate)
Sunday Afternoon – The Louvre or Musee d'Orsay
After filling yourself up on delicious food and sweets walk over to the Louvre if you’ve never been there. Although too huge to get through in one afternoon, this museum is the home to many masterpieces, including, of course, the Mona Lisa. Check out which wings and pieces you’d like to see before you get there to best utilize your time.
If you’ve already been to the Louvre or would like something a little smaller then check out the Musee d’Orsay. The museum has the best collection of Impressionist paintings in the world, with many pieces that you’ll recognize even without much background. Located in an old railroad station, the museum is small enough for you to make your way through comfortably and without feeling like you had to miss things. Make sure to buy tickets beforehand so you don’t have to wait in the long lines!
Sunday Evening – Moulin Rouge
Complete your stay in Paris with a trip to the Moulin Rouge for an extravagant show put on in the spirit of the original. Enjoy a traditional French dinner while you enjoy the show “Feerie,” which features 69 songs and extravagant costumes. The performance is fun and will keep you entertained all evening.
Where to Stay?
Hotel Le Six
This modern hotel is located right in the center of Montparnasse and is a perfect central location (right by the metro). They’re credited with exceptional service and great, comfortable rooms that will make your stay as pleasant as possible. They also have a stylish bar and spa to cater to all your needs and desires.
Royal Magda Etoile
Located in the 17th arrondissement, this hotel has great service, wonderful rooms, and a great cafe. Right by the Arch de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, the buses and metro this hotel is the perfect base for all your sightseeing. This is the place to book if your looking for excellent value for your money.
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