How to Plan a Weekend in Paris Itinerary

This travelogue whisks you away to a city that stole a piece of my heart: Paris! A last-minute decision, a spontaneous ode to wanderlust turned into a whirlwind 48 hours of croissants, cobblestone streets, and cultural immersion.

Two days in Paris might seem short, but for a solo traveler who thrives on packing in experiences, it was the perfect amount of time to see the highlights. Don’t forget to get a beret during your visit!

I have always wanted to visit the city of writers, the city of lights. I never expected for the plan to be so last minute. I planned it only a few days in advance with a little over one day to spend in the city. While I’d love to go back for a while longer, I packed the whole trip with fun adventures.

Before you go…

Paris is an incredible city… but it’s also very expensive! I found that the best way to enjoy the trip without emptying your wallet is by bundling activites.

My favorite tool for this is a Go City pass, which helps you save money on your favorite attractions. I love bundling, and with tourist attractions, it just makes it so much easier to have all your tickets on one card.

Finding my parisian home:

Finding affordable accommodation in a city like Paris can feel like a challenge, but listen up if on a budget! Le Twelve, a charming little spot located right in the heart of the city, was surprisingly easy on the wallet (this was perfect for a couple, although quite small). The only catch: there’s no elevator.

With just a carry-on, the climb to the 3rd or 4th floor was a small price to pay for such a central location. Plus, the clean and comfortable room was all I really needed for a quick Parisian pitstop. They also had relatively affordable overnight parking nearby, which is tough to find in Paris.

If you’re traveling solo, you’re definitely going to want to grab a hostel bed. If you want something close to the center, Le Regent Monmartre by Hiphophostels is a great option (only 2km away and still affordable!). If you wouldn’t mind being a bit further away, The People – Paris Belleville (ex Les Piaules) is a very nice hostel with good beds, atmosphere, and a nice rooftop deck with a view of Paris!

Delicious food, in the best city for it

Ah, Paris! A city where carbs are not just tolerated, they’re celebrated! And let me tell you, I did some serious celebrating on this trip. Bistrot Victoires was a revelation. I can still taste the melt-in-your-mouth escargot and the perfectly balanced whiskey sour.

It was, hands down, the best meal I had in Paris, and possibly my entire life. If you’re looking for an authentic French dining experience, look no further. There will be a bit of a line though, so try to get there a bit earlier.

If you want to enjoy another dinner, here’s another delicious spot: Le Valois Paris. We got the recommendations from a French waiter that we talked to at a different restaurant, and he said that he eats there all the time. They had French Onion Soup, Salmon Tartare, some very delicious asparagus, and then the Lamp Chops (pictured). Finally, they had Profiteroles to top it all off, and everything tasted exquisite… Including the bread while we were waiting.

Is it even a trip to Paris without indulging in insanely good pastries? La Patisserie Cyril Lignac Paul Bert was a haven for flaky croissants, different flavors of eclairs, and everything in between.

My advice? Grab a selection and find a charming Parisian square to enjoy your sugary breakfast of champions. The brioche that we had was a melt-in-your-mouth dream come true. It was almost inspiring how insanely delicious it was.

Fueling those long days of exploration requires good coffee, and Nomad Café delivered. Their rich and creamy cappuccinos were the perfect pick-me-up as I dashed from one Parisian gem to the next. Be wary about where you find your coffee, because I took a hard fall when I switched from my Italian cappuccinos to French ones. Perhaps go with a French Roast?

Macaron lovers, rejoice! Paris is your oyster (or should I say, macaron shell?). Pierre Hermé offered an explosion of flavors and textures in their macarons. I went for a variety pack at each place, and let’s say, there were no regrets. This is one of the most expensive shops in Paris, but it’s also the best. Pierre Hermé is a chain too, so you’ll be able to find them all around the city.

Must-see sights: Parisian landmarks and hidden gems

With only 48 hours, I had to be strategic about my sightseeing. Here’s a quick rundown of the places that left a lasting impression:

The Eiffel Tower: The iconic Eiffel Tower is a must-see. Seeing it sparkle at night was particularly magical. However, I didn’t pre-book tickets to go up, so that’s something to keep in mind if you have your heart set on a bird’s-eye view of the city. It was raining and foggy too though, so I think it’d be better to see it on a sunny day. I loved taking pictures at night by the Jardins Du Trocadéro for pictures of the Eiffel Tower from a bit of a distance.

The Palace of Versailles: Stepping into the opulent Palace of Versailles transported me back in time to the days of French royalty. While I wish I had splurged for access to the gardens, exploring the lavish interior was awe-inspiring. It’s also massive, so plan at least a few hours here. It was the most magnificent building I’ve ever entered… and I’ve entered a lot of magnificent buildings.

Monet’s Garden in Giverny: Calling all art and nature lovers! Monet’s Garden in Giverny was a dream come true. Strolling through the vibrant flowerbeds and the iconic Japanese bridge was an incredible experience. I also got to see inside his house, and it was ridiculously cool. All the rooms were different colors and I loved to see all the paintings, even though the weather outside was questionable.

The Conciergerie: History buffs, the Conciergerie, a former royal prison, offered a glimpse into a darker side of Parisian history. The entrance fee was quite affordable, and it included a guided tour with their tablet that showed how the rooms would have looked when they were used in the past, which was the most interesting interactive tour I’ve ever done.

Le Centre Pompidou/La Musee National d’Art Moderne: Looking for a cool freebie with a view? The rooftop/observatory floor at Le Centre Pompidou/La Musee National d’Art Moderne boasts a stunning perspective of the Eiffel Tower, you just might have to squint really hard, like this picture on the left. Plus, you can check out some modern art while you’re there (I don’t think that part is free).

Arc de Triomphe: The majestic Arc de Triomphe is a symbol of French pride. This one is a no-brainer, but I was really surprised when it turned out to be in the middle of a massive busy roundabout. I didn’t spend any genuine time around it, but passing by it was really interesting on my way to the Eiffel Tower.

My parisian favorites

While all the places I visited were incredible, two spots truly stole the show: The Palace of Versailles and Monet’s Garden. The sheer opulence of Versailles was breathtaking, and while I would have loved to explore the gardens (partially pictured), the interior itself was a feast for the senses.

Monet’s Garden, on the other hand, transported me right into his paintings. Wandering through the vibrant flowerbeds and the iconic Japanese bridge was an experience I’ll never forget. I would love to visit again when it’s not raining to get a true, unrushed experience of the gardens.

Final thoughts

Two days in Paris may have been a whirlwind, but it was an unforgettable one. From decadent meals to historic landmarks, the City of Lights offered something for every sense. And who am I kidding? A major part of enjoying the city so much was that I got to take part in the City of Love as well, and I’ve always wanted to be in love in Paris.

While I may have left with a full stomach and a camera roll bursting with memories, the biggest takeaway was the feeling of pure joy that comes from exploring a new place. So, if you’re ever feeling the itch to wander, don’t hold back! Book that flight, grab your walking shoes, and get ready to fall in love with a new city, just like I did with Paris.