A long weekend in Paris: where to stay, how to get around and what to book first
Short answer: stay in Le Marais or Saint-Germain for a first visit, book the Louvre and any tower or palace tickets before you travel, walk as much as you can, and use the metro for the rest. Three full days is enough to feel you have seen the city. Four lets you add a day trip.
Getting there
From London, the Eurostar runs from St Pancras to Gare du Nord and takes roughly two and a half hours, which makes a long weekend easy without flying. Trains sell out and prices rise close to the date, so book early and check current times. If you fly, Charles de Gaulle is linked to the centre by the RER B train, and Orly has its own connections. Check which is best for your hotel.
Where to stay
- Le Marais (3rd and 4th): central, walkable, full of cafés, shops and small galleries. A strong first-visit choice, though prices are higher.
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th): classic Paris, close to the Seine, the Luxembourg Gardens and good bookshops. Quieter in the evenings than the Marais.
- Latin Quarter (5th): lively, good value, close to the Panthéon. Busy streets, so check noise in recent reviews.
- Canal Saint-Martin (10th): relaxed and local, with a good café and bar scene. Less central, but well served by the metro.
- Montmartre (18th): pretty and village-like, and steep. Lovely to visit, harder with luggage, and the area near the main tourist spots is crowded.
Whichever you pick, look at the walk from the nearest metro station, and read recent reviews for noise, lifts and heating.
Getting around
The centre is compact, and most of the best parts are an enjoyable walk apart. For longer hops the metro is fast and frequent. Single tickets work, but a rechargeable card is usually simpler for several days. Ticket types and prices change, so check the official transport site before you go. Keep bags zipped and in front of you on busy lines, because pickpockets target tourists.
What to book ahead
- The Louvre: entry is by timed slot, and it is closed on Tuesdays. Book a morning slot, and decide what you want to see first, because it is far too big to do in one visit.
- Musée d'Orsay: a better choice if you prefer a manageable museum. It is closed on Mondays.
- The Eiffel Tower: summit tickets go on sale in advance and sell out. If you only want the view, the Montparnasse tower or a walk along the river gives you a lot for less planning.
- Sainte-Chapelle: small and spectacular on a bright day. Timed entry is worth booking.
Opening days, hours and ticket rules change, so confirm each on the official site before you pay.
Eating well without a plan
- Lunch is the best value. Many restaurants offer a fixed-price lunch menu, often called a formule.
- Be wary of restaurants right beside the big sights with photos on the menu. Walk two or three streets away.
- Bakeries (boulangeries) are the best fast breakfast or lunch: a baguette sandwich, a pastry and a coffee is a good meal.
- Book dinner for popular places, especially Friday and Saturday. Service is normally included in the price, so you do not need to tip heavily.
One easy day trip
Versailles is the classic. It is reachable by the RER C train from central Paris in under an hour, and tickets for the palace are best booked in advance. The palace is closed on Mondays and the gardens have separate opening rules, so check before you go. Arrive early to beat the crowds.