Things to do and top tips for the perfect weekend in Paris

Dreaming of a weekend trip to Paris from London? Whether it’s your first visit or a cherished return to the City of Light, this travel guide will help you plan the perfect escape.

Dreaming of a weekend trip to Paris from London? Whether it’s your first visit or a cherished return to the City of Light, this travel guide will help you plan the perfect escape. From unmissable sights and charming neighbourhoods to family-friendly fun and romantic getaways, we’ve got your London to Paris weekend trip completely covered.

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Credit: Eurostar

Essential Tips: Make the Most of Your Weekend in Paris

Only have 48–72 hours? Follow these essential travel tips to avoid burnout and experience the very best of a weekend trip to Paris from London St. Pancras.

1. Prioritise Your Must-Sees

Don’t try to do it all. Choose 2–3 iconic attractions to focus on:

  • Eiffel Tower – even if just admired from the Champ de Mars

  • The Louvre –  opt for a highlights tour or target specific pieces

  • Notre-Dame – still beautiful from the outside

2. Explore by Neighbourhood

Walking is key. Pick just a few areas and enjoy them fully:

  • Le Marais – stylish shops, galleries, and falafel

  • Montmartre – artists, cafés, and the Sacré-Cœur

  • Latin Quarter – bookshops, Sorbonne, and ancient streets

3. Embrace Parisian Café Culture

Take a break at a café terrace with a coffee or glass of wine. People-watching is a Parisian pastime.

4. Walk Wherever You Can

Try this scenic stroll: Louvre → Tuileries → Place de la Concorde → Champs-Élysées → Arc de Triomphe.

5. Reserve in Advance

Book skip-the-line tickets for major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Musée d’Orsay.

Best Things to Do in Paris for a Weekend

Wondering weekend in Paris what to do? Here are top ideas for your quick getaway:

  1. Climb or admire the Eiffel Tower

  2. Visit the Louvre Museum

  3. Walk the banks of the Seine

  4. Explore Montmartre and its artists

  5. Watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night

  6. Browse the Champs-Élysées

  7. Enjoy a picnic in Luxembourg Gardens

  8. Dine in a classic Parisian bistro

  9. Watch buskers near Notre-Dame

  10. Cruise the Seine at sunset

Family Fun: Things to Do in Paris with Kids

Travelling with little ones? Here are fun and engaging things to do in Paris with kids:

  1. Jardin d’Acclimatation – fun rides and petting zoo

  2. Cité des Sciences – hands-on science exhibits

  3. Seine River cruise – perfect for all ages

  4. Luxembourg Gardens – playgrounds and toy sailboats

  5. Eiffel Tower – iconic and exciting

  6. Natural History Museum – dinosaurs and gardens

  7. Montmartre Little Train – fun and educational

  8. Parc Zoologique – immersive animal habitats

  9. Musée Grévin – celebrity wax figures

  10. Aquarium de Paris – touch tanks and sharks

Romantic Getaways: Weekend Trip to Paris for Two

Planning a romantic weekend trip to Paris for two? Here’s what to do in a weekend in Paris for couples:

  1. Watch the sunset at the Eiffel Tower

  2. Take a Seine dinner cruise

  3. Wander through Montmartre’s cobbled streets

  4. Picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens

  5. Enjoy a wine & cheese tasting

  6. Discover Le Marais boutiques

  7. Visit Musée de l’Orangerie and see Monet’s Water Lilies

  8. Admire the Eiffel Tower light show

  9. Stroll through Saint-Germain-des-Prés

  10. Get a rooftop view from Galeries Lafayette

Read more romantic ideas for couples in Paris

What to Do for a Hen or Stag Party Weekend in Paris

If you’re planning a girls trip to Paris or a big pre-wedding bash, try these energetic ideas:

  1. Watch a cabaret show at Moulin Rouge or Crazy Horse

  2. Join a Seine party cruise

  3. Go bar-hopping in Le Marais or Oberkampf

  4. Book a wine and cheese tasting session

  5. Enjoy a group photoshoot in Parisian hotspots

  6. Have a relaxing spa morning

  7. Indulge in a lively group dinner

  8. Sip cocktails on Paris rooftop bars

  9. Book VIP at a Paris nightclub

  10. Join a costume crawl or silent disco