There are some cities you can visit once and feel like you’ve seen everything. Paris isn’t one of them. With its grand boulevards, beautiful architecture, world-famous landmarks, cosy cafés and unmistakable French charm, the City of Love has a way of making even a short break feel like a proper escape. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a fun-filled trip with friends or a few days exploring with the family, Paris has something for everyone, and with so much packed into one city, you can make your trip as relaxed or as action-packed as you like.
From watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle against the evening sky to sitting outside a pavement café with a coffee and a croissant, it’s often the little moments that make a Paris city break so memorable. Spend your days ticking off the must-see sights, discovering beautiful neighbourhoods and stopping whenever something catches your eye, then round off your evenings with delicious French food and a wander through the illuminated streets. If you’re looking for a city break that combines sightseeing, culture, shopping and fantastic food all in one place, Paris is hard to beat.
Paris highlights you won’t want to miss
One of the best things about Paris is just how many iconic sights you can fit into a short break. Of course, the Eiffel Tower is likely to be high on your list. Seeing it in person is one of those travel moments that lives up to the hype, whether you’re admiring it from the Trocadéro, strolling through the Champ de Mars or heading up the tower to take in the views across the city. Try visiting at different times of day if you can, Paris has a completely different feel in the sunshine compared with the evening, when the Eiffel Tower lights up and becomes one of the most spectacular sights in the city.
Art and history lovers will be spoilt for choice, with the Louvre offering an incredible collection spanning thousands of years. You could easily spend an entire day exploring its galleries, but don’t worry if your city break doesn’t allow for that, even a few hours gives you the chance to see some of its most famous treasures. The museum itself is an attraction, with its grand historic buildings and instantly recognisable glass pyramid. Afterwards, take a stroll through the nearby Tuileries Garden before continuing towards the Champs-Élysées.
For a completely different side of Paris, make your way to Montmartre. Sitting high above the city, this charming neighbourhood is filled with winding streets, pretty buildings, little cafés and artistic history. Visit the striking Sacré-Cœur Basilica and take a moment to enjoy the views before wandering through the surrounding streets. Montmartre is the kind of place where you don’t necessarily need a plan, grab a coffee, browse the independent shops and see where the streets take you.
Then there’s Notre-Dame, one of Paris’ most recognisable landmarks. Located on the Île de la Cité in the heart of the city, it’s perfectly placed for exploring some of Paris’ historic centre. From here, you can wander along the Seine, cross some of the city’s beautiful bridges or continue towards the atmospheric Latin Quarter. The area is full of cafés, restaurants and narrow streets, making it an ideal place to spend a leisurely afternoon without worrying about how many attractions you can tick off.
Eat your way around Paris
You can’t visit Paris without making food part of the itinerary. From simple bakery stops to long dinners in traditional restaurants, eating in Paris can be an experience in itself. Start your morning the French way with a freshly baked croissant or pain au chocolat and a coffee, ideally enjoyed at a café where you can sit outside and watch the city wake up. If you’re planning a busy day of sightseeing, a boulangerie stop is also an easy way to pick up something delicious before heading off to explore.
When lunchtime arrives, look out for one of Paris’ many traditional bistros. These relaxed restaurants are perfect for trying some classic French dishes, with menus often featuring favourites such as steak frites, croque monsieur, French onion soup and duck. If you’re after something quick and easy between attractions, you can’t go wrong with a crêpe. You’ll find crêperies and street stalls throughout the city serving both sweet and savoury options, making them ideal for refuelling while you’re out exploring.
Paris is also the perfect destination for anyone with a sweet tooth. The city’s patisseries are filled with colourful macarons, beautifully decorated éclairs, delicate tarts and pastries that look almost too good to eat. Pick up a box to take home or choose something to enjoy as you explore. And when evening comes, take your time over dinner. Parisian dining is all about slowing down, enjoying good food and making an evening of it, so find a restaurant you love the look of, settle in and soak up the atmosphere.
Shop, stroll and soak up the atmosphere
If shopping is on your city-break agenda, Paris won’t disappoint. The Champs-Élysées is one of the city’s most famous shopping destinations, lined with major brands and leading towards the Arc de Triomphe. For something a little more independent, head to Le Marais, where you’ll find a mix of boutiques, vintage shops, cafés and restaurants tucked among its historic streets.
Paris is also a brilliant destination for picking up a few holiday souvenirs. From French beauty products and fashion to chocolates, macarons and those all-important postcards, there are plenty of ways to bring a little piece of Paris home with you. Even if you’re not a dedicated shopper, wandering through the city’s different neighbourhoods is a great way to discover places you might otherwise have missed.
Where to stay in Paris
When it comes to choosing where to stay, Paris gives you plenty of options, so it’s worth thinking about what you want from your city break before you book. Staying centrally can make it easier to reach the biggest attractions and means you’ll have plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops right on your doorstep. If you’re planning to pack as much sightseeing as possible into a few days, being close to the city’s excellent public transport network can also help you make the most of your time.
The Latin Quarter is a great choice if you want to be surrounded by history and atmosphere, with Notre-Dame, the Seine and the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens all within easy reach. Le Marais is another popular option, particularly if you’re looking for somewhere lively, with plenty of independent shops, restaurants and cafés to explore. For first-time visitors wanting to be close to some of the biggest sights, staying around the 1st arrondissement puts you near attractions including the Louvre and Tuileries Garden, while Montmartre offers something a little more characterful, with its pretty streets, artistic heritage and views across Paris.
Of course, where you stay doesn’t have to be all about location. You might prefer to choose a hotel based on its facilities, style or price and use Paris’ public transport network to get around. Whether you’re looking for a stylish base in the heart of the city or a great-value hotel that leaves you more money to spend exploring, eating and enjoying everything Paris has to offer, there’s plenty of choice.
Ready to say bonjour to Paris?
From romantic weekends and fun-filled getaways to spontaneous city escapes, Paris is a destination you can return to time and time again and still find something new to discover. We’ve got a range of Paris stays to choose from, making it easy to find a base that suits your plans and your budget. So, whether you want to wake up close to the Eiffel Tower, stay within easy reach of the Louvre or simply find a great-value hotel for your Paris adventure, take a look at our latest deals.
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