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Paris · 3–4 days

Paris in a long weekend: the icons, the bistros and the right base

A short, honest guide to a Paris long weekend — what to pre-book, where to stay, and how to leave enough room for the thing Paris does best: lingering over lunch.

Few cities reward a long weekend like Paris. Three or four days is enough to stand under the Eiffel Tower, lose an hour in the Louvre, wander Montmartre and the Marais — and still spend your evenings exactly as you should, at a candlelit bistro table. The trick is to pre-book the big-ticket sights, pick one good base, and resist the urge to cram: two or three set things a day, and the rest left loose for cafés, bookshops and the river.

When to go

Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) are the sweet spots — mild, long days and the city at its loveliest. Summer is hot and busy, and many bistros close for much of August. Winter is quiet, cosy and the cheapest time, with festive lights in December — just pack for grey and cold. Weekends are busier than midweek for the big museums.

How long, and where to base yourself

Give it three to four nights, in a single base so you never waste time moving:

• Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Left Bank) — classic, central and romantic, steps from the cafés, the Luxembourg gardens and some of the best bistros.
• Le Marais — livelier and full of boutiques and bars, with the Picasso museum and Place des Vosges on the doorstep.
• Either keeps you within walking (or one Métro hop) of the headline sights — pick one and stay put.

What's genuinely worth your time

• The Louvre — pre-book and pick one wing rather than trying to see it all; go at opening.
• The Eiffel Tower — up it at dusk, or simply admired with a coffee from the Trocadéro.
• The Musée d'Orsay and Sainte-Chapelle — the Impressionists, and the most dazzling stained glass in Paris.
• Montmartre and the Marais — the village lanes and the Sacré-Cœur; boutiques, falafel and Place des Vosges.
• Above all, the food — long bistro dinners are the real reason to come.

Good to know

• Pre-book the big sights and your best dinners — the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and tables like Septime sell out well ahead.
• Paris is a walking city with a quick, cheap Métro — you won't need taxis. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbles.
• Keep bags zipped on the Métro and around the busy sights; pickpocketing is the main nuisance.
• Tipping isn't expected — service is included; round up only if you like.

Common questions

When is the best time to visit Paris?

Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the best — mild, long days with the city at its prettiest. Summer is hot and crowded, and many bistros close in August. Winter is quiet and cosy, with the lowest prices and shorter days.

How many days do you need in Paris?

A long weekend of three to four days is plenty for a first or returning visit: enough time for the headline museums and monuments, a couple of neighbourhoods to wander, and several great meals, without feeling rushed.

Where is the best area to stay in Paris?

Saint-Germain-des-Prés on the Left Bank is classic, central and romantic; the Marais is lively and full of boutiques. Both put you within walking distance of the major sights and the best restaurants. Pick one base and stay put rather than moving hotels.

Do you need to book the Louvre and Eiffel Tower in advance?

Yes. Both use timed-entry tickets that regularly sell out, so book online ahead of your trip. Booking also lets you skip the long ticket queues, which matters most in peak season and at weekends.

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