A Local’s Weekend in Paris Guide: The Best Things To Do in 48 Hours in the French Capital (2024)

This is the perfect weekend in Paris guide for design lovers.

Planning on spending a weekend in the City of Light? AD's guide on how to make the most out of 48 hours in Paris is your chance to discover lush rooftop terraces, romantic gardens, and tree-lined sanctuaries hidden in plain sight. Indulge in diverse culinary delights and end your evenings at vibrant cabarets. Explore markets brimming with vintage treasures and exquisite fabrics, or be awed by rare exhibits at the city's unmissable museums and galleries.

Where to stay in Paris for the weekend?

We start our weekend in Paris guide with the biggest question of all. Where to stay in Paris for 2 days? Our recommendations are true oases in the heart of the city, castles in the literal and figurative sense of the word. Whether it's theChâteau Voltairedecorated by the Festen duo – we recommend reserving the private apartment on the top floor, whose terrace and greenery embrace the Parisian rooftops – or the Laura Gonzalez-designedescape Saint James, whose tree-lined garden, kiosk and picture-perfect library lounge summon romance to the city. In the basem*nt, the marble-accented swimming pool features deckchairs adorned with a print in homage to Madeleine Castaing. Access is restricted to hotel guests and members of the private club.

For fans of a certain Carrie Bradshaw (and indeed, all lovers of the fine things in life), it doesn't get better than the iconic Hotel Plaza Athénée on Avenue Montaigne. Since its opening in 1913, the establishment has welcomed celebrities from all walks of life - Hollywood stars, politicians, tennis stars set for a match at Roland Garros, and indeed any supermodel or fashion designer worth knowing. Immaculately restored and updated, the 154 bedrooms and 54 suites of the hotel offer a rare glimpse into the exclusive Haussmannian-style residences of the city's rich and famous. Plus, there is that legendary view of the Eiffel Tower, peeking from behind the hotel's famous scarlet awnings. Tired of all the shopping you've been up to in Paris? Head to the Cour Jardin, the hotel's magnificent courtyard that's been taken over by nature.

The best restaurants in Paris

At dinnertime, African influences take over the gardens ofL'Espadonat the Ritz Paris, where chef Eugénie Béziat promises unexpected flavours and top-notch produce. For Japanese gourmets, Ojiirestaurant brings toro nigiri and soba noodles with caviar cream to the plate, in a setting featuring sensual vermilion-coloured lacquered walls and bronze sculptures.

The evening ends at theSoho House Pariscabaret, with a Picante co*cktail in hand to watch burlesque artists perform on a stage draped in red velvet.

If you are looking for a fun night out where the music and decor are just as impressive as the food, head to Gigi Rigolatto on Avenue Montaigne: its pastel pink walls, jewel-like marble terrazzo floor and gilded accents are only matched by an uninterrupted rooftop view of the Eiffel Tower. For a Paris bistro experience that is not your typical Paris bistro, head to Pamela Popo on rue François Miron, for an easy, moody and chic dining experience.

The perfect spot to have sundowners in Paris? Bonnie on eue Agrippa d’Aubigné is the place to be. The glass-lined restaurant offers panoramic views across city: from the Eiffel Tower on one end, to the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur on another, and the Seine flowing under.

Best places to shop for vintage furniture in Paris

The Saint-Ouen flea market and thePaul Bert Serpettemarket offer the chance to unearth genuine vintage treasures – we love the eclectic mix of rattan and curly wool at Karine Szanto, the vast choice of lighting fixtures at Glustin and the poetic finds of antique dealer Lila K. As for fabrics, you'll want to head forSimrane, which evokes the art of the Indian table, with its unique prints and colours. Printed tablecloths, napkins, placemats… For top-quality bed linen, Merciis the absolute reference; collections range from washed linen to cotton, and a gamut of on-trend colours (think sage green, poppy grey, buckwheat brown and more).

Best exhibitions to see in Paris

Famed for its iconic landmarks and streets Paris' Quai Voltaire, near the Louvre and on the banks of the Seine, hosts theGalerie Chenel, which regularly exhibits rare pieces including antique sculptures, archaeological nuggets and ceramics by Pablo Picasso, which are part of the founding family's collection. It was here, moreover, that interior designer Fabrizio Casiraghi chose to unveil his first collection of furniture.

As for theMusée National Picasso-Paris, its collection is displayed for the first time on all three floors of the Hôtel Salé. This eye-opening exhibition is the perfect way to tick off everything on your two-day break and make the most out of a weekend in Paris.