Paris is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and if you’re in the process of planning your own trip to the City of Love, then you’re in for a treat.
Simply put, spending time in Paris feels nothing short of magical. It has its own unique charm that can’t be replicated (which is also how I feel about New York City). Plus, there is so much to see, do, and explore during your time in Paris. It’s certainly a bucket-list item for many travelers — and for good reason.
While I’d always encourage a getaway to Paris, I can’t think of a better reason to visit than for a girls trip. I always have the best time on trips with my girlfriends and feel like regularly planning vacations together makes for the best memories. Spending a weekend in Paris with your friends just makes the entire experience more special.
Below, I’m sharing a guide to help you make the most out of your weekend trip to Paris. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or you’re returning in hopes that you find new activities to enjoy, this guide will help.
Your Itinerary for a Girls Weekend in Paris
If you’re traveling from the U.S. I would recommend spending at least three full days in Paris. Ideally you would have more than a long weekend to check out the city, but it is doable to stop by and get a feel for the destination if you’re traveling elsewhere.
Also, if you’re visiting for the first time, I’d suggest going in early summer (May or June) or in October. Those three months bring some of the best weather, and they’re generally less crowded months to visit. While I don’t think there’s necessarily a “bad” time to visit Paris, it’s nice to plan your trip during a season that will be the most enjoyable.
Just as you would with any big vacation, it’s always smart to book your ticket in advance to ensure the best flight prices. You can use apps like Hopper to figure out when the best time to book is.
The same rings true for any activities you know you’ll want to partake in — make a list of anything that you need tickets for and book what you can in advance. It will make it so much less stressful when you’re actually there because everything will be well planned out.
The Best Things to do in Paris for a Weekend
Knowing where to start when planning a trip to Paris can feel incredibly overwhelming. Because there are so many spots to sightsee, places to visit, and things to do, it can be hard to narrow down a practical list of what to do during your time there.
To kickstart your planning process, I’m including a variety of activities you can do indoors and outdoors as well as during the day and nighttime. This list should give you plenty of inspiration and options for keeping yourself busy.
Check Out the Museums
Of course no trip to Paris would be complete without stopping by some of the city’s most iconic museums. This also happens to be one of the best activities to do if you’re visiting during a rainy season.
It can be tempting to try and squeeze in a lot of museum visits during your trip, but my advice would be to just pick a couple must-sees. Musée du Louvre, Musée Picasso, Musée d’Orsay, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs are a handful of the most popular spots.
Take a Boat Cruise on the Seine
If you want your trip to feel extra magical, I would make sure you add this to your itinerary. You can hop on a boat cruise in the Seine River to catch some great views of the city — including the Eiffel Tower. Consider doing this at sunset or later in the evening so you can see how Paris lights up at night.
Walk Through the Parks
There certainly isn’t a shortage of well-manicured parks in Paris. This is a great free activity to do when you first arrive to the city. You can spend some time walking through various parks while you get your bearings.
Go Shopping
It’s no secret that I love to shop, and the shopping in Paris happens to be superb. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to stroll through luxury stores or finally splurge on a designer bag, this is the place to do it. Sound enticing? I have a full guide with tips on luxury shopping in Paris, so be sure to check that post out before your trip.
The best streets in Paris for a luxury shopping trip are:
- Avenue des Champs-Élysées
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Place Vendome
- Rue de Rivoli
- Avenue Montaigne
- Les Halles
- Rue des Abbesses
- Rue de Passy
- Boulevard Haussmann
Have a Picnic
Does it get dreamier than having a picnic in Paris? I’d consider this one of the best things to do with your gal pals while visiting. Complete with a bottle of wine, cheese, bread, and amazing photo opportunities, you’re practically guaranteed to have a good time.
As far as where to picnic goes, Champs de Mars is a popular spot where people set out blankets. Hosting a picnic here means you can score a view of the Eiffel Tower, which is within walking distance.
Stroll Through the Palais Royal
If you aren’t familiar, Palais Royal is a cultural and historic monument that features a stunning garden, a gallery of luxury shops, a cour d’honneur (a massive courtyard), a theater, and a haute-cuisine restaurant. It’s a must-see during a trip to Paris — especially if it’s your first time in the city.
Admire the City Views
Speaking of more must-do’s, one of the best ways to get a feel for the vast city landscape is by seeing it from above. It might seem too “touristy” but I do think that going to the top of the Eiffel Tower is an unforgettable experience. Another option is to climb the stairs to the top of Arc de Triomphe.
Visit a Local Cafe or Tearoom for a Memorable Treat
There are cafés scattered throughout Paris, but there are a few spots in particular worth visiting when you’re only in Paris for a few days.
Mariage Frères is absolutely the place to go for a remarkable cup of tea. It’s the world’s most exclusive supplier of luxury teas and France’s oldest tea house. I highly recommend visiting one of the three tea rooms (Le Marais, Rive Gauche, or Étoile) so that you can also explore a tea museum.
For another experience your taste buds won’t forget, visit Angelina. Angelina’s tearoom on Rue de Rivoli was once a favorite spot for renowned French Fashion designers and famous faces like Coco Chanel and Proust.
Stop by the original Angelina’s for their signature pastry ‘Mont-Blanc’ and life-changing, famous hot chocolate ‘L’Africain.’ If possible, ask to sit at table 45 — Coco Chanel’s table!
Where to Stay in Paris for a Weekend
Maison Souquet
Every time I mention Maison Souquet, I almost feel like I’m sharing a secret. Given how many people consider this hotel one of Paris’ best-kept secrets, I guess, in a way, I am.
Maison Souquet is an intriguing hotel situated on Rue de Bruxelles in the 9th arrondissement, within walking distance of Moulin Rouge. Very little is revealed about this 5-star hotel by its unassuming exterior, but you’ll be wowed as soon as you walk through the doors.
The history of Maison Souquet is intriguing. It used to be a pleasure house but now it’s home to pleasure of a different kind…the kind that can only come from soaking up all the decadence with your closest girlfriends.
One of my favorite things about Maison Souquet is the secret underground spa and swimming pool that is only available to hotel guests. They also have a steam room and treatment room where you can enjoy a spa treatment (as long as you book it in advance). This is an especially rare find in Paris.
Pro Tip: I book all of my trips through Pamela from Tory Ellers. She is amazing and can help you score major perks and hookups that you otherwise wouldn’t get. She actually booked my Ritz Paris stay and the hookup she got us was absurd. You can mention my name as the person who referred you!
Hotel de Josephine Bonaparte
Of the many hotels in the 3rd and 4th arrondissement, the Hotel de Josephine Bonaparte, or JoBo, is frequently recognized as one of the best. This boutique hotel matches the passionate spirit of its namesake, Empress Josephine Bonaparte, the trend-setting wife of Napolean Bonaparte.
Between the cozy mood lighting, stunning architecture, and rich history, this hotel is just as beautiful as it is comfortable.
There are only 24 rooms at JoBo, so plan ahead if you want to stay here!
Hôtel Adèle & Jules
Hôtel Adèle & Jules is another hidden gem. This 4-star hotel in the 9th arrondissement is perfect for girls who love to shop! It’s within walking distance from Printemps and Galeries Lafayette and around the corner from L’Appartement Sezane.
Hôtel Adèle & Jules is perfect for a girls’ trip because it’s big and they offer adjoining rooms. You’ll be treated to impressive service and equally remarkable rooms. What’s more appropriate for a girl’s trip than pink headboards?
The Ritz Paris
The Ritz is widely known as the best hotel in Paris, if not in the world. It had been on my bucket list forever so my girlfriends and I decided to splurge and it was worth every penny! If you’re looking for an ultra special place to stay, I would put this at the top of your list.
It offers so many amenities and truly just a pleasure to experience. The rooms are unreal and the whole property will make you feel like you’re living out your best Parisian dreams.
An all-girls weekend in Paris is a trip that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
I could go on and on about all of the things I love about Paris. With so much to do and see, it’s no wonder that anyone would want to share the experience with their closest friends.
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