One of the most exciting elements of studying abroad is that your friendships now span the globe. I have friends in Madrid, Barcelona, Florence, and London, just to name a few, and some of my favorite memories have come from visiting each other.
Planning for friends’ visits can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some ideas for a perfect weekend itinerary to show off Paris when your friends come to stay!
Day 1
When your friends arrive in Paris, get moving! There is so much to see, you do not want to waste any time.
Start your morning off with visiting the iconic museums, for Paris is known for its immaculate art scene. Grab a croissant and walk around the Tuileries Garden next to the Louvre before making your way into the museums! The Louvre is a great option for those who want to see legendary pieces such as the Mona Lisa or Winged Victory of Samothrace, but its crowds and size can also be overwhelming.
Other nearby options include the Musée d’Orsay, which highlights artists such as Renoir and Manet, or Musée de l’Orangerie, which focuses on Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. For those interested in fashion, La Galerie Dior is an excellent choice.
After museum hopping, it is time for lunch! Walk or take the metro to the 6th arrondissement, home to the Saint Germain neighborhood. This area is known for its inviting food scene. Rue de Buci has many excellent options. Take a stroll down this street and peep at the menus to see what is appealing to you.
Nearby is the Luxembourg Garden, a beautiful park where many Parisians go to enjoy walks, runs, lunch, or people watching. This is a great place to take a break and recharge as you people watch yourself!
For an evening activity, Le Cardinal is a fun restaurant with extra-large cocktails to split among friends. The dinner menu has many options and the environment is upbeat. It makes the perfect place to end your first night in Paris.
Day 2
On day two, you can explore the fashionable Marais in the 4th arrondissement. Start with rich hot chocolate and delectable pastries at Carette before embarking on a day full of vintage Parisian shopping.
If you are looking for a starting place, Le Rue des Rosiers will not fail you. The neighborhood is packed full of unique stores to pop into, or follow your nose and find yourself at one of the many food places. Don’t miss the famous L’As du Fallafel, but be prepared to wait in a line! Iwould recommend a full half day exploring this neighborhood, as each time I visit I find something new.
Make a dinner reservation in advance for this night and show off just how excellent the food in Paris is! I took my friends to Ferdi, and they all walked out claiming it to be the best burger they had ever had.
After dinner, explore the eclectic bar scene of Paris. If your friends are fans of the movie La La Land, take them to Le Caveau de la Huchette—this is the jazz bar where the infamous closing scene of the film was set. Another popular bar street is Rue Princess in the 6th arrondissement. This cozy street is lined with bars to stop into for a cocktail or listen to music with friends.
Day 3
Anyone on social media knows what the famous “crookie” is, but for those who do not, it is Maison Louvard’s hybrid of a cookie and a croissant. Yes, it is delicious as it sounds. Start your day off with this treat, and then walk 20 minutes to Montmartre.
Montmartre is a beautiful, artistic neighborhood in Paris, home to the Sacre Coeur. Hike up to the top of the Sacre Coeur for an unbeatable view of Paris. The interior of the church is lovely as well, and there are often live musicians playing on the top of the hill!
Make your way over to La Place du Tertre to see local artists at work. You can even have your own portrait made live!
For lunch, head to the unmistakable La Maison Rose, a picturesque pink building with delicious food. Other notable places in Montmartre include the Love Wall and the Moulin Rouge, so be sure to include those as stops, time permitting!
After visiting Montmartre, head to a market for some cheese, a baguette, and a bottle of wine and wander over to the Eiffel Tower to catch the sunset and its first sparkle on the hour after the sun goes down. On your way to the tower, stroll along the Seine and stop at some of the river stands! Enjoy a makeshift picnic and enjoy the magic of the moment.
For a fun dinner to celebrate your last night, make a reservation at Le Refuge des Fondus. They serve wine out of baby bottles, and you can share fondue as you reminisce over the wonderful memories you have made.
Following this itinerary, your friends will be sure to see many of the special monuments and neighborhoods that make Paris, Paris!
Cate Frist is a student at UCLA and an ISA Featured Blogger. She is studying with ISA in Paris, France.
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