The ultimate checklist for preparing your weekend in Paris!

Checklist of essentials to pack in your suitcase

Packing your suitcase for a weekend in Paris can quickly turn into a puzzle: you want to be stylish, comfortable, ready for rain as well as for a chic evening. Here’s everything you need to bring for a smooth stay in the French capital.

👕 Weather-friendly essentials

Paris can be capricious when it comes to the weather, even in spring or summer. Focus on adaptability:

• A foldable umbrella or a light raincoat
• Layerable outfits: t-shirt + thin sweater + jacket
• Sunglasses and a small scarf (always useful in the metro or on the quays)

The trick? Plan for a maximum of two outfits per day, to mix and match to avoid overloading your cabin luggage.

👟 Parisian style (but practical!)

Much like London, Paris is a fashion city.

That said, there’s no need to overdo the look to blend into the Parisian backdrop. But a few well-chosen pieces will give you a real style… without sacrificing comfort:

• Stylish walking shoes: white sneakers or flat boots
• A versatile evening outfit: flowy dress or shirt + dress pants
• A well-tailored blazer or jacket, perfect for a romantic outing

🍽️ Want a special moment? Consider reserving a lunch at an iconic Parisian restaurant.

🔌 Tech, documents & clever essentials

We often forget the little items that can save a weekend:

• Plug adapter if you’re coming from abroad
• External battery: GPS and photos drain the battery quickly
• Copies of your reservations (printed QR codes + digital version)
• Credit card, ID, travel insurance if needed

A foldable tote bag can also be handy for bringing back some souvenirs from Paris…

💡 In short: don’t overload, anticipate wisely. You’ll be ready to wander the streets of Le Marais, the Luxembourg Gardens, or climb to admire the view from the Eiffel Tower — without feeling like a pack mule.

What to plan before leaving

Paris attracts tens of thousands of visitors every weekend. To avoid unpleasant surprises — endless queues, fully booked activities, or crowded restaurants — booking in advance is an essential key to fully enjoy your stay.

Some monuments and museums are fully booked well before the weekend. Don’t leave your itinerary to chance; book these must-sees as soon as possible:

• The Eiffel Tower and its priority tickets
• The Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, the Pompidou Center
• A cruise on the Seine or a panoramic bus tour

🎭 Current events

Concerts, immersive exhibitions, plays, street festivals… There is always something to experience in Paris. And often, the best seats sell out quickly.

🏨 Transport & accommodation

Anticipating your travels saves you unnecessary hassles:

• Train or plane tickets
• Airport transfers (Orly, CDG): taxis, ride-hailing, RER, or shuttles
• Navigo Easy, dematerialized metro tickets, or 2/3-day passes

For accommodation, book in a neighborhood that suits your style:

• Le Marais: artsy and central
• Saint-Germain: chic and literary
• Montmartre: bohemian and romantic
• Bastille: young and lively

💡 The ideal: accommodation close to a direct metro line, to do everything without stress.

Typical itinerary for a weekend in Paris (2 or 3 days)

🗓️ Day 1 – Culture, strolling, and the Seine at dusk

• Morning: stroll in the Latin Quarter: Pantheon, Luxembourg Gardens, Sorbonne
• Lunch on a quiet terrace, or for food lovers: discover Parisian gastronomy
• Afternoon: Musée d'Orsay or visit to Sainte-Chapelle
• End of the day: wandering along the Seine quays
• Evening: sunset cruise or drinks in a wine bar in Le Marais

🗓️ Day 2 – Parisian postcard & panoramic view

• Morning: walk at Champ-de-Mars, climb to the Eiffel Tower
• Shopping or coffee break in the streets of the 7th
• Lunch in a typical bistro or modern brunch
• Afternoon: stroll on the Champs-Élysées, climb to the Arc de Triomphe
• Evening: show or dinner in a lively neighborhood (Pigalle, Saint-Michel…)

🗓️ Day 3 (optional) – Confidential and local Paris

• Morning: explore Montmartre, going off the beaten path (Dalida Square, vineyards, artists' studios)
• Gourmet break in a neighborhood café
• Lunch by the Canal Saint-Martin, in a covered market or a modern hall
• Last-minute shopping in a concept store or with a craftsman

💡 Tip: keep some time to wander without a specific goal. Paris often reveals itself at the turn of an alley, a bench, an unexpected graffiti, or a slightly open door…

Our bonus tips for a stress-free weekend in Paris

📱 Download an app

Some apps will be very useful during your trip to Paris, to navigate without stress:

• Citymapper or Bonjour RATP: to navigate public transport like a pro
• Google Maps in offline mode: handy in case of data outages
• Come to Paris as a favorite: to book your activities at the right time

👕 Adopt the “capsule wardrobe” method

Traveling light doesn’t mean being poorly dressed. Create a small coordinated wardrobe: 2 pants, 2 tops, a jacket + accessories. Result: you are always ready for an exhibition, a chic restaurant, or an impromptu stroll.

🧭 Make a pre-selection of places you want to visit

Paris remains a large city, rich in culture and leisure. If you want to visit Paris in a weekend, you absolutely need to prepare a selection of activities you really want to do, and if possible, book your tickets in advance as spots fill up quickly!

And there you have it, that’s all for this article on the essential checklist for your trip to Paris! Safe travels!