Paris for 2 nights. Any suggestions?

[Nibble]

Going to take myself away for a couple of nights in mid may to Paris. Going solo so not going to spend a fortune. Any recommendations for things to do/see on your own? Going as a foot passenger on Eurostar. Thanks peeps.

 

[Triggaaar]

It's the romantic city of love, so...

 

[Bombadier Botty]

Don't go to SeaWorld or Animal Kingdom...oh...

 

[happypig]

Try the Charles De Gaulle experience - run away towards Britain whilst calling on your countrymen to stand and fight.

 

[Jimmy Come Lately]

To give a slightly more serious answer, if you fancy doing some of the big cultural sites I'd look at a 2-day Paris Museum Pass. It may not save you much money but it will save you a massive amount of time that you would otherwise spend queueing. Mrs Lately and I did a weekend in Paris earlier this year and it was probably worth it to skip the queue for the Louvre alone; now it's closer to summer the queues are probably getting longer.

If you do get a pass you might as well let that dictate where you visit to get the best value from it. It covers all the big museums and galleries but includes some non-museumy places like the Arc de Triomphe. Be aware that it doesn't include the Eiffel Tower; and there are a few sites that you get free access to but still have to queue with the regular punters.

 

[Nibble]

To give a slightly more serious answer, if you fancy doing some of the big cultural sites I'd look at a 2-day Paris Museum Pass. It may not save you much money but it will save you a massive amount of time that you would otherwise spend queueing. Mrs Lately and I did a weekend in Paris earlier this year and it was probably worth it to skip the queue for the Louvre alone; now it's closer to summer the queues are probably getting longer.

If you do get a pass you might as well let that dictate where you visit to get the best value from it. It covers all the big museums and galleries but includes some non-museumy places like the Arc de Triomphe. Be aware that it doesn't include the Eiffel Tower; and there are a few sites that you get free access to but still have to queue with the regular punters.

Mate that sounds absolutely ideal. Don't mind spending money on that. I know Paris is the city of lovers etc but I've heard it's also a great place to explore solo so that will do me just fine. Thank you, I'll sort that.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Explore Montmartre. A bit commercialised these days, but read this for a guide as to how to do it best: http://www.aparisguide.com/montmartre/

Also, a boat trip on the river is great fun, and you get to see the city in a different way.

Still a beautiful city, enjoy it Nibble.

 

[MattBackHome]

Louvre is amazing but I personally cannot get enough of the Musee D'Orsay. That would be my one not to miss

 

[Nibble]

Explore Montmartre. A bit commercialised these days, but read this for a guide as to how to do it best: http://www.aparisguide.com/montmartre/

Also, a boat trip on the river is great fun, and you get to see the city in a different way.

Still a beautiful city, enjoy it Nibble.

Thanks, yes I've had a good google and Montmarte has good things said. I think that's actually where I'm going to book my hotel as it seems to be a good place.
My plan is to see museums and sights by day and by night drink red wine and gawp at French women walking by.

 

[gjh1971]

The Latin Quarter, Pompidou Centre. Nice restaurant called Le Hanger near Pompidou Centre as well.

 

[peterward]

Going to take myself away for a couple of nights in mid may to Paris. Going solo so not going to spend a fortune. Any recommendations for things to do/see on your own? Going as a foot passenger on Eurostar. Thanks peeps.

Hi Nibble, been twice last time was shown.around by a native parisian...done all the daytime museum stuff, very interesting. Palace of Versaille is good but outside city. Guessing you will do eiffel tower?

Friend said I simply had to see Paris by night and it was truly spectacular.Went to Montparnasse tower, it's a black.skyscraper opposite and few kms from eiffel, has a metro station outside, there is a 360deg observation deck on roof 56th floor. And also a stunning and pricey indoor restaurant bar on top floor "ciel de Paris" 60 euro set menu or 10-15 euro a drink in bar. They have separate lifts though! Restaurant is in free lift from inside lobby, observation deck on roof has its own separate lift from outside building 10 euros to go up with small cafe there.

Go on a clear night and I promise the 360 deg view with.the searchlight on eiffel tower is amazing

 

[Nibble]

Hi Nibble, been twice last time was shown.around by a native parisian...done all the daytime museum stuff, very interesting. Palace of Versatile is good but outside city. Guessing you will do eiffel tower?

Friend said I simply had to see Paris by night and it was truly spectacular.Went to Montparnasse tower, it's a black.skyscraper opposite and few kms from eiffel, has a metro station outside, there is a 360deg observation deck on roof 56th floor. And also a stunning and pricey indoor restaurant bar on top floor "ciel de Paris" 60 euro set menu or 10-15 euro a drink in bar. They have separate lifts though! Restaurant is in free lift from inside lobby, observation deck on roof has its own separate lift from outside building 10 euros to go up with small cafe there.

Go on a clear night and I promise the 360 deg view with.the searchlight on eiffel tower is amazing

Exactly what I'm looking for. I want an experience that will stay with me. That sounds tops. Cheers!

 

[stripeyshark]

Going to take myself away for a couple of nights in mid may to Paris. Going solo so not going to spend a fortune. Any recommendations for things to do/see on your own? Going as a foot passenger on Eurostar. Thanks peeps.

IMO the Arc de Triomphe is a better trip than the Eiffel Tower. But I did both and loved them both. The view from the top of the Arc at sunset is stunning. Sacre Cour is also worthwhile. Versailles is spectacular but perhaps leave that for a longer visit. Have fun! There is also a fantastic river tour on the Seine. I'd recommend that.

 

[Hampster Gull]

Take a younger woman with you would be my advice

 

[dazzer6666]

Take a younger woman with you would be my advice

No need, easy enough to buy one over there

 

[grubbyhands]

I would certainly agree with a river trip and at night it is truly spectacular. Montparnasse tower is a good shout as well.Have a stroll through the Luxembourg gardens for a spot of people watching and while you're there try and guess how big the Mona Lisa is when you eventually get into the Louvre. Sardonic smile my ar*e., miserable more like. Enjoy.

 

[DavidinSouthampton]

Would agree about Montmartre, which is where Sacre Coeur is. Wonderful villagey feel in a big city, and lovely views from high up over the City.
Another vote for the Musee D'Orsay, especially if you have any interest in the Impressionists or Van Gogh.
My wife and I loved the Pompidou Centre as well. Not to everybody's taste, perhaps, but well worth a look.
As for boat trips, there are regular boats used as public Transport on the river, and you can get two or three day passes for them. Much cheaper than the Bateau-mouches or tourist boats, and a very good way of getting around between some of the major sites.
And if the weather is fine, just wandering around the Tuileries is nice.

 

[Meade's Ball]

I went last year and would highly recommend the Musee de la Chase et la Nature. Very few people in there and excellently weird.
Montmartre I found to be a horribly smug and commercialised place. My least favourite part, apart from the crazy cost of croissants.

 

[W.C.]

Beautiful city, enjoy!

Another vote for Montmatre.

 

[Dorset Seagull]

Went a few weeks ago and was a bit stunned by the prices as 10e a pint in some restaurants and Champagne is dearer than over here. Also the beggars and con artists are a bit full on especially around Eiffel Tower. However the metro and overground trains make it a doddle to get around so try and see as much as you can