Paris has a plentiful array of accommodation. From apartments overlooking the Eiffel Tower and grand hotels on the Champs Elysée to dingy hostels tucked away in a forgotten side street.
Hostel rooms don’t range hugely in price (typically from 15-25 Euros) but quality does so try to get recommendations from other travellers where possible.
One of the city’s most highly recommended hostels is St. Christopher’s Inns www.st-christophers.co.uk
Budget hotels or even apartment rentals (often available daily or weekly) can often work out cheaper if there are a few of you.

It’s impossible to see everything the city has to offer in just one weekend (or perhaps even one lifetime?) but the major sights and activates are easily reached so you can knock-off those ‘must see sights’ fairly quickly. Below is just a suggestion of how to divide your time.
Day 1

Morning
Almost as much as a part of the Parisian skyline as the Eiffel Tower is the Basilique du Sacré Coeur- a great white domed church overlooking the city. The area is jammed with tourists, souvenir stalls and artists’ workshops. Perched on a hill in the north of the city this area has some of the best views of the city, combined with narrow twisting lanes, it’s a great area to explore without the traffic and crowds of ‘downtown’ Paris.
The area offers a great selection of cafes and restaurants, from traditional French to international cuisine. A fine spot to indulge your taste buds.

Afternoon
Driving in Paris is a sight in itself (as is the parking at the weekend when every conceivable car-sized space is parked on regardless of traffic laws). From the top of the Arc de Triomphe, not only is there a great view but the madness of the roads and roundabout of Paris are on full display as motorists jostle for position on the world’s largest traffic circle. From here the tree lined Champs Elysée stretches to the Grand Palais, the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde: sight or executions during the revolution and now home of the Obélisque de Luxor - a gift from Egypt that is the oldest monument in Paris. Beyond lies the Tuileries Gardens and the Louvre Museum.

Evening
If you want another view over the city, the largest office building in Paris offers one of the best. The monolith of Montparnasse Tower looms over an area of shops, cinemas and restaurants where dinner can be enjoyed after. The resting place of some rich and famous Parisians, including John –Paul Sartre and Samuel Beckett is also in this area at the Montparnasse Cemetery.

If you’re in Paris on a Friday night look out for the Paris-roller group. Hundreds meet close to Montparnasse for a 25km route round the city on Roller blades, skates or bike. A beginners’ route is also held in Sunday mornings to give you the opportunity to see the city in a unique way. www.pari-roller.com/

Day2

Morning
Ile St Lois is a small island in the middle of the Seine; old buildings with small cafes overlooking the river are the perfect place to get some breakfast. Just a few minutes walk will take you to Ile de le Cite and the Notre Dame cathedral- the city’s most visited attraction. Rue de Rivoli and Les Halles, one of the most popular shopping areas in Paris is just across the river. On the opposite bank, lies the Latin Quarter: home of the Sorbonne University and an area of narrow alleyways that lead you to some of Paris’ oldest and most beautiful buildings. As a student area cheap eats are common.

Afternoon
Booksellers, artists, buskers and small market stalls occupy the banks of the Seine and during the summer a small artificial beach is even created for Parisians to sun themselves. Walking the banks of the seine, or taking on of the many boat tours (starting on the Islands or at the Eiffel Tower) is a great way of seeing the city on a sunny day. www.vedettesdupontneuf.com
A walk or boat along the Seine will take in all the major sites: Pont Neuf, the Louvre, Musée de Orsay, Invalides and the tomb of Napoleon, the Grand and Petit Palais and of course the Eiffel Tower. Just a short walk from the banks lie numerous other wonders such as the Opera- inspiration for the musical Phantom of the Opera, Palais Royal, Luxembourg Gardens and countless other sights. Take your time to stroll in the footsteps of some of some of history’s greatest names and pause in one of city’s famous cafes to soak up the atmosphere and watch Parisians go about their daily life.

Evening
During the day the queues to the top of the Eiffel Tower stretch for hours. By night you can be practically alone (although not always) and sunset over the city is an unforgettable sight when viewed from the top its most famous landmark. After dark, for ten minutes each hour a light show is held on the tower. Pick a comfortable spot on the Champs de Mars- the park surrounding the tower to enjoy the spectacle. www.tour-eiffel.fr

A few more nights?
It is impossible to see all of Paris in just two days so if you’re staying on longer you can enjoy much more of this city: the excellent museums (with the Louvre and Orsay being among the best in the world), the great city parks (the Jardins de Luxembourg being one of the finest in Europe) and the great buildings and architecture. Or if you’re not a culture vulture there are also the countless cafes, bars, clubs and shows. Paris is a great city to simply walk in, to get lost and see what you discover: ever corner holds something of interest. If you’re looking for something a little different perhaps explore the city’s catacombs or even its sewers ‘les Egouts’ on a guided tour.
The Palace of Versailles is a short train ride from the city and well worth a day’s exploration and the Normandy D-Day beaches, Monet’s gardens at Giverny as well as the UNESCO Mont Saint Michel are also within easy access if you have a day or two to spare.

The international airports Charles de Gaulle and Orly are both outside the city, but are served by the excellent train and subway system. Several bus services also link CDG and OLY with the city and local hotels. www.aeroportsdeparis.fr.
If arriving on a budget carrier you may arrive in Beauvais airport, which is a 90-minute bus ride from the city centre.www.aeroportbeauvais.com
If you travel by Eurostar you’ll arrive at the Gare du Nord; which is in the north of the city and walking distance to several hostels and hostels. The other main train terminals are also well connected by Paris’s excellent subway system. www.ratp.fr

Tours
Like any big city Paris has a multitude of tour operators and tour guides. New Paris Tours offer free, three hour walking tours of the city. No catch, you just need to tip your guide (about 5 Euro per person is appropriate). www.newparistours.com.
Fat Tire Bike Tours offer fun tours of the city by day or night on beach cruiser bicycles. www.fattirebiektours.com. Both are a great way to meet other travellers.

Saving $$$$
For those on a budget (and even those who aren’t) Paris is an expensive city. Head away from the tourist areas when eating or drinking and prices drop dramatically once a famed monument is out of sight. Look out for lunch and dinnertime specials or simply head to a local boulangerie, which usually has a selection of sandwiches and snacks.
The Museum Pass allows entry into over 60 monuments and museums for a set price that works out a fraction of the cost of individual tickets. www.parismuseumpass.com
A Subway Carnet (a book of 10 subway tickets) will save you a few cents on each journey but the Paris Visite or Carte Orange allows unlimited travel, by the day, week or month and is often worth purchasing if you’re looking to move around the city a lot. www.ratp.info