We summarise the must-see sights and essential experiences for the ultimate Parisian weekend away, starting with a trip to watch footballing royalty, Lionel Messi, play for Paris Saint-Germain.
Numerous monikers have become synonymous with Paris, a romanticised destination often referred to simply as the City of Love, City of Light or the fashion capital of the world.
Year after year, hordes of visitors travel from all corners of the globe to visit its majestic cultural landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame, which have transcended the status of simple tourist attractions, bleeding into the very fabric of popular culture and French national iconography.
Since the summer of 2021, however, one tourist attraction has trumped all else: the chance to witness the greatest footballer of all time, live, in the flesh.
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the best to play the beautiful game, arrived at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) – France’s dominant domestic champions – after spending his entire career to date at Barcelona, a club so identifiable with the Argentinian maestro that most assumed he would never leave.
Now ending his second season with the club, Messi has captivated countless adoring onlookers at PSG’s state of the art stadium, Le Parc des Princes, located in the southwest of the French capital inside the 16th Arrondissement.
Back in December last year, at the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup, Messi led his beloved Argentina to glory, lifting the trophy and ticking the last box of his illustrious career, and in the process securing his legacy as one of the most supreme, elite athletes throughout the entirety of sporting history.
Now in the twilight of his career, many fans are making the pilgrimage to Paris to watch this wondrous wizard play what will inevitably be the beginnings of his final, glorious footballing swansong.
The French monarchy might have been formally abolished with the swift slice of a guillotine back in 1793, but for now, Paris has a new king, and his name is Lionel Messi.
However, if football isn’t your idea of an ideal way to spend a weekend getaway, Paris offers a diverse selection of activities and attractions for every variety of traveller. For example, indulge in the sprawling mass of bars and restaurants and immerse yourself in the city’s famous café culture, with tables and chairs spilling out onto the street in quintessentially Parisian style. No matter your taste, Paris caters exquisitely for all.
OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS
Do:
For a memorable airborne adventure…
Helipass heli tour commands you to fasten your seatbelts, take out your cameras and enjoy the air show! Departing from the Paris heliport, enjoy an unobstructed view of the city from the skies and take off with Helipass for a breathtaking 45-minute tour.
For the largest operator of open-top sightseeing bus tours…
Big Bus Tours helps visitors discover the City Of Light’s iconic landmarks on its hop-on, hop-off Paris Big Bus Tour! These comprehensive tours perfectly introduce the city and highlight the best photo opportunities of Paris’ iconic landmarks from the comfort of the top deck. The buses operate across a truly iconic route, stopping near all the must-see attractions.
Eat:
For dining with a difference…
Hard Rock Café Paris is one spot you cannot leave without visiting. Since 1991, the Hard Rock Café Paris has been the undisputed home of American culture and music, with all the classic style of the Parisian terrace paired with the crowd-pleasing comforts of American food and an array of vintage rock memorabilia to discover.
Sleep:
For a luxurious and relaxing overnight stay…
Hotel Square is the tranquil, contemporary highlight of the 16th arrondissement. Designed by master architect Roger Taillibers, the impressive building plays with natural light through its decadent curves, green granite mantle, stunning bay windows, and enticing interior patio. Dotted with astonishing works of art, dressed in noble materials and contemporary furniture, the boutique hotel invites you into a refined setting, offering the irresistible taste of a beautiful Parisian home and allowing guests to sample the authentic French way of life.
