Head to Cimetière du Père-Lachaise for a slow wander among the tree-lined lanes and artists’ graves; allow 1½–2 hours, and pick up a map at the entrance or use the cemetery map on your phone so you don’t spend the whole visit hunting for one famous tomb. In February it gets dark early, and the cemetery typically closes at 5:30 pm in winter, so aim to arrive around 2:30–3 pm and check the day’s gate hours before setting off. From there, take the Métro towards Bastille—allow about 20–30 minutes door to door, including the walk and transfer.
Settle in at Chez Paul for a proper, hearty bistro dinner; budget roughly €20–35 each, and consider booking for Friday night. After dinner, walk or take a short Métro ride to Aux Deux Amis in Oberkampf for a lively first drink and a small bite. It’s a compact, popular bar, so expect a crowd; sharing a couple of plates is a good way to keep the bill manageable.
Stay in the same neighborhood for pres at Café Charbon, where the grand old interior and busy bar make a fun change of scene; allow 1–2 hours, and expect Friday-night prices and queues to be higher than earlier in the evening. Finish at La Mécanique Ondulatoire near Bastille for music and a later-night drink. Check its event listing and entry policy before you go, since the night’s music, cover charge and closing time can vary. You’re both old enough to drink in France at 18, but bring photo ID—especially if you’re asked to prove your age at the door.
Start at Marché d’Aligre around 9:00, while the stalls are lively and you can still browse without squeezing through the busiest crowds. Pick up fruit, pastries or something savoury for breakfast; it’s one of the better-value ways to eat well in this part of Paris. The outdoor market usually runs Tuesday to Sunday in the morning, but individual stalls and hours can vary, so check locally if you’re making a special trip. Allow about 1½ hours, then walk to the Bastille end of the Coulée verte René-Dumont—roughly 10–15 minutes away.
Walk the Coulée verte René-Dumont at an unhurried pace, enjoying the planted path above the streets and the changing views as you head east. Give it around 1–1½ hours; February days are short, and access hours can be seasonal, so don’t leave the walk too late. From the eastern end, take the Métro towards Gare de l’Est for lunch at Café A, set in a former convent. Budget roughly €15–25 each and check its current Saturday service before setting off, as restaurant hours can change.
After lunch, head to Canal Saint-Martin for a relaxed 1½-hour stroll along the water and over its footbridges. It’s a pleasant place to wander rather than an attraction you need to rush through; stop for a coffee or inexpensive snack if you’re hungry again. Finish at Le Comptoir Général, right by the canal, for an evening drink in its eclectic, spacious interior. Check that night’s opening hours and event details before you go—programming can affect the atmosphere and access—and keep a little room in your budget for drinks, which will cost more than your market breakfast.
Start at Parc de Belleville for an unhurried hour or so: the uphill paths lead to a broad view over Paris, and entry is free. In February, check the park’s closing time and aim to arrive with daylight to spare; it can be chilly and exposed at the top. From there, walk downhill into Belleville for Rue Denoyez and its changing murals, studios and small galleries. Give the street-art wander about an hour, but remember that these are working neighbourhood streets, not an open-air attraction with guaranteed studio access.
Head to Le Grand Bain for creative small plates; budget roughly €25–40 per person before drinks, and book ahead if possible. One important Sunday caveat: its opening days can make a Sunday dinner difficult, so confirm directly before building your evening around it. If it’s closed, still take in the restaurant on your route and choose a nearby dinner spot that’s open rather than counting on the door being unlocked.
After dinner, Aux Folies is a relaxed, often lively neighbourhood stop for a drink—expect a crowd spilling onto the pavement, especially later in the evening. At 18, you can legally drink in France, but bring photo ID in case you’re asked. Finish at La Bellevilloise in Ménilmontant if its Sunday programme appeals: check the event listing, age and entry requirements, and ticket price in advance, as club nights and concerts vary. It’s around a 15–20-minute walk from Aux Folies; leave a little time for the uphill sections.
Start at Atelier des Lumières in Saint-Ambroise for the immersive exhibition; allow 1–1½ hours. Check which show is running and buy a timed ticket in advance if required—entry is paid, typically around €18–20, and Monday hours can vary. From the 11th, it’s an easy walk or a short Metro ride to Saint-Ambroise.
Have lunch at Café du Coin, a neighbourhood-style spot near the exhibition; budget roughly €15–25 each, and check Monday opening before you head over. Then make your way to Place de la République—about 20–25 minutes on foot, or a short Metro ride—for 30–45 minutes of people-watching around the broad, busy square. It’s free, and a good place to pause before dinner rather than trying to fill the whole afternoon.
Head to Les Pères Populaires in Charonne for a relaxed dinner and drinks; allow around €20–35 each, and check Monday service hours or book if you want to eat at a particular time. Finish at Le Motel in Bastille if its programme suits you: check that it’s open and confirm the night’s music and entry details before setting out, as Monday events can be quieter or less frequent. At 18, you’re old enough to drink in France, but bring photo ID. Metro service is limited late on weekdays, so check the last trains back to your accommodation and use a night bus or taxi if you stay out later.
Take a final, unhurried loop through Place des Vosges—the arcades and central garden are free, and 45 minutes is enough to enjoy the square without rushing. Then visit Maison de Victor Hugo, at No. 6 on the square; allow about an hour. The museum is generally open Tuesday to Sunday, but check its current hours and any temporary closures before setting off. The permanent collection is often free, though special exhibitions may cost extra.
Walk about 15 minutes north to Marché des Enfants Rouges in the Haut Marais. It’s a lovely place for a casual lunch, with dishes commonly around €10–20, but the market is generally closed on Tuesdays—so check before you go. If it is shut, you can still see the market entrance, then pick up an inexpensive lunch from a bakery or takeaway nearby rather than counting on a stall being open.
Finish at Le Perchoir Marais for a rooftop drink and city views. Check the current Tuesday opening hours and access arrangements before heading over; rooftop venues can change schedules, and booking or a queue may affect your plans. Set aside roughly €12–18 for a cocktail, and bring ID. From the market it’s around a 10-minute walk; if the rooftop is closed or full, you’ll know before making the trip if you check its latest updates first.
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