48 Hours to Experience the Best of Paris!

Paris is Always a Good Idea, Even for 2 Days

Paris France the city of romance, is a world class city to visit any time of year. You’d be surprised how much you can see (and eat & drink!) in 48 hours and this guide will help you maximize your time and make your trip worthwhile. Bring comfortable walking shoes because you will be on your feet a lot! My husband and I traveled here from England on the Chunnel and then took the train from Paris to Amsterdam which worked out great. Get ready to say Bonjour to all the iconic sites!

Where to Stay

Paris is broken up into 20 different sections called arrondissements which make the big city easier to grasp. I recommend staying in the 1st arrondissement to have walkable access to everything you want to see! The location is super important when you have such limited time. We also were beyond spoiled with choice for great restaurants all around us. I’ve included some amazing hotel options with different budgets because Paris just has SO many amazing unique places to stay all with their unique charm, as well as a great airbnb!

Hotel San Regis: This stunning hotel is a bit of a splurge, but for two nights it’s worth having the bet Paris experience you can! The hotel is exquisitely decorated, with a very Parisian feel. Some of the rooms have Eiffel Tower balcony views and you really feel like a part of the city here!

Hotel de Nell: This hotel is very reasonable considering how stunning it is and it has a great location in a beautiful part of Paris! I love the little terraces located around the hotel that overlook the rooftops. The rooms are contemporary and have great little touches throughout.

Gorgeous Airbnb with private terrace: This airbnb’s location can’t be beat, with a stunning view from the private terrace! Spend your evening having a glass of wine overlooking historic rooftops of Paris. The studio is well appointed and in a very safe and beautiful building.

Day 1

The Louvre

The Louvre Museum: Grab a baguette or crepe on your walk from your hotel to the Louvre to save on time. The Louvre is absolutely massive and some people can spend a week here alone, but for this visit your are sticking to the highlights! The outside of Louvre is stunning so snap some photos before heading in, then follow this guide which will take you to the top 15 can’t miss art pieces inside. Have fun exploring the hallways and soaking it all in as you hunt for your next mission! The Louvre is a magical place

Visit Two Stunning Cathedrals

Sainte-Chapelle: Next up on your walking tour, cross the Seine river to Sainte-Chapelle, a can’t miss chapel with the most stunning stained glass I have ever seen. The chapel is smaller than most cathedrals in Europe. The intimate setting makes it feel all the more magical and the stained glass is breathtaking!

Ginger Tip: Since the space is small tickets can sometimes be sold out, I recommend buying in advanced to keep your trip moving smoothly! Tickets run $12

Notre-Dame is a can’t miss site on your trip

Notre-Dame Cathedral: Arguably the most famous cathedral in the world, Notre-Dame has so much history behind it. Entrance is free and you can snap some photos as you wait in line to enter. After the fire in 2019 did significant damage, entry may not be permitted so check in advanced so you know what to expect the day of your visit. It is still worth seeing the impressive 13th century structure from the outside even if you can’t enter!

The Pantheon

The Pantheon: Continue strolling down into the 5th ARR. to the Pantheon and admire the exterior and interior’s magnificent architecture built in the 1700s. Don’t miss the observation deck at the top with fabulous views of Paris! Students enter free here, and as mentioned previously tickets in advanced will save you time to keep on track

The Luxembourg Gardens

Luxembourg Gardens: By this point, you have had a FULL day and some relaxation is in order. Stroll over to the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens and take your time enjoying the scenery. Make your way to the center pond and take a seat to watch the children control little sailboats across the water. If you want a snack, the little vendors around sell little sweets too! This is such a peaceful spot

Day 2

The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower: It’s time! Hop on the metro (it’s easy and great) or grab a short uber to the Eiffel Tower! I recommend hitting this first thing in the morning to avoid crowds and get some great sunrise shots if your up for it. Actually start at the Trocadéro Gardens across the river from the tower to get some unbelievable views, then make your way to the base and down the Champ de Mars. Spend as much time as you want here and enjoy!

Arc de Triomphe & The Champs-Elysees

Next up head over to the iconic center point, the Arc de Triomphe. If you walk, take a little detour through Avenue Montaigne which is a stunning tree lined street with luxe shops and high end residences. From there walk to the Champs-Elysees which is one of the most iconic shopping streets in the world! Window shop (or treat yourself to a little vacation gift!) and follow the street to the Arc de Triomphe which is a beautiful huge arch several roads lead into.

Montmartre Neighborhood

Montmartre: I may have saved the best for last on purpose so you have as much time to explore and get lost in this absolutely charming neighborhood! Start with seeing the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur which is perched above the rest of Paris and has beautiful views and the rooftops.

l'Abreuvoir Street: Start heading towards Le Consulat which is the cutest cafe great for a photo op and grab a bite here if it calls your name. Next, wander your way through the little narrow streets towards the most charming restaurant, La Maison Rose (also a superb dining choice) and venture onto the prettiest street in Paris. Pink cafes and ivy covered buildings, it doesn’t get any better!