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Brimming with cultural and historical beauty, Paris is the city you can't get enough of. The plethora of landmarks, and museums, but also the elegant architecture that characterizes the city, both Gothic and Hausmannian, inevitably absorb one. However, owing to its small size and incredibly accessible public transportation system, it is possible to gain the essence of the city briskly. That is, even if you only have 48 hours to spend!
Here's the ultimate 48-hours-in-Paris itinerary:
Day 1
Morning:
Visit the famous Louvre museum. Ideally, get the Louvre Museum Skip the Line Ticket (guarantee entrance within 30 minutes).
tips: Go prepared. Know what you want to see. Le Louvre is massive, and you need several days to view everything in detail.
Walk around the Tuileries gardens, and get a hot chocolate (to-go) from Angelina.
Early Afternoon:
Visit the Marais. Before walking around the area, which is a must, enjoy lunch. There are not only plenty of restaurants and cafes in the district but also stands that offer a number of delicious treats.
After exploring Le Marais, find some time to walk to Centre Pompidou. This is a modern art museum at the heart of Paris, and even if you are not interested in viewing their collection, you should still devote a minute or two to appreciate its architectural elements on the outside.
Walk through Île de la Cité (the island of Paris) to the Quartier Latin of the city.
- In the Île de la Cité, you will find the Cathédrale Notre-Dame. Feel free to take a stroll inside, if it is open.
- Exiting the island, you will find yourself near Shakespeare and Company, the popular bookstore. Enter if you are a book lover.
- Continuing to lead yourself to see the Pantheon and appreciate nature in the Luxembourg Gardens, both of which are in the Latin quarter.
Late Afternoon:
If you are a jazz admirer, end your day with a drink at Caveau de la Huchette (there is an entrance fee but no booking is required and there's no wait time). Otherwise, feel free to choose something else! From cozy bars to speakeasies, the Parisian nightlife is remarkable.
Day 2
Morning:
Start your day by visiting Musée d'Orsay, a museum that offers a rich collection of 19th and 20th-century European artwork.
Resume with the Eiffel Tower. If you want to climb all the way to the top, a skip-the-line ticket is highly recommended.
tips: If the weather is nice, I prompt you to rent a scooter or bike to get there.
Early Afternoon:
Move on to Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. Walk up the street, and enjoy the beauty of this shopping area. Of course, take some time for lunch.
tips: Take metro line 6 from the Eiffel Tower to Charles de Gaulle–Étoile. The view during the first stop will be astonishing.
Visit Palais Garnier, the astonishing Opéra building created by the homonymous architect. Do not miss out on walking around the building as well.
Sometime before sunset, go to Montmartre. Being one of the most historic districts in Paris, this uphill neighborhood offers spectacular sights of the city from above. Not only that, but the little streets that comprise it make it delightful for a walk. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes, and stands. If you like crepes, go to the famous Carette on Place du Tertre.
Late Afternoon:
Book a Paris Dinner Crusie for a final look at the city from the insider point of the river. Note that you usually have to arrange that at least a day in advance!
Do not forget to bring home souvenirs from Paris!
From postcards to fridge magnets, and from designer items to local food products, a plethora of souvenirs has been bridged to the City of Light. Nevertheless, in case you are looking for something more unique, do not hesitate to consider Toit de Paris, a company that offers handmade personalized objects made from actual Parisian roofs. From decorative objects to keychains, all its products are historical, one-of-a-kind, and recycled. If you love collecting exclusive memorabilia, you are really going to love this!
Further Readings: Frequently Asked Questions about Paris: Answered, Where to Eat in Paris: From a Local.