Paris rewards travelers who plan a little and wander a lot. With 48 hours, you can see the essentials and still find time for a quiet café and a riverside stroll — here's how to spend two well-balanced days.
Before you arrive
Book tickets for major sights in advance, pack comfortable walking shoes, and download an offline map. Paris is very walkable, but the Métro saves time between distant neighborhoods and is easy to navigate with a phone.
Day 1 — The classics
Start early at the Louvre or Musée d'Orsay before crowds peak. Walk through the Tuileries to Place de la Concorde, then up the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. End the day with a Seine-side sunset near Pont des Arts.
Day 2 — Local Paris
Explore Le Marais for boutiques and the city's best falafel, browse the bookshops of the Latin Quarter, and climb Montmartre for sunset views over the rooftops. Eat early to beat the dinner rush — or late, like a Parisian.
Getting around
A carnet of Métro tickets is the simplest value. Walking between neighboring areas often takes the same time as transit and reveals far more of the city along the way.
Travel tips
- Book skip-the-line tickets for the Louvre and Eiffel Tower ahead of time.
- Carry a refillable bottle — public fountains are everywhere.
- Many shops close on Sundays, but museums stay open.
- Keep small change handy for markets and bakeries.
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