48 hours in Paris – surely one of the world’s most vibrant, exciting, cultured and beautiful cities. Being honest, 48 days likely wouldn’t be enough to see around this place but two days was all we had.
From the bustling city centre and its incredible architecture to the Science museum, French parliament building, home of the French president and, of course, obligatory visits to old favourites like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame cathedral, you will find your days filled start to finish. And that’s not taking into account the sheer joy of just walking around the city streets and admiring the building.
See below for some ideas on what to do in 48 hours in Paris (although this list could and should be considerably longer).
Check out other summer guides and winter guides on the iRide website.
Book accommodation in Paris
Booking.com
Images of Paris
A Brief History of Paris
Paris traces its origins back to ancient times when it was known as Lutetia by the Gauls. Over the centuries, Paris evolved into a prosperous medieval city and became the capital of France in the 10th century. The city flourished during the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and Belle Époque periods, shaping its rich cultural heritage and architectural landscape. Today, Paris stands as one of the world’s leading centers for art, fashion, cuisine, and commerce, attracting millions of visitors each year with its timeless charm and allure.
Exploring Paris: Must-See Attractions
As mentioned above, you could easily spend days (if not weeks) exploring the city of Paris. Below are some of the more popular attractions – although there are many, many more.
- Eiffel Tower: Marvel at the iconic Eiffel Tower, one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Take in panoramic views of Paris from the observation decks, located at various levels of the tower. Ticket prices start at €16.60 for adults to access the summit.
- Louvre Museum: Immerse yourself in art and history at the Louvre Museum, home to thousands of masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Admission to the museum costs €15 for adults and is free for visitors under 26 on Friday evenings.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral: Visit the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Admire its intricate façade, soaring spires, and stunning stained glass windows. Entrance to the cathedral is free, but there may be a charge for guided tours or special events.
- Montmartre: Explore the charming neighborhood of Montmartre, known for its bohemian atmosphere and artistic heritage. Visit the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, stroll through picturesque streets lined with cafes and boutiques, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the hilltop.
- Seine River Cruise: Take a leisurely cruise along the Seine River and admire Paris’s landmarks from a different perspective. Choose from a variety of boat tours, ranging from simple sightseeing cruises to romantic dinner cruises. Prices start at around €15 for a one-hour cruise.
- Musée d’Orsay: Step into the world of impressionism at the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former railway station. Discover works by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and other masters of the genre. Admission to the museum costs €14 for adults and is free for visitors under 26 on Thursday evenings.
- Champs-Élysées: Take a stroll down the famous Champs-Élysées, one of the most prestigious avenues in Paris. Explore luxury boutiques, cafes, and theaters, and marvel at the Arc de Triomphe at the western end of the avenue.
- Palace of Versailles: Take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage site located just outside Paris. Explore the opulent palace, magnificent gardens, and Trianon palaces. Ticket prices start at €18 for access to the palace and gardens.
Travelling to Paris
Getting to Paris is easy, thanks to its well-connected transportation network. Paris is served by two major international airports, Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY), both located within easy reach of the city center. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi, airport shuttle, or train to reach their accommodation. Additionally, Paris is well-connected by high-speed trains, including the Eurostar, which offers direct services to London and other European cities.
Once in Paris, getting around is convenient, thanks to the city’s extensive metro, bus, and tram networks, as well as taxis and bike-sharing services. Whether you arrive by air, rail, or road, Paris welcomes visitors with its timeless beauty and endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
