48 hours in Paris - Day 1

Paris, aka the City of Light, is a city full of cultural attractions, museums and world-class restaurants that could keep you entertained for weeks. However, if you only have 48 hours to explore Paris, keep reading on for day 1 of an itinerary that makes sure you will take in the absolute best of Paris.

Day 1

8 AM: Breakfast & The Louvre

8 am is very early but you only have 2 days to explore the French Capital. Wake up and go grab breakfast; croissants and a french omelette are essential. If you pressed your snooze button a few too many times - it's okay we've all done this before - you can always stop at a local boulangerie and have breakfast on the go. Don't forget your manners and say "Bonjour" when you enter and "Merci" when you leave.

Fresh orange juice, croissants
& omelette for breakfast 

After you've enjoyed your breakfast, head straight to the Louvre, in order to be there for 9 am. Be aware though, the Louvre is the biggest museum in the world so it is very easy to lose track of time and spend your whole day there. I would recommend having a look at the floor plan before you visit and choosing the exhibits you would like to see the most (Don't forget the Mona Lisa & the Venus de Milo).

Tip 1: Book in advance in order to avoid long queues - check the side entrances as well, normally they are less busy compared to the main one.

Tip 2: The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, so schedule your visit accordingly.

Tip 3: Make sure to bring your student card - there is a discount.

The Louvre

12 PM: Jardin des Tuileries, Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

Jardin des Tuileries: A French-style Garden

After your visit to the Louvre, relax and enjoy a stroll at the Tuileries Garden, walk at Paris' most luxurious shopping street: Les Champs-Élysées and end your walk at the Arc de Triomphe. 

Les Champs-Élysées

Tip 4: By now you are probably going to be hungry so make a stop to enjoy lunch around the area - Le Pain Quotidien is a good option around the area that won't break the bank.

Tip 5: The photo below isn't from a fancy french bakery. If you are looking for a cheap yet tasty snack, make a stop at the McDonald's at Champs-Élysées in order to enjoy french pastries on a budget - not the most elegant place but I always enjoy seeing the differences in McDonald's around the world, they even had macarons in this one!

Tip 6: Climb the Arc de Triomphe in order to get amazing views of Paris (It's only 40 steps - definitely worth it).

Arc de Triomphe

5 PM: Eiffel Tower

You are probably going to be quite tired by this point so take the Metro and head to the Eiffel Tower (Take Line 6 and get out at Bir-Hakeim - from there it's only a 10 minute walk to La Tour Eiffel).

Tip 7: If you are feeling adventurous (or if you are on a budget) you can choose to take the stairs to the second floor instead of the lift. I'm not going to lie there are a lot of stairs BUT a) it's a good leg workout and b) it feels good saying that you've climbed the Eiffel Tower.

Tip 8: Whichever option you choose, make sure to book in advance in order to avoid long queues - time is precious in these 2 days.

Eiffel Tower

7 PM: Seine River Cruise 
Cruising Seine River is definitely one of my favorite things to do in Paris. You get to soak in a lot of the city's striking beauty whilst enjoying a boat ride. After your visit to the Eiffel Tower, head to the river and choose the cruise that fits best to your needs - you can get a fancy one that comes with dinner or just a simple one. Make sure to head there at night in order to get a view of the sparkling Eiffel Tower.

Seine River Cruise

8:30 PM: Crêpes and Trocadero

After you're done with your cruise, head to one of many stands nearby and get a delicious crêpe -you are in France, you need to get one. Below you can see how they make my favorite combo - Nutella & strawberries.

After getting your crepe, walk towards the Trocadero for the best view of the Eiffel Tower - especially at night.

Sparkling Eiffel Tower

9:30 PM: Heading Back

It's time to end the day and get back to your accommodation for a good night's rest because you have to get up early tomorrow - no alarm snoozing this time.

Hope you enjoyed finding out about places to visit in Paris in 2 days and make sure to stay tuned for Day 2!

(Click here for Day 2)