48 Hours in Paris

is the perfect amount of time to experience a few of the city’s iconic landmarks, romantic atmosphere, and hidden local gems—without feeling rushed. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this two-day Paris itinerary helps you make the most of a short stay, combining walkable neighborhoods, must-see sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, charming cafés, and unforgettable nightlife in Montmartre. From where to stay and how to get around to the best walking routes and evening experiences, this guide shows you step by step how to see Paris efficiently while still savoring the magic that makes the city so beloved.

Getting There: What to Know Before You Book

If you’re hopping between European cities, budget airlines can be tempting. Flights from Barcelona to Paris on carriers like Vueling are often inexpensive, but travelers should know what they’re trading for that low fare. Expect limited legroom, extra fees for food and drinks (even basics like coffee or a croissant), and the possibility of delays with minimal communication.

That said, these airlines do get you from point A to point B efficiently if price is your top priority. If punctuality, comfort, or service matter more to you, it may be worth paying a bit extra for a full-service airline.

Most budget flights arrive at Paris Orly Airport (ORY) rather than Charles de Gaulle. Orly is smaller and easier to navigate, and taxis into the city are straightforward. More likely, you will arrive at Charles de Gaulle airport.

Here are a few options for getting from the airport to the Latin Quarter quickly and easily!

From CDG:

🚆 Option 1: RER B (recommended)

1. Follow signs for RER B (regional train) at CDG

2. Take the train toward Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse / Robinson

3. Get off at Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame (right next to the Latin Quarter)

Time: ~45–50 min
Cost: ~€11–12
Walk: 2–10 min depending on your hotel

✅ Fast, direct, no transfers

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🚕 Option 2: Taxi

• Fixed fare: ~€53 (Right Bank) / ~€58 (Left Bank incl. Latin Quarter)

• Time: 45–75 min (traffic dependent)

From ORY:

🚆 Option 1: Orlyval + RER B (recommended)

1. Take Orlyval (shuttle train) to Antony. Note: Buy a ticket to Paris at the airport. Antony is the last and only stop, so everyone gets off.

2. Transfer to RER B toward Paris. Just follow the signs.

3. Get off at Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame

Time: ~35–45 min
Cost: ~€13
Walk: 2–10 min

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🚕 Option 2: Taxi

• Fixed fare: ~€32 (Left Bank)

• Time: ~30–60 min

Where to Stay: The Latin Quarter

For travelers who want to feel immersed in classic Parisian culture, the Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement) is an ideal base. Located on the Left Bank of the Seine, this area is known for its literary history, student energy, cozy cafés, and walkability.

Staying near landmarks like the Panthéon and Notre Dame puts you within easy walking distance of major sights, excellent bakeries, and local shops. Hotels in this area typically range from €300–400 per night, with suites climbing higher.

Hotel Atmosphères is a standout option, especially for families or small groups. Some suites include multiple levels, extra bathrooms, and even amenities like a private sauna—rare finds in central Paris.

Dining in the Neighborhood

The Latin Quarter offers everything from casual bistros to refined French dining. Depending on your mood, here are some solid options:

• Cozy, traditional French fare:
  Le Bistrot du Périgord, La Petite Périgourdine

• Creative, modern twists:
  Baca’v, Hugo & Co, OTTO

• Romantic and scenic:
  La Rôtisserie d’Argent

• Wine bars and relaxed cafés:
  Café de la Nouvelle Mairie, Les Papilles

What to do?

Below are a few ways to see the sites in Paris. You can rearrange depending on what time you arrive. If you arrive early, you can drop off your bags at your hotel and start from there. If you arrive in the evening, check in, freshen up, and get moving! Read about our trip and what we did here.

Paris by Night

One of the best ways to experience Paris is simply to walk it—especially at night. An evening stroll along the Seine, crossing bridges toward Île de la Cité, offers views of Notre Dame illuminated against the river. Even in light rain or wind, Paris feels cinematic after dark, with reflections on the water and locals lingering along the embankments.

Bring a scarf and a compact umbrella—you’ll blend right in.

Photo by Florian Gerus on Pexels; Notre Dame de Paris from Behind by Night

Getting Around: Understanding the City Layout

Paris is easier to navigate than it looks. The city is organized into 20 arrondissements, arranged in a clockwise spiral starting from the center at Île de la Cité. The Seine divides the city into the Right Bank (north) and Left Bank (south).

Pro tip: Paris postal codes end with the arrondissement number (e.g., 75005 = 5th arrondissement).

Most central attractions are walkable, and the Metro is efficient, affordable, and user-friendly. A combination of walking and Metro will get you almost anywhere quickly.

Here’s a very basic tourist map that shows the main sites:

A Perfect One-Day Walking Route: Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre

This route covers iconic landmarks while allowing room for hidden gems and quiet moments. From your hotel in the Latin Quarter, here’s how to get to the Arc de Triomphe:

1️⃣ Walk to Saint-Michel station

• ~5 minutes from Notre-Dame

• Metro Line 4 (purple)

2️⃣ Take Line 4 toward Porte de Clignancourt

• Ride 5 stops

• Get off at Strasbourg – Saint-Denis

3️⃣ Change to Line 9 (gold) toward Pont de Sèvres

• Ride 7 stops

• Get off at Charles de Gaulle – Étoile

4️⃣ Exit for Arc de Triomphe

• Follow signs for “Arc de Triomphe / Sortie”

• Use the underground pedestrian tunnel (don’t cross the roundabout above ground)

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⏱️ Time & Cost

• Total time: ~25–30 minutes

• Cost: 1 standard t+ ticket

After you’ve explored the base of the Arc, or seen the city from the top, take a walk!

🗺️ Step-by-step walking directions to the Louvre:

1️⃣ Start at the Arc de Triomphe

• Exit via the underground pedestrian tunnel

• You’ll arrive at the top of the Champs-Élysées

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2️⃣ Walk down the Champs-Élysées

• Walk straight downhill toward Place de la Concorde

• Pass shops, cafés, and theaters

• Stay on either sidewalk — both lead to the same place

⏱️ ~20–25 minutes

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3️⃣ Cross Place de la Concorde

• You’ll see:

  • The Luxor Obelisk in the center

  • Tuileries Garden directly ahead

• Use pedestrian crossings (this is a big roundabout)

⏱️ ~5 minutes

4️⃣ Walk through the Tuileries Garden

• Enter the garden straight ahead

• Walk through the central path toward the large palace at the far end

🌿 This is the prettiest part of the walk

⏱️ ~10–15 minutes

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5️⃣ Arrive at the Louvre

• You’ll exit the garden directly at the Louvre Courtyard

• The glass pyramid will be in front of you

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📍 Helpful tips

• Best done during the day or at sunset

• Wear comfortable shoes — it’s long but flat

• Stop for photos at Concorde and in the Tuileries

• In rain, the covered arcades (Rue de Rivoli) are a good alternative

Notre Dame, Gare du Nord, and Montmartre

A visit to Notre Dame de Paris is still worthwhile even after restoration. Inside, stained glass rose windows and soaring architecture make it one of the city’s most moving spaces. You’re already close, so check it out!

From there, the Metro can take you north through Gare du Nord, Europe’s busiest train station. It’s chaotic but efficient—and an experience in itself.

You can’t really go to Paris for the first time and not see the Eiffel Tower! The Metro makes it super easy to see everything. Stop by and get photo ops on the sprawling lawn in front of the tower:

• Take the RER B (regional train) from Gare du Nord toward Denfert-Rochereau.

• At Denfert-Rochereau, switch to Metro Line 6 (green line) toward Charles de Gaulle–Étoile.

• Get off at Bir-Hakeim — from there it’s about an ~8-minute walk to the Eiffel Tower.

Hop back on the metro to continue your exploration. Head to Pigalle!

🚇 Best Metro Route (1 transfer)

1️⃣ Walk to Bir-Hakeim station

• Closest metro stop to the Eiffel Tower

• Line 6 (green)

2️⃣ Take Line 6 toward Charles de Gaulle–Étoile

• Ride 6 stops

• Get off at Charles de Gaulle–Étoile

3️⃣ Change to Line 2 (blue) toward Nation

• Ride 9 stops

• Get off at Pigalle

Exit at Pigalle to explore one of Paris’s most colorful districts. Known historically for artists, nightlife, and cabarets, Pigalle still carries a sultry edge, especially after dark.

From here, look up—the white domes of Sacré-Cœur rise above Montmartre. Sitting at the highest point in Paris, this basilica offers one of the city’s most memorable views and remains a favorite for many visitors.

Evening Entertainment: Moulin Rouge

No Paris nightlife experience is more iconic than the Moulin Rouge. Tickets should be booked well in advance.

Show options:

• Dinner show (7:00 pm)

• Evening shows (9:00 pm and 11:00 pm)

The Prestige tickets (around €275) include preferred seating, champagne, macarons, and early entry—worth it if you want comfort, clear views, and minimal waiting.

The current show, Féerie, delivers exactly what you expect: elaborate costumes, bold choreography, and classic cabaret spectacle. For those less interested in novelty acts, consider leaving shortly after the ventriloquist segment to avoid exit crowds.

Final Takeaway

Paris rewards travelers who slow down, walk often, and mix famous landmarks with quieter corners. Stay central, learn the Metro, allow time for cafés and gardens, and don’t be afraid to wander off the main routes. The magic of Paris often lives just one side street away.