Paris in 48 hours
Paris rewards walking more than any other great city. Its centre is compact, its neighbourhoods each have a distinct character, and the best moments often come between the famous sights: a café terrace, a covered passage, a bookshop on the Left Bank.
Best time to visit. April to June and September to October. August is quiet, but some independent restaurants close for the holidays.
Where to base yourself
- 1st arrondissement and Tuileries. Palaces, gardens and the Louvre, with the Place Vendôme at its heart. Elegant and central.
- Le Marais. Medieval lanes, the Place des Vosges, galleries, falafel on Rue des Rosiers and lively evenings.
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Left Bank cafés, bookshops, antique dealers and the Luxembourg Gardens.
- Montmartre. Hilltop village streets around Sacré-Cœur, best early in the morning.
- Canal Saint-Martin. Iron footbridges, young bistros and wine bars along the water.
Two perfect days
Day one · Right Bank
- Morning
- Tuileries Garden and the Louvre, or the Orangerie for Monet's water lilies
- Afternoon
- Lunch near the Palais-Royal gardens, then the covered passages
- Evening
- Seine walk at sunset and dinner in Le Marais
Day two · Left Bank
- Morning
- Musée d'Orsay at opening time
- Afternoon
- Saint-Germain cafés and the Luxembourg Gardens
- Evening
- Evening river cruise or the view from the Arc de Triomphe
Getting around
The metro reaches everywhere quickly; buy tickets with a contactless card or the Navigo Easy pass. Most central sights are walkable. Taxis from Charles de Gaulle use fixed fares.
Local tips
- Say 'Bonjour' when entering any shop or café
- Many museums close on Monday or Tuesday; check before you go
- Service is included in restaurant bills; rounding up is a courtesy
- Book popular restaurants a few days ahead