paris in 48 hours?!!
bonjour friends 🥖
dropping the places we went in Paris + some tips to take note of & mistakes we made (so you avoid them)
this is everything we squeezed into 4D3N — though technically only 2 full days, since we spent day 1 SLEEPING due to jetlag & the last day transiting to another city 😵💫 these are some of the places you can squeeze within 48hrs (i won’t be providing the exact itinerary we had cos we tot we could have planned it better strategically wise)
hope this helps if you’re planning a short Paris trip soon 🤍
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⛲️ Place des voges
this was such a happy accident for us. we initially came here just for Carette for breakfast & pls trust me when i say you should visit this Carette branch.
we reached around 9am, no queue and plenty of seats (which is rare cos Carette is super popular).
right beside Carette is Place des Vosges, and only after walking around did we realise it’s one of the most famous parks in paris oops. but honestly it’s gorgeous & romantic. perfect for a morning stroll and taking photos after breakfast.
apparently it’s also a super popular picnic spot during summer!
(the next 3 do no need much intro since they are your staples in Paris~)
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🖼️ Louvre
🏛️ Arc de triomphe
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✨ Champ Elysees
lowkey the kind of street orchard road aspires to be HEHE. it’s grand, elegant, & lined with luxury brands
shops worth noting:
– GLOSSIER
is available at only this Sephora outlet, so imagine my surprise when i walked in & saw it!!!
– POLÈNE
there are only two Polène stores in paris, & one is located here. during winter, they even served us hot cocoa / tea while we waited in line—10/10 customer service.
even if you’re not a huge shopper, this street is still worth visiting. just do some research beforehand to see if your wishlist brands are here!
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🚢 Seine river cruise
this is a must-do experience for me (especially if you’ve seen the tiktok trend where the eiffel tower slowly reveals itself iykyk)
highly recommend booking a night cruise ✨ we booked ours at 8:15pm, & the timing was perfect because the eiffel tower sparkles every hour for 5 minutes. the cruise lasts about 45 minutes.
the cruise we booked was Vedettes du Pont Neuf. do book it online instead of on-site as it’s much cheaper. the cruise also includes commentary by a live tour guide who will point out hidden paris gems (yes, even the Ratatouille restaurant!)
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🌷 Musee de l’orangerie
if you’re a fan of Claude Monet’s work, this museum is pure dreamland 😭
his actual Water Lilies works are displayed here which spans across 2 rooms in an ellipse layout making the experience incredibly magical ✨
the museum also houses other impressionism works but we were really here for Monet’s one since is the main highlight
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⭐️ Musee d’orsay
arguably the most loved museum among parisians (some even prefer it over the louvre).
while i still personally love the louvre more, this museum houses the actual Van Gogh & Monet paintings, & seeing them in real life was such a surreal & meaningful experience to me 🥹
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🛍️ Gallerie lafayette (Champ elysee outlet)
the iconic french department store with all your luxury brands. the upper levels have plenty of souvenir shops, which we did ending up buying SOME
BUT the main highlight during xmas season is their xmas tree & decorations 🎄 hands down the prettiest and grandest christmas display we saw in paris—and it changes every year, so if your here during xmas szn pls do come check it out!!
(psst.. they also have joe & the juice here if ur looking to try!)
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🎨 Montmartre
one of the prettiest areas in paris, but also one of my biggest regrets BCOS i came here at NIGHT 🤡
most shops were closed, the streets were dark, & the vibes was not it. i mainly came here for the famous black-and-white vintage photobooth, but the queue was still super long & we were so exhausted, so we didn’t end up queuing (still REALLY sad about this). the cute souvenir shops here were also all closed since it was late.
do not make the same mistake as me of exploring it at night!!!
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⛪️ Sacré-Cœur
since it’s nearby, we decided to head up to Sacré-Cœur, located at the top of Montmartre hill. you can take the funicular railway up using your paris metro card & it’s free!
after that, it’s just a short climb to the viewing area (not the inside dome). the view from the top was stunning, with paris lit up at night ✨ there were also people busking, which made the whole experience feel incredibly romantic & atmospheric. vibes 💯
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to sum it all up i’m still glad to be able to see most of paris within these 2days though it was a LIL tiring. i will definitely be BACK & i hope u guys found these helpful HEEHEE
#lemon8travel #TravelGuide #sgtravels #europetravel #paristravel
Traveling to Paris within a tight timeframe like 48 hours can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, but with a bit of planning and a sense of adventure, you'll make the most out of your visit. One tip I found invaluable is to prioritize experiences that offer a mix of iconic sights and local charm, much like the highlights mentioned such as the Place des Vosges and the Seine river cruise. The Place des Vosges, often overlooked by travelers rushing through the city, is a perfect spot to unwind with a coffee or pastry from Carette bakery before starting your day. Its beautiful arcades and lush gardens provide a quintessential Parisian atmosphere, ideal for morning strolls or a peaceful picnic if you visit during warmer months. When it comes to major landmarks like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Arc de Triomphe, I recommend booking tickets online in advance to bypass long queues. For example, I booked a night cruise on the Seine through Vedettes du Pont Neuf, and seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle against the night sky was an unforgettable highlight of my trip. The cruise's live commentary revealed hidden Parisian gems, such as the Ratatouille restaurant, which added a unique layer to the experience. Art lovers should not miss the Musée de l'Orangerie where Monet's Water Lilies are displayed in a serene elliptical room — a truly immersive experience. Meanwhile, Musée d’Orsay with Van Gogh and Monet masterpieces offers a different but equally breathtaking perspective into Impressionist art. Shopping on Champs-Élysées can be surprisingly rewarding even if you're not a typical shopper. I found exclusive brands like Glossier and Polène, and during winter, Polène's hospitality with hot cocoa while waiting in line made the experience even more delightful. Gallerie Lafayette’s Christmas decorations and tree during the holiday season are an absolute must-see if your visit falls at that time. When planning visits to artistic neighborhoods like Montmartre, consider the timing. I made the mistake of going at night when shops and photobooths were closed, which limited the joyful vibe this area usually offers. Visiting earlier in the day ensures you catch the quirky shops and vibrant street life. Also, take the free funicular ride up to Sacré-Cœur for spectacular views of Paris at sunset or night, often accompanied by local musicians creating an enchanting atmosphere. Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of pacing yourself—even in a short trip, balance sightseeing with moments of rest and spontaneous discovery. This approach helped me savor both the grandeur and intimate details of Paris, leaving me eager to return and explore more thoroughly next time.
