The Perfect Weekend in Paris: The Ultimate 48 hours Itinerary

Spending a weekend in Paris is like stepping into a dream of world-class art, stunning architecture, charming cafés, and vibrant nightlife. With only 48 hours in the city, you’ll want to strike a balance between must-see landmarks, amazing food, and a few hidden gems. This itinerary helps you maximize your time while skipping the tourist traps.

Day 1: Iconic Landmarks & a bit of Parisian Elegance

☕ Morning: Coffee & A Classic Parisian Start

Kick off your Paris weekend with a perfectly brewed coffee at one of the city’s best specialty cafés:

• Fringe Coffee (Marais) – Minimalist, artsy vibe with top-notch espresso.

• KB Coffee Roasters (South Pigalle) – Great for a strong flat white and fresh pastries.

• Café Mericourt (11th Arr.) – A local favorite for coffee lovers and brunch fans alike.

After fueling up, take a morning stroll along the Seine River towards the Notre-Dame Cathedral which recently re-opened to the public. The stunning Gothic exterior and interior and the nearby Shakespeare & Company bookstore make for an unforgettable start to your trip.

🏛️ Midday: The Louvre & a Parisian Lunch

No trip to Paris is complete without visiting The Louvre Museum, home to the Mona Lisa and thousands of artistic masterpieces. Make sure to book in advance to avoid long lines, and take about 2 hours exploring the highlights.

For lunch, indulge in a classic Parisian bistro experience at:

🍽️ La Fontaine de Mars – One of Paris’s oldest bistros, serving iconic dishes like duck confit.

🍽️ Bistrot Paul Bert – A must for steak frites lovers, with an unbeatable old-school Parisian vibe.

🍽️ Chez Janou – A lively spot known for its incredible Provençal cuisine & pastis selection.

🎨 Afternoon: Art, Gardens & Grand Boulevards

After lunch, take a leisurely walk through Place de la Concorde and into the Tuileries Gardens before heading to the Musée d’Orsay, arguably the best museum in Paris for fans of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.

Other afternoon highlights you could consider are:

• Pont Alexandre III – The most stunning bridge in Paris.

• Les Invalides – Home to Napoleon’s tomb and fascinating military history.

• Luxembourg Gardens – The perfect place to unwind with a book or a coffee.

🍷 Evening: Dinner & Nightlife in Paris

For dinner, depending on your budget, opt for a Michelin-starred experience or a buzzy local favorite:

✨ Septime – A chic, modern French restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients.

✨ Le Cinq – A grand, luxury dining experience inside the Four Seasons Hotel.

✨ Le Servan – A trendy, family-run bistro blending French & Asian flavors.

🎶 Nightlife & Bars

Cap off the night with cocktails at one of Paris’s best bars:

🍸 Little Red Door – A speakeasy with creative cocktails.

🍸 Candelaria – A hidden cocktail bar tucked behind a taco shop.

🍸 Silencio – David Lynch’s exclusive nightclub for a stylish crowd.

Day 2: Hidden Gems & Local Discoveries

🌿 Morning: Off-the-Beaten-Path Paris

Start your day with a walk along La Promenade Plantée (Coulée Verte), a tree-lined elevated park built on an old railway, similar to NYC’s famous High Line.

For something truly unique, visit:

• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – A stunning, hilly park with incredible views.

• Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature – A quirky yet elegant museum dedicated to hunting & nature.

🥐 Lunch: A Laid-Back Parisian Experience

For lunch, opt for something relaxed yet delicious:

🥂 L’Avant Comptoir – A standing-only wine bar with incredible small plates.

🥂 Chez Janou – (if you didn’t go on day one) Their chocolate mousse is legendary.

🥐 Afternoon: The Panthéon & a Stroll Through the Latin Quarter

After lunch, head to the Panthéon, an amazing neoclassical monument that serves as the final resting place of some of France’s most influential figures, including Voltaire, Rousseau, and Marie Curie.

Once you’ve admired the Panthéon’s impressive dome and crypts, take a stroll through the Latin Quarter. Known for its bohemian atmosphere and historic charm, this neighborhood is perfect for:

• Browsing at the legendary Shakespeare & Company bookstore.

• Grabbing a coffee at Café de Flore, a former haunt of Hemingway and Sartre.

• Wandering the narrow, cobbled streets lined with quirky boutiques and old Parisian architecture.

This slow, culture-filled afternoon offers a different side of Paris before your final evening in the city.

🍽️ Final Evening: Sunset Views, Dinner & a Farewell Drink

As your weekend in Paris comes to a close, enjoy one last breathtaking view of the city before having dinner and a final drink.

🌅 Sunset Spot Options

• Montparnasse Tower – The best panoramic view of Paris without the crowds of the Eiffel Tower.

• Parc de Belleville – A local-favorite hilltop park with stunning sunset views over the rooftops of Paris.

• Pont Alexandre III – The most elegant bridge in Paris, perfect for a scenic golden-hour stroll along the Seine.

🍷 Final Dinner in Paris

For your last meal in the city, here are a number of exceptional dining options, depending on your style and budget:

✨ For a Michelin-Star Experience:

• Pierre Gagnaire – A 3-star Michelin restaurant with artistic, avant-garde French cuisine.

• L’Astrance – Creative fine dining in an intimate setting.

🍽️ For a Classic Parisian Bistrot Feel:

• Chez L’Ami Jean – Bustling, no-fuss Basque-inspired bistro with legendary dishes like creamy rice pudding.

• Le Servan – A trendy bistro blending French & Asian flavors, run by two talented sisters.

🥂 For a Cozy & Casual Farewell Dinner:

• Café Pinson – A stylish spot offering delicious vegetarian & organic dishes.

• Le Comptoir du Relais – A beloved bistro in Saint-Germain, known for its comforting, expertly prepared French classics.

🍸 Farewell Drinks in Paris

Last but not least, close out your weekend with one last drink at one of Paris’s best bars:

• Bar Hemingway – A timeless classic inside the Ritz Paris, perfect for a refined nightcap.

• Combat – A stylish, female-led cocktail bar in Belleville with a relaxed vibe.

• Danico – A hidden gem behind an Italian restaurant, known for craft cocktails and chic ambiance.

Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Paris Weekend!

This 48-hour Paris itinerary covers a selection of the best landmarks, hidden gems, and food experiences to help you explore without stress. Want even more curated recommendations? 👇