14 Tips for Making the Most of 2 Days in Paris

You’ve got 48 hours in Paris. You want to make it count. Travelers with firsthand experience of short Paris stays share what works and what doesn’t, what’s worth doing, and what’s better left out. This guide brings together that kind of practical insight.

Here’s how to enjoy Paris with limited time, without wasting energy or falling into tourist traps.

1. Walk First, Plan Second

One of the most common tips is to walk. People who rush through packed itineraries often regret it. Some of the most satisfying moments come from wandering with no goal – strolling the Seine, finding quiet cafés, noticing details you won’t see if you’re checking your watch.

One suggested itinerary includes breakfast at a café, Musée d’Orsay, a sandwich lunch, Arc de Triomphe, ice cream on Île de la Cité, a rest at Luxembourg Gardens, brasserie dinner, and an evening boat ride on the Seine.

If you prefer a slower pace, choose one major thing to do, like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, and leave the rest of your time open for discovery.

2. Museums Worth Your Time (and Ones That Aren’t)

Musée d’Orsay comes up often as a favorite. It’s compact, full of iconic works, and easier to enjoy without stress. Sainte-Chapelle’s stained glass also gets strong praise.

Opinions on the Louvre are divided. Some say it’s essential, others say it’s too overwhelming for a short trip. A common compromise is visiting just the Denon wing to see the highlights. The Carousel entrance is a good way to avoid lines.

Petit Palais is frequently recommended for its elegant architecture and free entry. Musée de l’Orangerie receives mixed reviews: some admire the Monet canvases, others say the scale makes them hard to view with any crowd.

The Catacombs also divide opinion, some find them fascinating, others say they’re dull.

3. Views Without the Wait

Many people suggest skipping the Eiffel Tower climb. They point to better experiences elsewhere, like the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur, or the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette. These places offer sweeping views without the queues.

For those who still want to see the Eiffel Tower, the advice is to go early, or simply enjoy it from the ground. It’s impressive just standing beside it.

4. Areas to Explore On Foot

Montmartre comes up repeatedly. People describe the walk from Pigalle through rue Lepic and up to the hilltop, passing small cafés and shops. It’s busy but atmospheric.

Other favorite walking routes include Le Marais, the Latin Quarter, and a long stretch from Notre-Dame to the Arc de Triomphe and onward to the Eiffel Tower. This covers a lot of ground but gives you a wide, rich slice of the city.

5. Scams and Street Smarts

Scam warnings come up often. One of the most common involves people with clipboards pretending to collect signatures. They approach in crowded tourist areas and try to distract you. The advice is simple: don’t stop, don’t engage, and keep walking.

When it comes to getting around, most travelers agree: use the metro and walk. The Navigo Découverte pass costs around €35 for unlimited rides over a week. You need a passport photo, which you can get at CDG aiirport or photo booths in town. Keep the card away from your phone to avoid deactivating it.

Ubers and taxis are generally considered unnecessary. The metro is fast, cheap, and efficient, and you’ll see more of Paris on foot anyway.

6. Eating Well Without Going Fancy

Almost everyone agrees: skip American-style food and avoid restaurants planted next to monuments. These spots are often overpriced and forgettable. You’ll eat better at small, local places that don’t try too hard.

Look for short menus, lunch specials, or spots where the owner takes your order. A few travelers say their best meals came from simply asking the server what to get and following their lead on wine too.

For something quick, people recommend grabbing a jambon beurre at Caractère de Cochon – just a baguette, ham, and butter, but done perfectly.

For dessert, Berthillon ice cream on Île de la Cité gets consistent praise. If it’s warm out, take it to the riverside and sit for a bit.

Croissants and raclette come up often too. Just make sure the croissant is from a real bakery, not a supermarket. Raclette made with proper cheese hits the spot for many, especially in cooler weather.

Two sit-down spots that get repeated mentions are Bouillon Pigalle and Bouillon Racine. Both offer traditional fare in a classic setting and won’t empty your wallet. Booking ahead is a good idea.

7. Cultural Courtesies That Matter

One piece of advice gets repeated more than any other: always say “Bonjour” when entering a shop or speaking to someone. In the evening, switch to “Bonsoir.” People debate the exact time to switch (some say 4 p.m., others 6 p.m.) but no one minds if you get it slightly wrong.

And don’t wear a beret. It’s seen as a tourist giveaway. Unless you’re a dog. Everyone seems fine with dogs in berets though.

8. Small Moments That Stay With You

People share vivid memories from their short visits. Sitting at a café during a rainstorm. Watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night. Running into celebrities during fashion week. Eating ice cream while looking out at the Seine.

These aren’t big-ticket attractions, they’re small, unscripted moments that will stay with you.