2 Days in Paris

How I spent 48 hours in Paris

May 14-16, 2023

While traveling on my European summer trip, we decided to take an extended layover in Paris for 48 hours. So, what did I choose to fill these 2 days with, and what I would have done differently?

This was my first time in Paris so I wasn't sure what to expect. But after spending only 2 days in the city of lights, I fell in love just like everyone else. So much so, I am studying abroad in Paris this summer for the Olympic Games.

Stay

Hotel Relais Du Louvre

Hotel Relais Du Louvre is in the 1st district next to The Louvre Museum. This is a 4-star hotel with amazing service in one of the best locations. Looking out my window I was surrounded by The Louvre, Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois Church, and the Samaretaine Paris shopping center. The rooms were very nice and the staff was very helpful giving recommendations and booking reservations for us. They spoke about updating an indoor pool in the hotel so that may be a new amenity coming soon. I would 100% stay here again in the future.

Sights and Attractions

The Louvre: The Louvre Museum is a must-see. Home of some of the most famous art pieces in the world including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, and so many others. I recommend taking a guided tour because it was so helpful to hear about the histories when viewing the art. It is impossible to see everything in one day here because of the size of the collections, so you kind of have to pick and choose what you can't miss out on. I also recommend bringing a snack but there are small cafes and some shopping, I purchased my favorite ring at the Louvre gift store and it's nice to have a reminder of my time here.

The Louvre

The Eiffel Tower: Yes, of course, you can't go to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. You can buy tickets to go to the top of the tower but don't be like me and buy tickets the first day you get there because I slept through it sadly. I recommend making time to see it during the day and again at night so that you can see the tower light up. The only downside is, this is the main area for pickpocketing and scammers, so just be alert. At the start of each hour, the lights will sparkle for 5 minutes until 1 A.M. The sparkling Eiffel Tower is something you do not want to miss. One of the best ways to witness this is on the Seine River Cruise, which I wish I had done.

Restaurants: And is Bambini worth the Hype?

Paris is known for having some of the best food in the world. If you are going to Paris you probably aren't going to have many bad meals. I went to 3 restaurants, 2 cafes, and a crepe stand under the Eiffel Tower.

One thing to know before your trip is, to research the popular food places in the areas you will be. Lots of restaurants have blown up on social media like Bambini, Les Relais de l'Entrecote, Pink Mama, Girafe, Le Café Marly, and Café de Flore. So, it is important to plan accordingly and make reservations before your trip.

Bambini:

Bambini is one of those restaurants that went viral on social media for its classical Parisian interior, amazing food, great location, and stunning view of the Eiffel Tower. But the popularity has made it typically hard to eat there without a reservation especially if you want a patio table with the view.

I was lucky enough to have been able to land an inside reservation the morning of. The food was great, and the interior was beautiful but it was slightly pricy. Overall, I give it a 7 out of 10.