48 hours in Paris with Sainsbury’s Bank
48 Hours in Paris: Things to do
Paris attracts millions of visitors every year with its timeless charm. If you’re in the city this summer for a romantic weekend away, a sporting event or visit theme parks, 48 hours in Paris can be plenty of time to visit some of the most iconic attractions.
The best things to do in Paris
There are things to do in Paris to suit every type of holidaymaker. From popular tourist hotspots to arty neighbourhoods and impressive class stadiums, below are some of our top recommendations:
Admire the views from the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower should be on everyone’s Paris itinerary. To avoid long queues, pre-book your tickets online before you go. The views over the Paris rooftops, the Seine and the Champ de Mars are unmissable.
The tower offers three levels for viewing: the first with a thrilling glass floor, the second with excellent mid-height views, and the third providing breathtaking panoramic views of the city. On an evening, the tower lights up in sparkles on the hour every hour from dusk until around 1am.
If you’re feeling daring, you can climb the 674 steps from the ground to the second floor. A trip up the Eiffel Tower can easily be done in an hour, with the opportunity to explore along the Seine River and Champ de Mars before or afterwards too.
Enjoy a Seine River Cruise
Experience Paris from the water with a Seine River cruise. It’s a unique and relaxing way to see the city by day or at night. You could opt for a one-hour cruise that covers major landmarks, offering splendid views of Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Musée d'Orsay.
There are options to suit all budgets and some of the river cruises even offer options to have a three-course meal on board to make it extra special.
Visit the Stade de France
The Stade de France is an iconic sports venue and the biggest stadium in France. It was built in 1998 and has hosted everything from worldwide football tournaments to pop concerts and athletics. It’s renowned for hosting major international events. Check out what's on around the time of your visit.
Discover the Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles, a must-visit for those interested in French history. Once the luxurious residence of King Louis XIV, it’s now the Museum of the History of France. Explore the 18th century splendour of the huge palace and the gardens on your visit.
To make the most of your limited time and avoid crowds, it’s best to visit this Paris attraction early in the morning or on weekdays, the palace is located just a one-hour train ride away from the city centre.
Have lunch in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Head to the charming neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés for lunch, where you’ll find French bistros, bars and stylish shops galore. The leafy streets and trendy feel make it a perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon. Try classic French bistro dishes, like French onion soup and fresh crepes, at renowned spots like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots.
On weekends expect to come across artists selling their paintings on the streets and music performances from live brass bands. This area has a hip vibe that stems from its history of attracting the writers and painters of Paris in years gone by.
Check out the Louvre museum
Spend half a day exploring the world-renowned Louvre Museum, home to some of the world’s most famous works of art. The iconic Louvre houses the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory. Crowds can gather at busy times so be sure to research the best time to visit.
There are also countless other impressive works to see in quieter areas of the museum, and the impressive exterior of the Louvre Palace itself is a popular spot for people watching and taking photos.
Have dinner in Montmartre
Make the most of your evening in Paris with a visit to the beautiful district of Montmartre. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the area is hilly and you don’t want to miss the iconic views from the top. Start by exploring the stunning Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur and work your way down the cobbled streets. It’s at the bottom of this area you’ll find the Moulin Rouge entertainment venue – look out for the distinctive red windmill on top of the building.
Next, stroll through Place du Tertre, a charming square filled with artists painting and sketching. Finish your evening with dinner at a local bistro. Montmartre's bohemian charm provides a perfect end to your day in Paris.
Currency for your trip to Paris
France adopted the euro in 2002. If you’re planning a trip to Paris, it’s a good idea to take a combination of cash and cards for your travel money, so you’re prepared for any eventuality.
Get your euros from Sainsbury’s Bank before you travel, so you can make the most of every moment in Paris. You can buy euros from a travel money bureau near you or order them online or by telephone for collection or delivery.
The Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card is a convenient alternative to carrying your British bank cards. Simply load it up with currency and manage your spending in Paris through the app. You can avoid any additional bank charges that may apply when using your bank card abroad. Our travel money card lets you withdraw from ATMs (some ATM operators may charge an extra fee), make contactless payments and use chip and PIN.
Organising travel insurance for your trip to Paris
No matter what your plans are in Paris, it’s advisable to have travel insurance. It can protect you in the event of any unexpected mishaps. Take out travel insurance for your trip to Paris before you go to make sure you’re covered for a range of eventualities.
FAQs
What is a must do in Paris for 48 hours?
It all depends on your interests and the purpose of your trip. If it’s your first time visiting the city then seeing the top tourist attractions such as the Eifel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum is recommended.
Is a two-day trip to Paris too short?
It depends on what your plans are. A two-day trip to Paris means you’ll need to plan your days well to make sure you can fit everything in but it is definitely do-able. With efficient transport links on the Metro it’s quick and easy to navigate all the different areas of the city.
Is Paris very expensive?
How expensive you find Paris depends on the plans you have there and your budget. In terms of cost of food and drinks, it’s a similar cost to eating out in London or any other major European city.