The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect 48 Hours in Paris

I have always loved the New York Times Series of “36 Hours in….”: which features cities all over the world.

It truly is remarkable how much there is to see in Paris. It is the type of city you can come back to again and again, and there will always be more to discover. The mix of timeless classic and vibrantly modern here is just unparalleled.

I enjoy making a pit stop on our flights from Miami to Israel, and last year’s visit to Amsterdam was nothing short of amazing! This time, inspired by an extraordinary exhibition at the Louvre, I was determined to include Paris in our travels. It had been two and a half years since our last trip there (read all about it here), and we were eager to explore all the sights we didn’t have time for during our previous visit. This time, it was about uncovering the hidden gems and iconic landmarks that awaited us!

Fun Fact: Paris is the museum capital of the world, boasting (at the time of writing this) 297 museums just within the city.

THE GOLDEN THREAD EXHIBIT

Le Musée du Quai Branly- Jacques Chirac is dedicated to the arts and cultures of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. So if you’re curious about global perspectives, this is the place for you.

The Au Fil D’Or exhibit, which is still up until July 6, 2025, was something beyond the usual. "Fil d’or" means “golden thread,” and this exhibition dives into the global history and artistry of gold thread in textiles. We’re talking painstaking embroidery, metal weaving, and luxury textiles made with real gold or gold alloy. It's like watching history sparkle. This exhibition has been beautifully curated and is not to be missed!

THE SEINE RIVER CRUISE

WITH THE EIFFEL TOWER AS THE MAIN STAR

I always recommend seeing a city from its waterways. This time, a private boat ride on the Seine gave us an incredible perspective of the city, some of its museums, and stunning architecture. We went under several different bridges, including the Alexander III bridge.

There are several replicas of the Statue of Liberty in Paris, including one at the Musée d'Orsay and another in the Musée des Arts et Métiers. From here, we had a chance to see one, and my girls loved it! The centrepiece though, was seeing the Eiffel Tower as the sun was setting, and then seeing it all lit up.

Fun Fact: Did you know the Eiffel Tower lights up for the first 5 minutes of every hour at night until midnight? This is a spectacle you do not want to miss.

HOTEL DE LA MARINE

(NOT AN ACTUAL HOTEL)

This is your chance to visit a palace without ever leaving the center of Paris. This hidden gem was never a hotel in the modern sense of the word. I have driven by this museum multiple times and never took the time to stop in. Located in Plaza de La Concorde, this opulent museum feels like a Mini Versailles palace minus the gardens. The views are incredible too! This was originally the headquarters of the royal Garde-Meuble—the institution in charge of furnishing the royal palaces, including Versailles.

They both reflect the Neoclassical and Rococo design trends that were popular among the French elite.

LE GALERIE DIOR

FASHION IS ART

Although the Dior Museum is not the first to showcase clothing as art, I would argue that they have done it the best.The exhibit has undergone several updates, yet it retains a captivating atmosphere that brilliantly showcases the creativity and breadth of Christian Dior's work.

MUSEE DE L’ORANGERIE

THE WATERLILIES AT THEIR BEST

Monet, one of the most acclaimed artists, is best known for his water lilies. In two rooms, featuring four water lilies paintings each, we encountered eight stunning pieces of art, each profoundly peaceful and impactful. During our last visit to Paris, we visited his home in Giverny, which gave us a whole new appreciation of the waterlilies. The sheer size and vibrant colors of these paintings truly showcase Monet's brilliance.

ARC DE TRIOMPHE

VIEW FROM ABOVE, BUT NOT FROM THE EIFFEL TOWER

Many are unaware that ascending to the summit of the Arc de Triomphe provides a breathtaking panorama of Paris, particularly at sunset. From this vantage point, you can admire the iconic Eiffel Tower—if you time your visit just right, you might even catch it sparkling. The views extend to the streets of Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur, the Champs-Élysées, and the skyline highlighted by the Grande Arche. Moreover, you'll have a great view of the twelve avenues radiating from the Arc de Triomphe.

THE LOUVRE

We went specifically for the amazing Couture exhibit. Housed in the Napoleon Apartments (which I had never been to), this exhibit showcases Couture designs from multiple design houses, and curates amazing art pieces alongside. The Napoleon III Apartments are located in the Louvre because the Louvre wasn't always just an art museum.

The Louvre was a royal residence for centuries before becoming a museum. Then, under Napoleon III, it was expanded and modernized as part of a project to enhance Paris. Lavish state apartments were created for official functions and to impress dignitaries. They remain in the Louvre as a stunning exhibit from a time when the museum still served governmental purposes.

PETIT PALAIS

THERE’S NOTHING PETITE ABOUT IT

Petit Palais is a free museum located in front of the Grand Palais. The architecture is amazing. It was built in 1900 for the World’s Fair. The building itself is a work of art, and you can see all the sculptures and paintings it holds. It has a very Parisian feel—they just don’t have buildings like this in the U.S. (as noted by one of my younger daughters).

Fun Fact: There’s a special coffee shop here, Cafe 1902.

Conclusion (but say it in a French accent)

Paris Je t’aime. This is a city we each fell in love with just a bit more this time. Always with something new to see, a new exhibit to explore. For my girls, Paris was just a feast for their eyes.

We were able to cover all the main attractions we had planned, plus a few extra. Until the next time…

Is this still a bit too overwhelming? Piecing small cute places together is “Camp Lisa's” specialty. Customizing the stops along the way or creating an itinerary just for you is what Camp Lisa’s all about.

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