How to Spend 48 Hours in Paris with Kids
Paris is easily one of my favorite cities, especially in the cooler months. There's something magical about Paris in the fall and winter. The crowds thin out, and the city glows under a winter light. It's a perfect time to wander through its picturesque neighborhoods, dive into its rich museum scene, and indulge in amazing culinary delights. Ideally, spending four or five days would let you soak it all in without rushing. But, if you're pressed for time, worry not! You can still experience the best of Paris in just 48 hours. Just be sure to make reservations wherever possible to streamline your visit.
Day 1: Immersive Exploration
Morning:
Notre Dame Cathedral: Start your day in the Marais district, where it’s a lovely walk to the cathedral. While it's closed for restoration until December 2024, you can admire its majestic exterior from a designated viewing area.
Latin Quarter: Next, meander over to the Latin Quarter. The goal here is simple: enjoy the ambiance. The streets are alive with history and vibrancy, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely exploration. Grab a snack at a cafe to keep your energy up, and plan to return in the evening for dinner, as the area is teeming with excellent dining options.
St. Germain des Pres: This neighborhood is a treasure trove of cobblestone streets and hidden passageways. Just across the river from the Louvre, it’s an easy walk and a wonderful area to simply wander and discover.
Afternoon to Evening:
Louvre Museum: Pre-book your tickets and then find your designated entrance line in front of the pyramid. Plan to spend a couple of hours here. Kids don’t tend to last very long in art museums. The museum itself is vast, so prioritize exhibits you would like to see. If you or the kids need a break, the statue garden is a serene spot to regroup. For snacks, opt for a quick café over one of the restaurants, such as Angelina’s, to save time.
Jardin des Tuileries: Right outside the Louvre, this garden offers a peaceful escape with ponds and grassy areas. We decided against the carnival rides in favor of enjoying the natural setting, which was a perfect way to relax before dinner.
Day 2: Iconic Landmarks and Relaxing Gardens
Morning:
Eiffel Tower: It's best to get here early as it gets busy. Pre-book your tickets to save time. We were unable to pre-book our tickets when we visited in January, and spent about an hour in line. During other times of the year, they may be sold out or have exceptionally long lines. The Trocadero metro stop offers fantastic views for photos before you even reach the tower. Keep an eye on your belongings and skip the street vendor trinkets. There are gift shops available once you are up in the tower.
Afternoon:
Luxembourg Gardens: After the tower, the Luxembourg Gardens are a must-visit. You can take an RER train to the Luxembourg stop or the Metro to either Odeon or Cluny La Sorbonne for the closest access. It's a wonderful place for a leisurely stroll, a snack, and some playtime for the kids at their large playground and pond.
Evening:
Early Dinner and Seine River Cruise: Enjoy an early dinner at a trendy spot like Italian restaurant, Papilla Soufflet, near the gardens. Then, head to Pont Neuf for a memorable evening cruise on the Seine. Vedettes du Pont Neuf offers great open-air seating on the top level. Book in advance and arrive early to board.
If Time Allows:
Explore the Montmartre neighborhood or consider a day trip to Versailles. Both offer unique experiences that are quintessentially Parisian.
Remember, Paris is a city best experienced at your own pace. Even with just 48 hours, you can capture the essence of this beautiful city. Enjoy every moment!
