Forty-eight hours in Paris is way too little to experience its greatness, but it is possible to enjoy some. The trip kind of started wrongly. I was supposed to arrive in Barcelona and already had a hotel booked. My layover was in Amsterdam, and the airline announced that the flight had been canceled. I had two choices, either staying at the airport or going to a hotel. Then, I thought, well, maybe I should ask them to fly me to Paris. They did. I was beyond excited to arrive at the city of love. Soon, that excitement turned into disappointment. The airline lost my luggage. I was cold without a coat or a lover in Paris. Finally, after spending close to three hours at the airport waiting for an answer, I took a taxi to a hotel. And guess what? The card machine wasn’t working! Luckily my mom (who was traveling with me) had some cash. We went to bed around midnight and woke up early to hit the main attractions.
Wait, we needed clothes. The airport is 45 minutes away from downtown Paris. We needed to take the train, but the train workers were on strike. That’s right. So, we took two buses which took forever to get us to a mall. Over there we went eating. My mom hated the ravioli. I wasn’t a fan either. The airline told us we could spend 100 euros each and they would refund us the money. This brings me to one of the things you can do in Paris:
Shopping in Paris
The clothes and shoes are expensive. Let me warn you. 100 was good for two coats, one pair of jeans, a hat, and that was about it. It was fun walking around the mall and listening to the French conversations of the shoppers. I do not remember the name, but it was by a train station. I did notice that even at the mall, life seemed more relaxed than in The United States.
We shopped at Gare de l’Est.
Afterward, we took a taxi to our hotel VERY close to the Eiffel Tower. I just didn’t realize how close it was. Eighteen minutes walk, to be exact.
Walk around the Eiffel Tower.
There are many places to enjoy Parisian life in the area around our hotel, the Saphir Grenelle and Eiffel Tower. Restaurants and cafes have their tables outside, and the atmosphere is fantastic, with people drinking, talking, and laughing. You can buy street food at the Champ de Mars Park. Take photos with the tower illuminated in the background or even go shopping. Tons of things are within walking distance in that area.
Warning: hold onto your purse and don’t leave your belongings unattended at the park.
After a yummy meal, some wine, photos, and walking around, we were ready for bed. I know, I am an old lady! The thing is, my arthritis was acting up.
Tour the Eiffel Tower
The following day we had a delicious breakfast at the hotel and then headed to tour the tower. We went all the way up and even ate at the restaurant on the second floor. The view from there is spectacular. You can see the whole city and the River Seine.
Take a Boat Tour through the River Seine
After viewing the famous river from above, we decided we had to take a boat tour. My mom and I reminisced in the book The Perfume based in Paris. Yep, I can be a nerd. We saw highlights from the boat like the Louvre, Grand Palais and Petit Palais, Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, and others.
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La Seine
You can buy similar coats like the ones I bought is Paris in Amazon at a great price.
Tour Around to Restaurants to Try Parisian Food and Other Kind of Food.
Even Chinese food tastes different in Paris. My mom wanted to eat Chinese rice, so we went to this tiny, cute restaurant. The food was good, and the service was outstanding. We also had other delicacies in other restaurants around the area.
Ride on the Famous Carousel by the Tower.
You can be a sexy woman or an innocent child in Paris. My mom and I rode on the famous carousel. When I was a kid, I didn’t ride in carousels since we were dirt poor and couldn’t afford it. So you can just imagine the level of joy we both felt giggling like little girls.
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My mom in the back.
Walk Around the 7th Arrondissement
The fun and curious things you will see in that area will astonish you. Tons of brides were having their pictures taken. Their grooms held them with love and pride. Some other attractions are street entertainers, beautiful architecture, and an amusing atmosphere.
Shop at the Market
From cheese to fruits to wine, you can buy so many goodies at the street market. Just looking at the things they have is
entertaining.
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A great round-up of your time in Paris. I haven’t been for many years but when I see lovely photos like this it makes me want to rush back. I did smile at the photos of the bridal couples – we saw so many of them around the Eiffel tower and surrounding areas and when we asked the photographer why there were so many it seems they are all on photoshoots for wedding magazines and not real couples!!
I just returned home from a solo trip to Paris, my fourth visit, so I can see why you say it’s hard to select what to see in only 48 hours. But for first time visitors, going to the Eiffel Tower and touring the Seine on a boat cruise would be a must. You’re right about that café on rue Grenelle it offers great views of the tower from there.
48 hours are definitely not enough for a city like Paris, but it seem you made the most out of the time you had! I think it is always a good idea to start with some of the must-sees and explore from there. Your market pictures are great by the way.
You and your mamma had a lovely 48 hours in Paris! It can be expensive I remember it well. The markets there are my favourite, I bought so many things from my last trip!
It was good to know that things took after the missing luggage and the card that didn’t work. Your pictures make Paris look lovelier. Yeah, even I heard Paris is expensive, so will keep that budget when I plan a trip there.
What a lovely rendezvous with your mom in the city love! Although there were mishaps in the beginning, it sounds like you really had a wonderful time. I love your coat. It’s as vibrant as your experience!
Paris is a perfect place as a weekend gateway, and 48 hours is enough to see some of the best highlights and feel a little of the amazing atmosphere of the city. Great tips for trip planning. For sure tour, the Eiffel Tower is a must do, as it’s so impressive. And I agree that a tour to restaurants to try Parisian food is a perfect idea.