How to see Paris in 2 days!

We visited Paris in August, 2018, for a quick 48 hour trip! We had never been to Paris so we were determined to see all the touristy sights, and we had to be quick! Our favorite things we are so glad we spent the extra money on were:

1. Booking our hotel through Costco! We stayed at the Sofitel Paris le Faubourg (right in the center of the city) - and Costco included airport shuttle for us, an amazing breakfast each morning at the hotel, a room upgrade, and complimentary drinks from the bar! A fun preface to dinner in Paris!

2. Seine River Cruise during the day AND night! We did two river cruises and each experience was totally different. The day time cruise we did as soon as we got to Paris, and we basically got to see the whole city from the water. It was amazing! Then the next day we did a night cruise and got to see the city of lights all lit up!

3. Pay to go into Saint Chapelle. I studied abroad in Italy back in college, and we visited A LOT of churches, including the Sistine Chapel....But Saint Chapelle is the only church that literally took my breath away upon entering. The church is floor to ceiling stained glass and the light in there is something from a storybook. I am so glad we spent the extra time and money to go in. It was worth it x100!

4. Pay to go to the top of the Arch de Triumph. We were given the advice to skip the lines at the Eiffel Tower and spend time to go to the top of the Arch. I am so glad we followed this advice becuase when you want to see the Paris skyline...you want to see the Eiffel tower right?! And the views at the top of the Arch are amazing! I would suggest going around sunset!

5. Listen to the Concierge when it comes to food! We had two AMAZING dinners, both suggested by the Concierge. The first night we ate at Flottes and had amazing roasted chicken, French Onion Soup, and a delicious dry Rose. We sat nice and close to another couple from Seattle (as you do in Paris) - and made friends quickly. We spent three hours drinking, eating and laughing. The second night we ate at Fontaine de Mars (right by the Champ de Mars where the Eiffel Tower is located). This is a small, open air restaurant that President Obama dined at when he visited Paris during his presidency. Again, it was relaxed but the food was amazing!

6. Lastly, find a good croissant and order 5 of them. Then sit, people watch, take in the sights and sounds and enjoy that amazing flakey goodness with a hot cappuccino.