Hi, we are Ava and Cali, two 21-year-olds studying abroad who love spontaneous trips, great food, and traveling smart. We booked a last-minute flight and set out to spend 48 hours in Paris with one goal: experience as much of the city as possible without blowing our budget.
Paris is known for its style and elegance, but we quickly learned you don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy it. With a little planning, we found incredible food, thoughtful shopping, and everyday moments that made the trip unforgettable.
Here’s how we made the most of 48 hours in Paris maximizing time, experiences, and our budget.
Day 1: Arrival, Wandering & First Night Eats
Where We Stayed
We dropped our bags at a super affordable hotel, Hôtel Daval, located near Place de la Bastille in the heart of Paris. Our room was just €70 a night, and the location made the stay even better. Ava loved being able to walk everywhere, while Cali loved stepping straight into cafés, shops, and everyday Parisian life each morning.
Staying in central neighborhoods like Le Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés saved us time and money on transportation.
Insider Tip: Prioritize location over room size – you won’t spend much time in your room anyway.
Bites We’re Still Thinking About
The first night for dinner we headed to the restaurant TIO. Cali said it felt like a spot locals would recommend. The vibe was relaxed, not touristy, and exactly what we needed after a long travel day. We ordered small plates so we could try more without overspending, which Ava loved because it made the meal feel fun and social.
We started with margaritas made just for us (one spicy, one sweet), followed by a bright ceviche with shrimp and white fish. When the chef brought out crispy dough pastries filled with melted cheese, Ava said the contrast with the spicy ceviche was perfect especially with the fresh, cold guacamole on the side. We shared a flight of tacos; lamb, chicken, and prawn. The sauce was spicy and sweet and tied everything together.
Cali still talks about the dessert we ordered, Tres leches with fresh mint. It was light, creamy, and honestly one of our favorite desserts of the entire trip.
Insider Tip: Order dishes meant for sharing. You’ll try more, spend less, and the experience feels way more fun.
Day 2: Wandering, Treats & a Classic Paris Night
We started our second day the simplest way possible: coffee and croissants near our hotel. Ava grabbed a cappuccino, Cali went for a flaky croissant, and we stood outside watching the city wake up. It was unplanned, low-key, and exactly how Paris mornings should feel.
Starting the day close to where we were staying made everything easier. No rushing, no reservations, just good coffee, fresh pastries, then a stroll over to the Louvre.
Insider Tip: Skip sit-down breakfasts. A coffee and croissant from a nearby café is cheaper, faster, and feels way more Parisian.
Shop Vintage for Timeless Keepsakes
We spent the afternoon vintage shopping which is one of Ava’s most favorite parts of the trip. Here we are in two sweaters we thrifted at a great shop, La Shoperie. Instead of souvenirs, we looked for pieces we’d actually wear, especially around Saint-Ouen.
Insider Tip: Buy one meaningful piece you’ll keep forever instead of multiple things you’ll forget about.
Choose a Sweet Treat
Instead of stopping at every pastry shop, we picked one dessert spot that felt special: Jade Genin. Cali loved how the space felt more like a gallery than a bakery, and Ava appreciated that each chocolate felt intentional, not something you rush through.
We each chose just a couple of pieces which made it feel like a treat rather than a splurge.
Insider Tip: Go in the afternoon when it’s quieter, and buy fewer pieces quality over quantity always wins in Paris.
Pick a Restaurant with a View
After a full day of shopping we headed to the restaurant, Margaux for a more classic Paris dinner, and the moment we sat down, Ava said, “Okay, this is our “Paris moment.” The table was perfectly set, with a direct view of the Eiffel Tower, and it felt unreal especially knowing we didn’t need to splurge to be there.
We could’ve stayed budget-friendly by ordering cocktails and appetizers, but we decided to make it a full dinner. Cali ordered the French onion soup, which came overflowing with melted cheese and puff pastry. We also ordered bone marrow, which tasted like butter and came with warm sourdough bread indulgent but worth it. Cocktails were around 9 – 15 euros, which felt like a steal for the view.
For mains, we shared steak frites, beef bourguignon, and beef filet with pepper sauce. Ava loved how bold the sauces were without feeling heavy. We ended with a chocolate mousse that was rich but still light.
Insider Tip: Go just before sunset. You get daylight, golden hour, and the Eiffel Tower lit up, all in one dinner.
Let the City Be the Luxury
By the second day, we realized some of our favorite moments cost nothing at all. Cali loved walking along the Seine at sunset, while Ava could’ve spent hours sitting at a café people-watching with just one drink. Wandering through Palais-Royal without a plan ended up being one of our favorite afternoons.
Paris really rewards slowing down.
Insider Tip: Walk everywhere, order one coffee, stay awhile, and let the city surprise you.
With the right choices, Paris can feel special no matter your budget. The city rewards those who slow down, notice the details, and enjoy what’s right in front of them.
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