Paris, the City of Light, evokes images of candlelit dinners along the Seine, world-class art, elegant fashion, and timeless landmarks. It’s a place where elegance meets history, and where every corner whispers romance and refinement. For those seeking to experience the very best of this extraordinary city over the course of a luxury weekend, we’ve created the ultimate 48-hour itinerary. From Michelin-starred dining to private river cruises and iconic monuments, this guide promises an unforgettable Parisian adventure packed with charm, indulgence, and bespoke experiences.
Day 1: Arrival & Immersive Parisian Indulgence
Start your luxury weekend in Paris by checking into one of the city’s most exclusive hotels. Choose between legendary palaces like Hôtel Plaza Athénée, The Ritz Paris, or Le Meurice—each offering a unique blend of opulence, top-tier service, and history. Once settled into your luxurious suite, complete with views of the Eiffel Tower or a private courtyard, it’s time to step into your Parisian adventure.
Head to the Right Bank for lunch at Le Meurice Alain Ducasse, where the grandeur of the décor is only rivaled by the excellence of the cuisine. After savoring this culinary masterpiece, wander through the nearby Tuileries Garden, a stunning oasis once part of the royal palace. Stroll along the meticulously landscaped paths, stop for coffee, and enjoy the scenery that has inspired generations of artists.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Musée du Louvre. Enter through the iconic glass pyramid and marvel at the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and countless other artistic treasures that reside within the Louvre Palace. Even a brief visit to this world-renowned museum provides a glimpse into centuries of artistic achievement.
As the sun sets, take a short walk to the Place de la Concorde, and then continue towards the Champs-Élysées, window shopping at flagship stores like Louis Vuitton and Cartier. Parisian luxury is best experienced at a slow pace, with moments of quiet awe at the refinement and history surrounding you.
For the perfect end to your first evening, embark on a private dinner cruise with Private Seine River Cruise. Enjoy Michelin-starred dining as you float past illuminated monuments such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Pont Neuf, and of course, the Eiffel Tower. This tailor-made experience offers delicious food, impeccable service, and panoramic views—all aboard a yacht reserved exclusively for you and your guests.
Book your Private Cruise with DOLCE VITA
Day 2: Hidden Gems, Culture & Couture
Begin your second day with breakfast at Café de Flore, one of Paris’s most historic and stylish cafés, located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Indulge in rich hot chocolate and fresh pastries as you watch the Parisian morning come to life.
Then, visit the Sainte-Chapelle, a Gothic masterpiece known for its towering stained glass windows that cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the stone interior. Located on the Île de la Cité, just steps from Notre-Dame, it’s a quiet, breathtaking place that embodies the city’s medieval beauty.
For lunch, head to the Left Bank and dine at L'Ambroisie in the Place des Vosges, a Michelin-starred gem known for classic French cuisine. The surrounding Marais district invites leisurely walks through its charming streets filled with boutiques, art galleries, and hidden courtyards.
After lunch, enjoy a shopping experience curated just for you. Whether you’re looking for haute couture from the houses of Chanel, Dior, or Hermès, or you prefer independent designers in the Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris is the ultimate destination for fashion lovers. Your hotel concierge or a dedicated luxury concierge service can arrange private shopping experiences, complete with stylists and VIP access.
Spend your late afternoon at the Musée Rodin or the Musée de l’Orangerie, both of which offer art in peaceful, less crowded settings. Here, you can soak up the genius of Monet, Rodin, and other masters without the rush of larger museums.
Book your Private Cruise with DOLCE VITA
As evening falls, indulge in one of the city’s Michelin-starred dining rooms. Guy Savoy, Le Cinq, or Arpège all offer spectacular meals that elevate dining to an art form. End your evening with a glass of champagne at a rooftop bar like Terrass’’ Hotel Montmartre or Le Perchoir, offering some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower and Parisian rooftops glittering under the stars.
Bonus Experiences for Your Luxury Weekend
If your itinerary allows a little extra time or you wish to swap in experiences more tailored to your tastes, consider these bespoke moments:
Schedule a private photo shoot with a professional photographer to capture your time in Paris. Whether it’s a sunrise moment at Pont Alexandre III, a walk hand-in-hand along the Seine, or a glamorous portrait in the Place du Trocadéro, it’s a keepsake you’ll treasure forever.
Enjoy a gourmet picnic along the Seine, complete with a curated basket of delicious food, a picnic blanket, and even wine tasting selections provided by your concierge. Opt for a sunset picnic at Square du Vert Galant or near the Pont des Arts, where the atmosphere is quiet, romantic, and quintessentially Parisian.
Consider a day trip to Versailles, the Loire Valley, or Champagne. For those with a little more time, these destinations offer a change of pace and an immersion into the regal and rural splendor of France.
If it’s your first time visiting Paris and you only have 48 hours, focus on quality over quantity. Allow each experience the time it deserves, and remember that the magic of the city often lies in the little details—a shared smile over coffee, the sound of street music drifting through a hidden courtyard, or a simple stroll along Rue de Rivoli.
Paris isn’t a place to be rushed. It's a city that rewards those who wander, who savor, and who take in the grandeur at their own pace. With so much to see and do, 48 hours might only scratch the surface, but with the right itinerary, it can still feel like a fully immersive, luxury getaway.
Book your Private Cruise with DOLCE VITA
Final Moments in the City of Light
On your final morning, visit the Arc de Triomphe, and take in the view down the Champs-Élysées. If you're a huge fanof history and architecture, you’ll appreciate the grandeur of the monument and its Napoleonic roots. From there, walk to Place du Trocadéro for one last view of the Iron Lady, standing proud and regal across the Seine.
If time allows, end your weekend with brunch at Le Bristol Paris or Ritz Paris, both offering elegant dining rooms and exquisite menus. Sip a final cappuccino, take a deep breath, and allow the moments of the weekend to linger just a little longer.
From its legendary landmarks to its hidden gems, from haute couture to artistic treasures, Paris is the definition of timeless luxury. And whether you're here for a romantic getaway, a birthday, or simply to indulge in the pleasures of life, the memories you make in this city will stay with you forever.
To make your weekend truly unforgettable, don’t miss the opportunity to experience Private Seine River Cruise. Their bespoke itineraries, world-class service, and unmatched views are the perfect complement to your luxury escape. Whether you're planning a celebration, a honeymoon, or just an indulgent two days, let the Seine—and Paris—work its magic.
Your 48 hours in Paris may come to an end, but the romance, the taste, the sights, and the memories will last a lifetime. As you say au revoir, know that Paris will always be here to welcome you back—perhaps next time for a little longer, or with even more magic planned.