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Only got the weekend in Paris? These are the bars, restaurants, museums and other attractions you shouldn’t miss

It may seem all care-free and laid-back and très, très romantic, but Paris can be a difficult city to explore on a whirlwind weekend. One of the most obvious reasons to visit the French capital is to experience the joys of Parisian life – at least for a few days. If you dash from museum to gallery to brasserie, you’ll see little more than the well-trodden tourist trail, albeit with some world-class art and architecture along the way.

Our 48-hour itinerary includes plenty of the big-hitters, but also some more niche museums, less visited arrondissements and moments for quiet contemplation. As for food, there’s more to discover than the holy trinity of French cuisine (bread, cheese and wine). Sure, no trip to Paris is complete without a night at a natural wine bar, but the cocktail scene is also second to none and tasting menus are getting ever more inventive and affordable. Ready to get out there? Come hungry, pack comfy shoes for walking and don’t even think about planning to go to bed before midnight.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Paris