2 days in paris walking tour

2 Days In Paris Itinerary (Walking Tour + Maps and Tips)

By: Author Christine Rogador

Posted on Published: January 5, 2021 - Last updated: November 18, 2023

Are you looking for 2 days in Paris itinerary? Two days seems like such a short time if you’re visiting Paris for the first time.

The romantic French capital has a lot to offer that you can add to your France bucket list .

However, if that’s all the time you have then it’s best to make the most of it.

In my last visit to Paris early this year, I only had 2 days to spare as I had to go to Portugal. But I managed to squeeze a lot of places in my two days in Paris to take more pictures for this website as I planned my itinerary well. This itinerary is the exact itinerary I used the last time.

RELATED READ : Is Paris Expensive? What You Need To Know (2023)

Also, this is more of a self-guided walking tour, and took Uber to get to my first destination from my hotel and from my last destination back to the hotel. Cases were rising in France while I was there so I avoided the crowd as much as possible so rest assured that this 2-day itinerary is aimed to maximize your time and money well as I didn’t use the metro at all.

It seems daunting to squeeze all the best sights in 2 days in Paris but it is quite doable though. Without further ado, here’s an ideal 2 days in Paris itinerary that takes you through some of the best spots in the city .

Things you'll find in this article

Palais Garnier

Louvre museum, domaine national du palais-royal, pont des arts, shakespeare and company, notre dame of paris, the pantheon, arc de triomphe, trocadero gardens and eiffel tower, pont alexandre iii, travel tips and resources.

Day 1 of 2 days in Paris itinerary

I started my day in Palais Garnier at 9 am. I landed at 7 in the morning and because I only had 2 days in Paris, I didn’t waste time and left my hotel as soon as I checked in. I took an Uber from my hotel in Gare Du Nord but you can also take the metro of course. Just take the metro that goes to Opera Metro station.

Said to be an ode to Parisian architecture, the enchanting Palais Garnier is an important part of Paris’ ballet and classical music scene. Also called the Opera Garnier Paris or simply the Paris Opera , this cultural jewel has a history that’s as fascinating as the productions within its walls.

Home to the Paris Ballet, the Palais Garnier is regarded as one of the grandest and most prestigious opera houses in the world. If you’re not familiar with this place, it is the setting of The Phantom Of The Opera and it was also used as one of the settings in Emily In Paris . Remember when Emily followed Pierre Cadault to the Opera House discussing Gossip Girl and her grand staircase scene with the French professor telling him he is such a snob? Yep, they were taken in Palais Garnier.

It’s so easy to spend an hour or two in this place admiring the architecture. But since I was pressed with time, I only spent half hour in Palais Garnier. Get those headsets to help you with your self-guided tour and don’t forget to take pictures of the grand staircase!

Recommended Hours: 1-1.5 hours

Ticket: €12

Buy your ticket online here.

From Palais Garnier, I just walked towards the Louvre. It’s only about 1.5 km from the Opera House and it’s only around a 15-minute walk. I actually stopped quite a few times to admire the architecture along the way. I took Architecture in college so yes, I love architecture if that is not obvious yet.

It was also my first time in the Louvre but unfortunately, I managed to drop by during the start of the pandemic, and the museum was closed.

I just decided to take photos outside of the museum. But if you manage to visit during a better time, my friends recommend spending at least a half-day to appreciate the artworks in one, if not the best, museums in the world.

Louvre is another Paris attraction that draws over a million visitors every year. It has a longer, and more colorful history than the Eiffel Tower .

The Louvre that we know today wasn’t always a massive reposito ry of the world’s greatest fine art collections. The museum palace was initially built as a fortress at the start of the 13th century, then it became a palace, and then the Parisian museum that we know today.

Recommended Hours: At least 4 hours to peruse some of the world’s most coveted fine arts but if you don’t have enough time, you can do it for 2 hours. If the museum is closed just like what I have experienced, half-hour will suffice to take those profile pics by the Louvre pyramid!

Ticket: €17

If you want to save time, you can buy your skip-the-line ticket for the Louvre here .

Because I wasn’t able to enter the museum, I decided to just visit the palace across from the Louvre. Domaine National du Palais-Royal is a former residence of the French royal families before the Palace of Versailles was built. It is quite a popular place in Paris for Instagrammers due to the small columns on the palace grounds and a popular relaxing place for locals.

The palace also has a beautiful garden that you can relax on after a few hours of sightseeing. There are several restaurants in the area so I took the opportunity to have my lunch here.

Recommended Hours: 1-2 hours

Ticket: Access for everyone is free

From Domaine National de Palais-Royal, it’s only around a 10-minute walk to Pont des Arts. Pont des Arts is popularly known as the “love lock bridge” famous around the world for lovers, who attached padlocks and threw the keys to the Seine river signifying eternal commitment.

This had become a serious safety problem though and the local authority had to remove the padlocks and discouraged the tourists from leaving more padlocks.

There’s nothing special to this bridge in my opinion, even with the old padlocks before, but it is located in the Seine river which is one of the most romantic and scenic parts of the city.

You can walk along the area and just enjoy the view of the river or the architecture along the river bank.

As a bookworm, I recommend dropping by this historic bookstore . Shakespeare and Company is a literary institution in the Left Bank of Paris, directly opposite the Notre Dame of Paris.

Founded by American George Whitman in 1951, it became a popular gathering place for inspiring writers. Among the writers who used to come here were Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, Ford Madox Ford, among others.

The original bookshop was named Le Mistral but was renamed after William Shakespeare as a tribute for his 400th birth anniversary.

Recommended Hours: As someone who loves books so much I’d recommend staying for the whole day but if you are pressed with time, a half-hour to one hour will suffice to find some good books.

Notre Dame is literally across the river from the bookstore and it’s a short walk from Shakespeare and Company.

Regarded as one of the most important cathedrals in France, Notre Dame de Paris is also one of the most famous in the world.

Built in 1163, this medieval Catholic cathedral is said to be one of the best examples of French Gothic architecture.

It is located on the Île de la Cité in the 4th arrondissement of Paris . Notre Dame is known as the most visited monument in Europe, even after the April 2019 fire. The affected areas are slowly being reconstructed based on an accurate reconstruction plan.

I only managed to take pictures from far away due to construction so I only spent less than 15 minutes in the area.

From Notre Dame, you can easily walk to The Pantheon. Not to be mistaken for The Pantheon in Rome, the Pantheon in Paris was originally a church. It was built around 1757 by the architect Jacques-Germain Soufflé as the Church of Sainte-Geneviève.

Later on, during the French Revolution, the church was secularized. It is now the final resting place of many French luminaries.

The Panthéon’s illustrious crypt contains the remains of famous French personalities such as Marie Curie, Victor Hugo, and Voltaire.

Be sure to check out the replica of Foucault’s pendulum here and see how it gave evidence of the earth’s rotation.

This was also my last destination for my first day in Paris. I actually had ample time to visit 1-2 more places as my sightseeing ended around 4 pm but jetlag was starting to catch up with me so I decided to have an early dinner and booked an Uber straight to my hotel.

Recommended Hours: 1 hour to 1.5 hours

Ticket: €11.50/ €9 (concessions). €3 extra to access the upper parts of the Panthéon (April-October). Free admission: First Sunday of the month from 1 November to 31 March. Free for those under 26 from countries within the European Union, as well as primary and secondary teachers.

Day 2 of 2 days in Paris itinerary

I started my day earlier on my second day in Paris. At 7 in the morning, I was already on my way to the Arc de Triomphe after eating breakfast at my hotel. Again, I took an Uber.

One of the iconic symbols in Paris , Arc de Triomphe honors those who fought and died for France.

This famous landmark has the names of those generals and French victories inscribed to its outer and inner surfaces but do you know beneath its vault lies the remains of an unknown soldier? He symbolizes all those unnamed heroes who died during World War I.

Arc de Triomphe is located at the center of Place Charles De Gaulle connecting all the 12 major avenues in Paris. The juncture formed by these twelve avenues creates a star thus the official name of this landmark is Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile, which translates to Triumphal Arch of the Star.

Recommended Hours – half hour to one hour

Ticket: If you are planning to go up the arc, a ticket is around €13.

From Arc de Triomphe, it’s about a 15-minute walk to Trocadero Gardens. This garden is the best place to take your Eiffel Tower pictures. And no Paris itinerary is complete without visiting Eiffel Tower.

Without a doubt one of the most iconic French monuments , the Eiffel Tower is the ultimate Parisian symbol.

Designed by Gustave Eiffel , the tower was inaugurated during the 1889 Exposition Universelle. Many influential Parisians at that time called this an eyesore.

Today, it remains to be one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world , an ultimate symbol of Paris and a beloved tourist destination.

I actually spent the entire morning here as unlike the previous day, I wanted a more relaxed itinerary on my second day in Paris. I also enjoyed a nice lunch in one of the restaurants with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Recommended Hours – 2-3 hours

Ticket:

From Eiffel Tower , you can walk to Pont Alexandre III. It’s around 12-14 minute walk only. The Alexander III bridge was built to honor the alliance between France and Russia and was opened in 1900.

It is regarded as one of the most beautiful historic bridges in Paris , with its elegant imperial design adorned with golden statues and its columns.

The bridge connects the Invalides on the left bank and the Grand Palais and Petit Palais on the right bank of the River Seine.

Situated just a few minutes away from Champs Elysées, the Alexander III bridge stands out with its beautiful Art Nouveau lamps. Ornate and extravagant, a walk here is one of the must do’s when in Paris.

Recommended Hours: half an hour

From Alexandre III bridge, I took an Uber to Sacré-Cœur . The area is walking distance to my hotel so I decided to spend my whole afternoon here.

Situated in the north of Paris at 130 meters high hill of Montmartre. It’s a fascinating area that’s known for the white-domed Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Sacré-Cœur) and as an artist hub.

A must visit in the area is the Square of Tertre, not too far from the basilica. This is where artists set up their workspaces or showcase their art.

This part of Montmartre is a reminder of how this very same place was the hub of modern art in the early 20th century.

It was where artists such as Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet , Pablo Picasso, and Vincent van Gogh worked.‬

By 3 pm, I was already done exploring Montmarte and decided to just head back to my hotel. I could have added Moulin Rouge since it’s also walking distance from Montmarte but I have already visited it before so I decided to just grab a light dinner on the way to my hotel and started packing for my early flight the next day.

Recommended Hours: 2-3 hours

So there you have it, a perfect itinerary for 2 days in Paris. Enough to visit the best attractions in Paris but also enough not to tire yourself out and still enjoy these places.

Check out our other itineraries in Paris:

3 Days in Paris Itinerary

Travel Insurance: I never leave home without travel insurance. My personal opinion is if you can afford to travel, you can afford to buy a travel insurance. All things can happen while on the road and you can never be too sure. And it's something that you'll be glad to have when you need it. For my preferred travel insurance, I use Safety Wing .

What To Wear: If you want some ideas on what to pack for France, check out this packing list guide for France .

Where To Stay: I personally use Booking.com for all my accommodations. Check out for their latest deals here .

Reading Resources: Check out our best reading resources here .

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.

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2 Days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary

Last updated: July 25, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 91 Comments

Paris is easily one of our favourite European cities, and one that we return to time and again. It has so much to offer, from beautiful views to world class museums to fabulous food.

We’ve visited a number of times, both for short breaks like the 2 days in this Paris itinerary, as well as for more prolonged stays as part of a longer European itinerary .

Speaking of a shorter visit, we wanted to share with you an itinerary for 2 days in Paris that will get you to all our favourite sights in the city.

Fair warning, this is a busy itinerary that covers a lot, so feel free to adjust it accordingly. However, if you want to see as much as you can – this will help you do that. If you have slightly longer, you might want to check out our guide to spending 3 days in Paris .

This Paris itinerary is perfect for a first-time visitor, or even a returning visitor looking for a quick 2 days in Paris that includes most of the major attractions.

After the itinerary itself, we’ll share some tips and advice for visiting Paris, as well as some ideas for saving money on your trip. Now onto our suggestions of how to spend the perfect 2 days in Paris.

Table of Contents:

2 Day Paris Itinerary

Paris itinerary: day 1, sainte chapelle.

I have to admit, it took multiple visits to Paris before I actually visited Sainte Chapelle . Suffice to say, my mind was blown. This is without doubt one of the prettiest churches I’ve ever visited, and I can’t believe it took me so long to actually go inside.

With almost floor to ceiling stained glass windows, this 13th century gothic chapel will literally take your breath away when you walk inside. Don’t feel bad if you stand there, mouth agape with wonder. I certainly did, until I remembered myself and got to taking some pictures. It’s a truly wonderful place, and an absolute must in Paris.

Sainte Chapelle normally opens at 9am, and we highly recommend you get here by 9am sharp, if not a little earlier, in order to get in before the queues. It’s a relatively small attraction, and the security and ticket lines can be long, so arriving here when it opens will save you a lot of time.

There’s a fee for visiting, and it’s included on the Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass (see our review of the Paris Pass here , and our review of the Paris Museum Pass here ).

You can also buy your ticket online in advance from GetYourGuide here , which is highly recommended as the ticket line can be very long. At time of writing the GetYourGuide ticket also includes access to the nearby Conciergerie, which is also well worth a visit.

Alternatively, you can buy a standalone ticket on the official site here .

A quick note on buying tickets online – you can normally do so via the official site or via a third party like GetYourGuide.

We nearly always opt for GetYourGuide because the tickets often come with free cancellation, unlike tickets sold via the official sites. This is very handy for peace of mind. However, you do always need to check and compare prices and policies for each ticket to be sure.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Just near Saint Chapelle is one of Paris’s most well know religious buildings – Notre-Dame Cathedral . With two huge towers and mighty flying buttresses, it’s not hard to see why this has become one of Paris’s iconic attractions, not to mention one of the most famous churches in the world.

2 Days in Paris - Notre Dame from behind

Completed in 1345 after nearly 200 years of construction, Notre Dame is a beautiful building that is well worth the visit.

Unfortunately, on April 15th 2019 a devastating fire seriously damaged Notre Dame. The cathedral will be closed for the foreseeable future as a result of this tragic incident. Whilst you can still see the inside, the interior is not currently accessible.

We would suggest that instead you add a nearby attraction like the Conciergerie to your list. This an excellent place to learn all about the French Revolution, and was where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned prior to her execution.

You can get a combined ticket that includes Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie here which will save you a bit of money.

From Notre Dame it’s a 20-minute walk (or 15-minute metro ride) to one of Paris’s most famous museums – the Louvre .

This is of course home to the Mona Lisa (which many visitors make a bee-line for!) and the Venus de Milo, but the largest and most visited art gallery in the world has a great deal more to offer than these two sights, from Islamic art to Greek antiquities.

You could spend a whole day (or more!) just exploring the Louvre, but that would restrict the rest of your Paris sightseeing, so try and limit yourself to two or three hours if you can!

Also, you should be aware that the Louvre is one of Paris’s most popular attractions, and lines can get long. Usually there are two main entry lines outside the glass pyramid, one fast track security line for those with advance tickets, and one slower line for people without an advance ticket.

On some exceptionally busy days, entrance is only permitted with an advance purchase ticket, and we definitely recommend you buy yours in advance of your visit so as not to miss out. This will also normally save you time as the line for those with tickets is normally a lot quicker.

We’d definitely encourage you to save money and time by either getting a fast-track ticket in advance, or buying a pass that gives you access to the fast-track line.

For example, both the Paris Pass and the Paris Museum Pass offer free entry to the Louvre with fast-track access. It’s also included on the Paris City Card . See more at the end of the post on which pass is going to best for this two-day itinerary.

Note that in the busy times, which tend to be the summer periods especially, the Louvre gets very busy. In fact, the museum often sells out, and only holders of advance purchase tickets or timed reservations were able to enter the museum.

If you have a Paris Pass or Paris Museum Pass , you need to reserve your entry online on the official website . This is mandatory for holders of these passes in order to guarantee entry, and we highly recommend you do this in advance. If you do not reserve your slot in advance, you are not guaranteed entry even with the pass.

If you have a Paris City Card , you’ll book the timeslot you want when you book the card.

If you do not have a pass, you can buy your ticket and reserve your entry time either on GetYourGuide here (where we normally get our tickets ), or online on the official website here .

We’ve sometimes found that GetYourGuide has availability even when the official site is out, so it’s always worth checking if you want to visit and can’t find tickets on the official site.

Finally, you can also book a walking tour of the Louvre like this . This is a great option if you want to learn more about what you are seeing, as well as if you can’t get tickets any other way!

We’d suggest using Take Walks for this – we’ve taken a lot of walking tours with them in cities all around the world, and love the knowledgeable guides and small group sizes. See our suggested Louvre walking tour with Take Walks here .

Note the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. See opening times and more on the official site here .

Wine Tasting

Depending on how much time you spend at the Louvre, you might have time for a spot of wine tasting afterwards. Note that this activity is one that we suggest you skip though if you feel this itinerary is a bit busy for you.

France is known the world over for wine, so after you’ve sated your cultural curiosity at the Louvre, why not relax a bit over a glass of wine whilst learning all about the art of French wine making. Sound good?

Well, conveniently, right next door to the Louvre you’ll find the “ Caves du Louvre ”, a relatively new wine tasting experience set in an 18th century wine cellar, formerly home to the wine collection of the King of France himself.

Here, over the period of about an hour, you’ll try three different French wines, whilst learning all about grape varieties and the factors that go into the making of a French wine.

It’s a fun experience, and you can either do it as a self-guided tour using an app, or with a tour leader. There’s a charge for the tour, but it is free for holders of the Paris Pass . You can also book online here .

If you’re not keen on drink, or you’re travelling with children, you might instead want to pop along to the nearby Angelina Café for a divine cup of hot chocolate. Or if you’re into tea, check out Jess’s guide to the best afternoon tea locations in Paris .

Eiffel Tower

This entry is an absolute must when in Paris – the Eiffel Tower . You will have already seen this magnificent construction looming over the skyline as you wandered around Paris, but I promise you, nothing really compares to standing underneath her and looking up.

You can experience the Eiffel Tower in a number of ways. Good views can be had from the Trocadero, on the opposite bank of the Seine.

You can also get a lovely view of the Eiffel Tower at sunset from the Champ de Mars – the landscaped gardens that run to the southeast of the tower. This is a popular spot for the sunset in Paris, and many people bring a picnic to sit outside and enjoy the view in the warmer months, often with a glass of wine in hand.

If you want to climb the tower, we very much recommend that you book your tickets in advance. This will save you from queuing in the often very long lines at the ticket offices. Tickets can be purchased directly from the official website , which usually has the best prices although note that they are non-refundable.

Another option is the Go Paris Explorer Pass or the Paris Pass , both of which include the Eiffel Tower. It’s also included on the Paris City Card , with a choice of timeslots. These passes can be a cost-effective way for sight-seeing as well – see our guide to saving money in Paris further on in the post for more information.

We would say that going to the top of the Eiffel Tower is definitely something to experience, and something everyone should do at least once.

There are also restaurants in the tower , which would make for a romantic spot for your evening meal. If you do choose to do this, we’d definitely recommend researching which restaurant you want to visit (prices vary), and booking in advance so as not to be disappointed.

We’ve eaten at all the restaurants in the Eiffel Tower. If you want a truly special occasion, we can highly recommend the Jules Verne , just be sure to request a window seat when booking if possible for the best views and experience.

Alternatively, you can do an evening river cruise on the Seine with a meal!

See our complete guide to visiting the Eiffel tower for more tips, and to help you plan your visit.

Seine River Cruise

One thing many people look forward to when visiting Paris is taking a Seine River Cruise. These let you see a good many Parisian sights from a unique perspective, often whilst listening to a commentary.

Most tours last around an hour, and are a nice way to see a lot without too much effort. Just sit back, relax, and let the views roll on by.

Jess has written a detailed post to choosing a Seine River Cruise to help you decide between the various operators. There are a lot of options, and even though the view and route will largely be the same, various factors like commentary and boat size should be considered.

Some also offer a meal, which would be a lovely way to end your day! If that’s of interest, see our guide to the best Seine River dinner cruises which has lots of great options at various price points.

One tip – if you buy the Paris Pass or Paris City Card , a Seine River Cruise is included. This is a good option, and we nearly always use a pass like this when we visit Paris as it usually saves us money.

Alternatively, you can buy a Seine River Cruise ticket in advance here , and one with dinner in advance here .

There are a number of operators offering Seine River Cruises with departure from right next to the Eiffel Tower, which would be our recommendation for this itinerary.

Arc de Triomphe

There are a number of places in Paris that I think offer fantastic views of the city, and the Arc de Triomphe is one of our favourites.

Found at the western end of the Champs Elysees, this fifty metre high monument to those who died for France in both the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars is a must-see when visiting Paris.

You can of course admire the arch from below, and be amazed at the efforts of the traffic to get around this monumental roundabout. But to be honest, for the best experience, you need to climb the steps to the top (or take the lift) and enjoy the magnificent views of the city.

Note – to cross to the Arch, take the pedestrian underpass. Don’t try and cross the traffic roundabout!

From the top of the Arc de Triomphe you get wonderful views of the Parisian skyline, including the Eiffel Tower, and the business district La Défense.

I’d also add, if you take the stairs on your way out, there’s a nice photo opportunity as you look down the stair well from the top of the stairs spiralling down. If you’re interested in more good photo opportunity ideas in Paris, check out my guide to the best photography locations in Paris .

Climbing the Arc de Triomphe does incur a fee. It’s included with the Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass.

Alternatively, buy your skip the line ticket in advance here . The Arc de Triomphe is open late, so those of you who still have the stamina for sightseeing will be able to visit this too!

Paris Itinerary: Day 2

Sacre coeur.

Your second day in Paris has you starting at the Sacre Coeur in Montmartre. This beautiful basilica is found at the summit of Montmartre hill, the highest summit in the city. As you would imagine therefore, there are excellent views on offer from up here.

The Basilica is relatively new, with construction being completed in 1914. Its white domes are instantly recognisable, and you can climb to the top for a fantastic view of the city. Entry to the Sacre Coeur itself is free, although there is a fee for accessing the towers.

Montmartre itself is an area which has long been popular with artists, and many famous artists of the Belle Époque era had their studios in this area. Today, you can get your portrait, caricature or silhouette painted at the famous Place du Tertre, a short walk from the Basilica.

Note that the steps of the basilica are particularly popular with “bracelet makers”, folks who will try to encourage you to accept a free bracelet from them. Except once they’ve starting tying your wrist with the free bracelet, they’ll expect some money in return. For tips on avoiding this and other common Paris scams, check out our guide to avoiding scams in Paris .

Dalí Museum

Whilst you are up in the Montmartre area, we suggest you might want to take in the Dalí Museum – Dalí Paris . For fans of the artist, who was a part of the Surrealism group that was headquartered in Montmartre in Paris, this museum is a joy.

This isn’t an essential visit though, so if you would prefer to just get on with your day, this one can easily be skipped.

With over three hundred original artworks on display, this is the only permanent museum in Paris dedicated to the artist. There are sculptures, drawings, watercolours and more on display, and the attached gallery even has some of his artwork for sale.

There’s an entry fee, and it is included for holders of the Paris Pass.

Opera Garnier Tour

From the Dali Museum it’s around a half hour stroll, or half an hour by public transport, to the next stop on our two day Paris itinerary – the Opera Palais Garnier .

We’re not actually going to the Opera though, although that is of course an option for an evening activity. Instead, we suggest that you take a self-guided tour of this spectacular building, which served as the inspiration for the play “Phantom of the Opera”.

The self-guided tour will give you full access to many parts of this gorgeous building, including the 2,000 seat theatre, the gorgeous grand staircase, the incredible seven tonne chandelier, and the balcony. You can book a self-guided tour here .

If you’d prefer a guided tour, these are also available. These tours last for approximately ninety minutes, and are offered in English. You can check times and availability and book on the official website here .

If you are interested in attending a performance at the Opera Garnier, read Jess’s detailed post to booking tickets for the Paris Opera here .

Musee d’Orsay

From the Opera Garnier we’re going to head to another of Paris’s famous museums – the Musee d’Orsay . Found in a former train station on the south bank of the River Seine, this spectacular building picks up where the Louvre finishes off, with a focus on artworks dating from 1848.

2 day Paris itinerary - Musee Orsay Paris

We think that the building itselfmakese this museum worth the visit alone. What was formerly the main platform area is now a huge exhibition space which looks stunning, and the beautiful station clocks are seriously photogenic.

Of course, the museum has no shortage of art either, with works from Monet, Van Gogh, Cezanne and Renoir all on display, to name but a few.

Free entry with skip the line privileges is provided to Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass holders. You can also purchase ticket and guided tours online here or on the official site here .

Stroll along the Left Bank

Paris is a romantic city, and one of our favourite romantic things you can do in Paris is take a wander along the “Left Bank”.

In case you were wondering where the left bank is, it’s the south side of the river Seine. It’s called the Left Bank because it’s the left side of the river as you look downstream.

From the Musee d’Orsay, it’s a nice stroll along the left bank, if you head in an easterly direction, with views of the Louvre, the Pont des Arts and ultimately, if you keep going, spectacular views of the soon to be restored Notre Dame.

Sunset at Tour Montparnasse

The last two entries on our two-day itinerary can be switched around, depending on what time of year you visit. This is because sunset will vary depending on when you visit, and I’d suggest that the Tour Montparnasse is absolutely best experienced at sunset.

The Tour Montparnasse is the second tallest skyscraper in Paris, and from its rooftop observation deck you get what we think are the best views of Paris. From here you can see all the way to the Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse and La Defense.

At sunset, the view is truly magical, as the sun lights up the sky, and the city lights start to come on. Then – the pièce de résistance – the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower herself.

Access to the Tour Montparnasse viewing deck is free for holders of the Paris Pass . You can also buy a ticket online in advance here .

Centre Pompidou

Last on our list of attractions for our two-day Paris itinerary is the Centre Pompidou . This is home to a number of things, but we think you’ll be most interested in the Musée National d’Art Moderne – Europe’s largest Museum of Modern Art.

This completes the trilogy of art museums in Paris – the Louvre spanning up to 1848, the Musée d’Orsay covers the 19th and early 20th century, with the Centre Pompidou holding the masters of modern twentieth century art. I’m talking Picasso, Warhol, Kandinsky, and Duchamp.

Of course, if you are already done for the day, or aren’t super excited about modern art, you can skip this.

If you do choose to visit, the museum is conveniently open until 9pm, which means you’ll be able to visit either before or after your sunset at Tour Montparnasse. Don’t miss the “view of Paris”, a balcony which offers one of the better views of Montmartre in the city.

There’s a fee to visit the Centre Pompidou and you can book tickets online here . It’s free for holders of the Paris Museum Pass.

Again, this is not a “must-see” in Paris, so feel free to skip this one if you don’t want to feel rushed.

2 Days in Paris Itinerary Map

To help you visualise all the above, we’ve put the attractions onto a map so you can see where you need to be for each day of your Paris visit. You can see this map here on Google .

2 Day Paris Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Sainte Chapelle, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, Louvre, Wine Tasting, Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise, Arc de Triomphe
Day 2: Sacre Coeur, Dalí Museum, Opera Garnier, Musee d’Orsay, Left Bank, Tour Montparnasse, Centre Pompidou

When to Visit Paris

Paris is a city that is good to visit throughout the year. As with most European cities, it is particularly busy in the summer months, and lines for attractions in July and August can be long. The summer months do however promise the best weather.

If you want reasonable weather with less people, then the months of May and September will offer some solace. We also love visiting Paris in both fall and winter, when the leaves on the trees turn golden, and the city lights itself up for Christmas.

Basically, we think you’ll have a good time whenever you visit Paris, but just bear in mind that some months are much busier than others.

How to Get Around Paris

Paris is very easy to get around, with a comprehensive underground (the Metropolitan) as well as buses and local trains. Naturally there are also taxis and private hire cars available.

There are currently two main ways to buy tickets for public transport in Paris as a visitor. The traditional cardboard tickets as shows in the image below, and then there’s the new Navigo Easy plastic system.

The Navigo Easy system was introduced in the summer of 2019, and is a rechargeable plastic card that can be pre-loaded with tickets. The goal is for this to replace the cardboard version of the tickets at some point.

The Navigo Easy card costs €2 to buy, and you then top it up with single tickets or as packs of 10, known as a carnet.

Currently, the most cost-effective way to buy tickets in Paris is to buy tickets in packs of 10 on the Navigo Easy system, which represents a fairly significant discount on buying them individually.

Tickets can be bought at pretty much every metro station from the ticket machines, which accept cash and cards, as well as coming with an English language option.

For more on getting around Paris, see our detailed guide to how to get around Paris , which should help you plan all your transport in the city.

How to Save Money on Your Paris trip

The Paris itinerary above packs a lot into two days, and many of the sights and activities have an associated fee. At time of writing, if you chose to do everything in the above list, you’d be looking at spending just under €200 per person.

The good news is that you can save money on your visit to Paris. The answer is to invest in a Paris city passes, like the Paris Museum Pass , Paris Pass , Go Paris Pass , or Paris City Card .

Calculating if a pass is worth it for you will of course depend on exactly which attractions you want to visit.

From our itinerary, here’s what’s included on which passes, as well as the cost of individual tickets as of July 2024. We’ve also provided links to book each attraction directly.

Sainte Chapelle (€13) – included on Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass. Book a combo ticket with the Conciergerie on GetYourGuide here , or on the official site here .
Louvre Museum (€22) – included on Paris Pass, Paris Museum Pass and Paris City Card. Book on GetYourGuide here , or on the official site here .
Wine Tasting (€36) – included on Go Paris Pass and Paris Pass. Book online here .
Eiffel Tower (€39 for guided tour, €14.20 for standard stair access ticket) – tour included on Paris City Card, Go Paris Pass and Paris Pass. Book tickets on the official website here
Seine River Cruise (€18) – included on Paris City Card, Go Paris Pass and Paris Pass. Book online here .
Arc de Triomphe (€16) – included on Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass. Book online here .
Sacre Coeur (€6) – not on any passes we are aware of, in-person tickets only.
Dali Museum (€14) – included on Go Paris Pass and Paris Pass. Book online here .
Opera Garnier Tour (€15) – not on any passes we are aware of. Book online here.
Musee d’Orsay (€16) – included on Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass. Book online here .
Tour Montparnasse (€25) – included on Go Paris Pass and Paris Pass. Book online here .
Centre Pompidou (€15) – included on Paris Pass Paris Museum Pass. Book online here .

Total attraction entry for all the above would cost you around €235.

As you can see, none of the passes we recommend include all the attractions in our itinerary.

Assuming you planned on visiting all the attractions in our itinerary, then either a 2-day Paris Pass (€189 as of July 2024) or a 2-day Paris Museum Pass (€62 as of July 2024) would definitely save you money on the attractions it covers.

The 2-day Paris Pass actually includes a 2-day Paris Museum Pass, and then adds on things like the Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise and Wine Tasting. So depending on what you plan on doing, one or the other is likely to save you some money on your visit to Paris.

You can purchase a Paris Pass here .

You can buy a Paris Museum Pass from the official site here or on GetYourGuide here .

Another option is the Go Paris Pass . This lets you pick a number of top attractions in Paris, and covers many of the attractions listed in this post.

If you aren’t planning on visiting every attraction in this list, then the Go Paris Pass might be a good option, as you can pick from 3, 5 or 7 major attractions, and save on visiting those.

Finally, consider the Paris City Card . This includes a guided Eiffel tower ticket, Seine River cruise and access to the Louvre. It also comes with an audioguide to Paris, as well as a further 10% discount on other Paris attractions.

This is a good option if you aren’t planning on visiting everything in our itinerary. It also has the advantage that you book the timeslots for the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower when you book the card, so can be convenient.

As well as the above, you should be aware that on the first Sunday of every month, access to most museums in Paris is free – although be aware that popular museums like the Louvre get incredibly busy on these days.

In addition, some locations will give you free entry if you are an EU citizen under 26 – you’ll need ID to prove this of course.

Finally, always check opening days for attractions before buying a pass, as you don’t want to be disappointed to discover a museum is closed on the day you plan to visit it.

Our personal favourite card for Paris is the Paris Pass, however it won’t work for everyone. You can read our full review of the Paris Pass here to see if it will be a good investment for you.

Where to Stay in Paris

We’ve stayed at a variety of locations in Paris, from hosted apartments through to hotels and homestays.

There’s a massive choice, and prices are generally reasonable considering this is a capital city. We’d advise picking somewhere within easy walking distance of a metro so that you can easily get around all the sights in this itinerary.

Our favourite way to find the best deals on accommodation is booking.com. They’re easy to use, usually have the best prices, and have everything from hotels to apartments.

Hotel Dress Code & Spa , a highly reviewed centrally located 4 star hotel right a few hundred yards from the opera house
Hôtel Eiffel Turenne , a well rated 3* hotel within a ten minute walk of the Eiffel Tower
Ateliers de Montmartre , an apartment in Montmartre with views of the Sacre Coeur
The People – Paris Marais , a well-reviewed hostel in the Marais, one of our favourite parts of Paris to stay
Hotel le Compostelle , a highly rated 3* hotel centrally located near the Louvre Museum

If you prefer an apartment, then we recommend Plum Guide or Vrbo .

Plum Guide carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. We’ve stayed at a number of their properties around the world, including a beautiful apartment in Paris with spectacular Eiffel Tower views. See their listings for Paris here .

If you can’t find what you want from the above choices, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the best alternatives to AirBnB which you should check out!

We also have a page full of travel resources, which includes our tips for getting the best deals on accommodation, which you can find here .

Practicalities for visiting Paris

Safety in paris.

We’ve not had any problems in Paris, although there are a few scams to be aware of – check our guide to avoiding common Paris scams so you are prepared in advance.

Power in Paris

Electricity is of the 220v standard, with the 2 pin European style plug. Travellers from countries like the UK and the US will need an adapter like this , and US travellers need to check their equipment supports the 220v standard – it will be written clearly on the power adapter.

See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters .

Currency in Paris

Paris is part of the Eurozone, so the currency is the Euro. You can get these from ATM’s, banks and currency exchanges, although credit cards are of course widely accepted.

Internet Access in Paris

Internet access is widely available in the form of WiFi all around the city and in hotels and coffee shops, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting online. You can also pick up local SIM cards if you have an unlocked phone. If you are travelling from the USA, consider a Google Fi package which lets you use your data overseas.

Alternatively, consider an eSIM service like Airalo .

For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options. We also have a guide to picking the best travel router , which can help you extend a weak WiFi network and share it across multiple devices.

Drinking Water in Paris

The water in the taps is safe to drink unless otherwise posted. If you don’t like the taste, bottled water is widely available. We usually recommend you travel with a re-usable water bottle like one of these to save on having to buy water bottles.

We love our Klean Kanteen water bottles for travel as they are lightweight, easy to clean and the company is a certified B-Corp.

Eating in Paris

Paris has no shortage of excellent dining options to choose from. Whilst we generally don’t recommend specific restaurants as they can change so quickly, we do have a guide to some of our favourite restaurants in Paris here for inspiration.

We suggest that if you do want to eat at one of the more popular restaurants in Paris that you consider booking in advance.

We recommend and use La Fourchette (the fork), which is the most popular online restaurant booking website in France. It’s easy to use and makes booking a breeze, especially if you don’t speak French. Check it out here to find reviews, sample menus and book a table.

Walking Tours of Paris

If you would like to do a guided tour in Paris for part of your stay, then we suggest you take a look at Take Walks . We’ve used them for walking tours in cities around the world, and have never been disappointed.

They focus on small group tours, led by experts, and they have a number of walking tours in Paris we can recommend, many of which we have done. These are:

A full day walking tour of Paris which includes many of the highlights in our post, including the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and a Seine River Cruise
A three hour tour that includes Saint Chapelle and Notre Dame
Their Ultimate Paris Food tour , which will have you sampling some of the best food Paris has to offer.
They also have more tours in Paris, see all the options here

Of course, there are other operators running tours in Paris, such as this delicious looking food tour , this in-depth tour of Hemingway locations in Paris or this tour of Montmartre .

As you can see, there are lots of good options for walking tours in Paris, whatever your interests!

There are 91 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Michelle says

10th March 2023 at 9:12 pm

Hi Laurence, thanks for the great information you provide in your posts. I have enjoyed reading your London and Paris tips and itineraries for months to help plan. My sister and I are visiting Paris as a part of our European getaway to London, Paris and Amsterdam from June 16-27th. We will be in Paris from June 21st to the 24th. We have purchased the 2 day Paris Pass because we will be arriving by train from London around 13:00. We are staying at Hotel Duquesne Eiffel. What should we do first after settling in on our first day? Also, is following your 2-day itinerary realistic from our hotel? Do you suggest any possible changes? How can I incorporate afternoon tea at a hotel? Thanks for any advice.

Laurence Norah says

12th March 2023 at 7:49 am

Hi Michelle,

It’s our pleasure! So first, obviously you will want to adjust the itinerary based on your specific interests. Your hotel is definitely well located, you should be able to do the itinerary as laid out. The only thing you will want to check is the timing for the Eiffel Tower tour that is included on the Paris Pass, as that might affect your itinerary. As you are so close to the Eiffel Tower, you may want to do the Eiffel Tower / Seine River cruise first, and then the rest of the days activities following on from that. Otherwise though, yes, you should be fine following the itinerary from the hotel.

For your first day (when you arrive) you could definitely do the afternoon tea if you wanted, most afternoon teas in Paris are available fairly late. You are not too far from the Four Seasons George V which is one of my favourite afternoon tea locations in Paris. Alternatively, you could see if there are any activities not included on your Paris Pass that you want to do. Finally, you might just like to take a walk perhaps up to the Seine and then along to the Eiffel Tower.

Have a great time in Paris and let me know if you have any more questions!

Lisa Gonçalves says

15th November 2022 at 4:57 pm

Hi! We will be in Paris from 7-10th of December with 2 teenagers (15 and 13 years olds), was wondering if the Paris Pass is worth buying for them as some of the attractions are free for under 18. Is there anything that you recommend at this time of the year? I am also a little confused. I have tried to buy eifel tour tickets on the oficial site, but there are none available for the dates we are in Paris. But the site states that for stairs tickets you can book 15 dyas before, does this mena that I may still be able to book 15 days before or as they are not showing on the site, this will never be a possibility? Many thanks, Lisa.

15th November 2022 at 5:07 pm

It’s lovely to hear from you, it sounds like you a have a fun trip coming up! So the Paris Pass is likely not going to be great value for your teenagers as most of the museums are free as you say. I would also add that you need to check exactly what is included on the Paris Pass currently, even if buying for adults. Normally it comes as a two part pass, but they have been having inventory issues with the Paris Museum Pass component so it has not been including that for some of the versions recently. You might instead consider one of the Paris City Cards , they come in different versions and account for under 18 access being free.

Normally we would always recommend a Seine River Cruise (just bring warm clothing!) and of course the Eiffel Tower. The Galleries Lafayette department store should also be nicely decorated at this time of year.

For the Eiffel Tower, I think it is unlikely the stairs will have sold out this far in advance, so I think it is likely not showing availability because it is too far out. You’ll want to come back 14 days before your trip which is when sales should show.

Let me know if you have any more questions, we’re happy to help!

Tina Mills says

1st September 2022 at 12:01 am

I will be visiting Paris in November for my daughter’s 21st birthday. We will be coming from London on a Monday and will be leaving back to London on Wednesday. I enjoyed reading Paris in two days and will be using it for our trip. We will be staying at a hotel in the rue Casimir Delavigne. Is that a central location? I would love to take a dinner siene river cruise and a do a photo shoot. Do you think we will have time and where would be a great place to shoot. My daughter also loves food. Is there any cooking class around that we could fit in our schedule? Thanks in advance! Tina

1st September 2022 at 10:20 am

I would say that yes, Rue Casimir is definitely in a central location, you are about 10 minutes walk from Sainte Chapelle / Notre Dame and the highlights of that area. You are also about 30 minutes metro ride to the Eiffel Tower.

You can easily take a dinner Seine river cruise in the evening of one of these days. We have a guide to Seine River cruises here which includes a section on dinner cruises. Some of these depart from near the Musee d’Orsay so would be easy to reach from your apartment.

We have done the Macaron making class at the Galleries Lafayette, that was a lot of fun and you should be able to fit that into the schedule, perhaps instead of the wine tasting. Alternatively, you could do it on the second day. It will depend a bit on your priorities and what you really want to see. You can see more cooking classes here .

In terms of photography, I personally think the Trocadero opposite the Eiffel Tower makes for a good location as you can get lovely photos with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

Have a great trip, and let me know if you have any more questions!

RAJA CHIALAKAMARRI says

23rd March 2022 at 11:09 am

Hi Laurence, Best wishes. Excited to find your website is very informative. Would you help our family first trip to Europe. We vegetarians and like to find a place safe and comfortable for around $100-150 per night. Hotel stay is preferred but Ainbnb is also an option. We 3 adults are thinking for flying in on Tuesday April 26th by noon. We take train to Amsterdam on 28th evening. One evening our son 24year old youth may be curious to spend a few hours night life. What we should see? How we can go around? any minor details like holidays, timings and buying in advance ( passes or booking tickets) Would you suggest for Madrid (4 full days) and Amsterdam(2 full days) too? Our entire trip is between April 22-May1st. Thanks in advance Regards raja

23rd March 2022 at 11:19 am

Thanks for your comment! So we don’t currently offer personalised itinerary planning services. In terms of where to stay, if the recommended options don’t work for you, I’d recommend using the booking.com filter system to find something that suits. I like to filter by rating (usually 8+) and then you can filter by price. I’ve put that search together for you here . It currently shows around 8-10 properties (it will change based on availability). One option to consider is the Hotel Du Lion , which has good reviews and is quite well located.

In terms of what to see and do, as you are in Paris for two days this guide should cover everything you need to know, including the pass options and how to get around. If you have specific questions I am happy to help, but I think most of your current questions are answered in this guide. We haven’t visited Madrid but we hear it is very nice. I have visited Amsterdam and it is a lovely city, very pretty, although we haven’t written any guides yet as we have not visited for a while.

Have a great trip!

Jenny Smith says

24th April 2021 at 4:59 am

Admiring the time and energy you put into your blog and detailed information you provide.

24th April 2021 at 1:10 pm

Thanks Jenny!

24th February 2020 at 12:01 pm

Hi Laurence,

I need some help, for Day 2 – I want to cover below attractions : 1. Opera Garnier, 2. Musee d’Orsay, 3. Left Bank, 4. Tour Montparnasse, 5. Stroll around Champs-Élysées avenue 6. Moulin Rouge at night (not to attend the show)

I have booked my stay in the 14th ARR. so it’s a bit far and hence the confusion. I wanted help to plan above attractions at best possible time of the day, can you please help me?

I also don’t want to miss the Tour Montparnasse sunset view. 🙂

24th February 2020 at 12:46 pm

So this should be easy enough to do in a day. The only thing is I don’t know when you are visiting exactly, as some attractions have specific closures. So you should definitely check when each attraction is open specific to your visit.

The Opera Garnier has some closures on certain days and also some days it’s only open in the morning or afternoon. You can see that here: https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/visits/palais-garnier

The Musee d’Orsay is closed on Mondays.

Personally I think the Tour Montparnasses is best at sunset as you can see Paris going from day to night which is really lovely to watch. However, sunset varies depending on time of year, so again this will depend on when you visit. If you’re in the 14th, this will be the closest attraction to you.

Assuming you are visiting when everything is open, I’d suggest starting with Musee d’Orsay. Then Opera Garnier (self guided tour). If you want to do a guided tour, you’ll have to adjust your plan as these only run at certain times, and not every day of the week depending on the time of year.

Then I’d go to Champs Elysees, across to the left bank, and down to the Tour Montparnasse. Finally up to the Moulin Rouge.

This is definitely heading around a bit, but that’s kind of inevitable. I’d also say that you are really close to the Paris Catacombs in the 14th, so you might want to check those out too.

Let me know if I can be of any more help!

25th February 2020 at 9:17 am

Thanks Laurence 🙂

I am travelling to Paris in June and would be considering this schedule for Sunday. I just checked the Opera Garnier would be closed for Sunday morning – so it would be open around 2.00 PM

thanks again for your detailed answer 🙂 you really helped me a lot!

25th February 2020 at 12:38 pm

My pleasure – have an amazing time in Paris!

20th February 2020 at 10:32 am

Hi Laurence, Jessica,

Your post helped me a lot in planning in our 2 days in Paris 🙂 Thank you for writing this!

20th February 2020 at 12:38 pm

Our pleasure Minal – thanks so much for taking the time to comment and let us know, it means a lot! Have a great time in Paris and let us know if you have any questions 🙂

Jennifer says

17th February 2020 at 5:22 am

Hi, The itinerary that you have provided is so helpful to give me the top sights to see in the most efficient way. I’m looking at the 3 day Paris pass because I will be arriving on a Monday late afternoon, 4 pm and departing on Wednesday at 2 pm. Is it better to get the 2 day or 3 day pass because of the dates and time? I also saw that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays and not sure how to accommodate the itinerary as to when best to fit that in. Thanks Jennifer

17th February 2020 at 12:02 pm

Hi Jennifer!

So I would recommend getting the 2 day Paris pass. The reason being that the pass is made up of two components, a Paris Pass and a Paris Museum Pass. They cover slightly different things, and they can actually be activated separately. In addition, there is no 3 day Paris Museum Pass, so the 3 day Paris Pass only comes with a 2 day Paris Museum pass anyway!

Now, on to your itinerary conundrum. So you have a little less than two full days due to your arrival time, and because the Louvre is closed on Tuesday, you might not get absolutely everything in. Based on your timings, I would probably suggest something like the following:

Monday – Eiffel Tower (it opens late, but reserve your ticket in advance online to skip the lines!), Seine River Cruise, Left Bank. Only activate the Paris Pass for the Seine River Cruise. Tuesday – Saint Chapelle, Notre Dame (optional as it is closed but you are close so might as well take a peep), wine tasting, Sacre Coeur, Dali Museum, Opera Garnier, Tour Montparnasse, Centre Pompidou. Use both Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass.

Now, honestly it is going to be a lot to try and do all that. You might want to skip the wine tasting, or the trip out to Montmartre, depending on your specific interests. I’m also not quite sure where to put the Arc de Triomphe. If you just want to view it that would be on your first day, however if you want to climb it you’d have to do it with the Museum Pass on day 2 or 3.

Wednesday – the Louvre, Musee D’orsay. Could also do the Arc de Triomphe if you are feeling quick!

I hope this helps. Happy to help you hone this a bit more if you let me know any “must-see” sights, or things you don’t mind skipping 🙂 Finally, don’t forget the 2 day version of the pass only comes with a 2 day travel card, which is valid for consecutive days rather than a 48h period. So if you start that at 4pm on the Monday, it will stop working at 5.30am on the Wednesday (they are valid for 5.30am -5.30am, regardless of which time of day you activate them).

5th March 2020 at 6:50 am

Thanks so much for responding and giving me great suggestions. Really awesome.

5th March 2020 at 12:52 pm

My pleasure – have a great trip 😀

12th February 2020 at 9:29 pm

This is a great breakdown! Thank you very much for sharing your expertise. My husband and I will be visiting for the first time at the end of March. We will have some time on arrival day, but figured we would be jet-lagged, but after reading your blog, I’m thinking we should still get a 3-day Paris Pass and after possibly a small nap on our first day, try and visit some of the sights. We then would have two full days to explore before returning home on the following day. Should we rule out the Palace of Versailles on this short trip as I hear it can take much of the day? We will be staying in the Saint Germain area. Also, would you recommend bringing Euros with us or getting them there in Paris? Again, thank you very much!

13th February 2020 at 11:10 am

Hi Michelle!

Sounds like a plan! Just be aware that the 3 day Paris Pass only comes with a 2 day Paris Museum Pass. The two passes can however be used and activated separately. So my tip if you do as you plan would be to visit only those attractions on the Paris Pass itself. That would include things like a Seine River Cruise, wine tasting and a walking tour, which would all be good options for your first day.

For Versailles – obviously this is up to you, but yes, to make the most out of a visit you will want to give it most of a day, especially to explore the gardens and out to the Marie Antoinette area, which is my favourite part. So I’d say as this is your first visit you might want to focus on the main sights in the city itself.

For Euros, this will depend very much on what credit / debit cards you have. Some banks will let you withdraw euros fee free from foreign ATMs, whilst others will charge a hefty fee. So you should check with your bank, and maybe look into getting a card which doesn’t charge fees. Usually if you can order euros in advance before you travel you will get a better rate. Just avoid money exchange at the airport as the rates are going to be dire 🙂

Have a great trip – let me know if you have any more questions!

Chanchal says

25th January 2020 at 5:14 pm

Your post is really good to understand the each and every aspect of paris tour.

I would be really keen to know if you can put tentatively time on each place for 2 days itinerary so that i can plan my start time and end time of these two days.

3rd February 2020 at 2:54 pm

Hi Chancal,

Sure thing!

Sainte Chapelle, opens at 9am. I recommend arriving around 8.30am to get to the front of the line. Leave by 9.45am Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris – this is closed, so a brief photo stop only. Done by 10am. Louvre 10.30am – 12.30 WIne Tasting, 12.30 – 1.30 Arc de Triomphe, 2 – 2.30 Eiffel Tower, 3 – 4.30 Seine River Cruise 5pm +

Day 2: Sacre Coeur opens at 8.30am, so be here then 🙂 allow an hour. Dalí Museum, opens at 10am. allow 45min – 1 hour Opera Garnier, 11.30 – 12.30 Musee d’Orsay, 1 – 3 Left Bank, 3 – 4 Tour Montparnasse 5 – 6 (although recommend you adjust timing to be here for sunset) Centre Pompidou – either before or after Tour Montparnasse. It’s open until quite late usually.

I hope this helps – obviously adjust timings to suit but you should get an idea.

7th December 2019 at 5:10 pm

Hi there, I hope you are doing fine. I want to know your idea whether it is OK to visit paris on 31th Dec to 2nd Jan. Cheers, Hamid

7th December 2019 at 5:13 pm

Thanks for your message. So the main issue with this is that nearly every attraction in Paris will close on New Years Day (1st January). So you should expect many attractions to be closed on the 1st, and possibly close early on the 31st December.

So if there are specific attractions you want to visit, you will want to check their websites to see when they are open.

In addition, hotel accommodation tends to be more expensive over the New Year period, so you will want to consider that as well.

I hope this helps! I wouldn’t say not to visit, but just to be prepared in advance and have a plan 🙂

johnmark says

19th November 2019 at 9:18 am

My wife and I really enjoyed our 4 days in Paris with the Paris Pass. It was very helpful and saved a lot of money. Thank you!

20th November 2019 at 2:49 pm

Our pleasure!

20th November 2019 at 2:52 pm

Our pleasure 😀

27th August 2019 at 5:36 pm

Hi, What are options available for vegetarian traveller? (No egg, meat, seafood).?

27th August 2019 at 7:51 pm

I believe there’s a wide range of vegetarian options, most restaurants will have vegetarian or vegan options to choose from 🙂

KULKARNI says

13th July 2019 at 6:19 am

Hi. I am quite impressed with your itinerary for 2 days in Paris. I just want to to know are there tour operator’s available who can fulfill this itinerary? If so please share this information, if you can. Regards U S KULKARNI

13th July 2019 at 4:21 pm

Hi Kulkarni,

I’m not sure to be honest – our itineraries are designed for independent travellers. The closest I can suggest are the walking tours we list in the article, the full day Paris tour by Take Walks is likely your best option if you want a guided experience. However if you want the full two days with accommodation you would need to talk to a travel agent I think.

Melanie Burgess says

6th July 2019 at 2:21 am

Hi there Awesome itinary I’m going to take on the 2 day one and see how far I will come. I’ve been up the eiffel Tower so will skip the trip up. I’ll be staying in Mont martre and I would like to know if the Paris pass covers that area for transport. Many thanks Melanie

9th July 2019 at 3:44 pm

Hi Melania!

It covers zones 1-3 if I remember correctly, which includes Montmartre 🙂

Enjoy your time in Paris!

Lisa Duncan says

25th June 2019 at 12:29 am

Hi Laurence, This is a fantastic resource and was exactly what I was looking for to help plan my visit to Paris, including the photography tips ( my hobby). I will also be looking at your London itinerary. We are coming from a stay in Disneyland Paris and will be coming to the city to stay for 2 nights and then heading to CDL. Can you recommend the train station that is closest to the attractions on your Day 1 itinerary? I am also looking for a centrally located place to stay that will be close enough to drop off luggage and then start our day. Are their special precautions when carrying my professional camera throughout Europe. Should I try and find an anti theft camera strap?

Thank you so much

25th June 2019 at 1:32 am

Thanks very much 🙂

So I would say probably Gare Montparnasse, but Gare du Nord is not too far away either. For your camera, my suggestion is to get a sling strap that goes across your body like this Peak Design strap , which is what I use. Holding your camera across your body means it’s a lot harder to grab, and it’s also more comfortable. I cart my full frame Canon cameras around on these straps in cities throughout Europe and have never had a problem (touch wood!)

26th June 2019 at 12:19 am

Thank you for the advice. One more question- we are going to stay in the Disneyland area for our entire stay and take the train into Paris for our sightseeing days. If I buy the 2 day Paris Pass with the metro option. Can I use it from the RER at the Disneyland station? The Paris pass appears to be the best deal to see most of the tips attractions listed on your itinerary. Thank you again.

26th June 2019 at 12:58 am

The Paris Pass doesn’t include transport from Disneyland – it’s just for Zones 1 – 3. That covers pretty much everywhere on our itinerary, but not all the way out to Disneyland. So the best option would be to buy tickets at the RER train station for the journey to and from Paris.

Gabrielle says

17th June 2019 at 8:48 pm

Hi there! Thanks for your recommendations. I’m trying to find information on how to deal with rental cars while in Paris. Do you know if there’s parking availability in certain areas to leave vehicles? Any input is most appreciated!

19th June 2019 at 4:19 pm

Hi Gabrielle,

There are plenty of paid parking structures, but not many free locations. We’d generally advise against driving in Paris though, it’s not very quick!

22nd May 2019 at 10:42 pm

Thank for very much for the guidance.Very informative to novice travellers. Really appreciate taking time to build this website. Can you please suggest us a good/safe place to stay (Hotel) close to Eiffel tower for a family of 4. thanks Krish

23rd May 2019 at 10:58 am

My pleasure 🙂 So we actually have a full guide to visiting the Eiffel Tower which also has a number of hotel recommendations. I’d suggest checking that out as there are a wide range of options listed 🙂 You can see that here:

https://independenttravelcats.com/eiffel-tower-paris-france/#Where-to-Stay-in-Paris-Near-the-Eiffel-Tower

Carrie says

13th May 2019 at 8:28 pm

Hi Laurence, Great information! I plan on using several of your suggested itineraries when we travel to Europe for a month in June. Technically, we will be in Paris for 2 days, but it’s stretched across 1 full day and two half days: arriving on a Friday around 2pm and departing on Sunday at 1:30pm. Do you think this itinerary is still doable across this split? How would you suggest we go about it? Also, I think the Paris Pass would work for us, as we want to visit most everything you have listed (if we can!). Thank you!

13th May 2019 at 8:50 pm

Thanks very much! So I think this will be doable. I would perhaps suggest the following:

Friday arrival: Seine River Cruise Eiffel Tower Walk along the left bank Tour Montparnasse for sunset

Saturday: Saint Chapelle Notre Dame Opera Garnier Tour Louvre Musee d’Orsay Arc de Triomphe

Sunday: Dali Museum Sacre Coeur Centre Pompidou Wine tasting

The Opera Garnier Tour runs every day at 11am and 2.30pm, so you would need to figure out where to put this, I suspect the Saturday would be the best day.

For the Paris Pass this has to be used on consecutive days. So if you activate it on the Friday, it would only be valid until the Saturday evening. So you would need the three day Paris Pass in this case.

Let me know if I can help any more!

Thang Bui says

26th April 2019 at 3:45 pm

Hi Laurence

Love the writing, very insightful. Can i ask: does Paris Explorer Card include public transportation in Paris and 2 ways transport to airport?

Thanks much Thang

27th April 2019 at 7:03 pm

Thanks very much! The Paris Explorer Pass does not include public transport in Paris or transport to the airport. It’s just for attractions and sightseeing. This pass ( https://paris.ticketbar.eu/en/discountcards/paris-online-city-pass-/ ) includes one airport transfer and public transport, but you then have to decide on the attractions. So everything has a bit of a compromise!

28th April 2019 at 1:59 pm

Thanks Laurence, much appreciated Thang

Olaniyi Olatunji says

15th April 2019 at 8:56 am

I will be in Paris on 30 – April to 3 – May 2019.

Considering it will be my first time in Europe, I was hoping to find a partner we can take this tour with. I don’t know if i can achieve all of these alone as i do not know anywhere.

15th April 2019 at 11:48 am

Hi Olaniyi!

we’ve never looked for a partner to travel with, however, I have asked around, and folks recommend trying the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree forums or the Couchsurfing community. You could also try Nomadic Matt’s Nomadic Network facebook group: https://facebook.com/groups/nomadicnetwork

As always, practice safety and caution when arranging meet ups and arrangements with strangers 🙂

Louise Garrett says

5th April 2019 at 11:26 am

We’ve only got a few days free in the school summer holidays due to my work so thought Paris would be a good place to take our 13 & 16 year old what do you think? Also do you think we could add on Disneyland at the end? Your blog is so well written and as an adult it sounds great just wondering if a teenager would enjoy it? Thanks

Hey Louise!

So we don’t have children of our own, so the only experience I can give is that that when I was a teenager my parents took me on an adventure across Europe, and it’s still one of the best trips I remember having. Jess also visited Paris for the first time when she was 16 and had a wonderful time.

However, everyone is different, so our experiences aren’t of course guaranteed!

That said, Paris is a pretty special place, and I think anyone would love the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and so on.

I definitely can’t speak to Disneyland as I’ve never been, but I have heard good things.

I’m not sure this has helped too much, but hopefully it has been of some use! Have a wonderful trip, whatever you decide to do!

3rd February 2019 at 2:17 am

Great itinerary unfortunately I see no way to do this in two days. We attempted this itinerary in early January when there should have been smaller crowds and had no luck given the lines to get into the various venues. We even had the Paris pass that supposedly got us into venues fast, with no luck.

I would say that you could potentially do all this in three days. By the way, those venues we did get into including LaSalle cathedral were amazing.

3rd February 2019 at 11:22 am

Thanks for the feedback, that is much appreciated. It is certainly a busy day, but the first day in particular is perhaps a bit optimistic. As such, I’ve updated the text to make it clearer which I’d suggest skipping if you don’t want to feel too rushed. I’m pleased you had a good time though and were able to see everything you wanted!

Maynel Alvarez-Requejo says

4th January 2019 at 8:21 am

Hello, I stumbled across this while looking for the major things to do during a short stay in Paris. We are doing England and Ireland for my 40th birthday in June and doing a quick side trip to París from London. This is exactly the type of guidance I was hoping to find and thank you so much for being so detailed ans helpful.

Any similar itinerary recommendations for London and southern / central England and southern / western Ireland? Going for almost 3 weeks in June

4th January 2019 at 9:51 am

Certainly, we have quite a few guides to help you out on both our sites 🙂

We have a 6 day London itinerary and a 2 day London itinerary

We have a 1 week , 10 day and 2 week UK itinerary .

We also have content on Ireland 🙂 You can see all our UK content here and our Ireland content here 🙂

Shakerra Joseph says

24th October 2018 at 5:22 pm

I stumbled across your blog today, looking for a pretty good Paris itinerary and I have to say that I am so impressed. This was so well written and gave so much great information. I was so unsure about purchasing the Paris Pass, but after reading your post, I might end up buying it! Thanks so much. – From a new reader!

25th October 2018 at 8:13 pm

Thanks Shakerra! I hope the itinerary helps – if you do visit Paris, do come back and let us know how your trip was 😀

20th October 2018 at 5:03 pm

Hi Laurence and Jess, I am taking my husband on a surprise weekend trip to Paris next month and am so glad to come across your blog. I have never seen a travel blog so extensive, thorough, flexible and enjoyable!! You guys are super talented. Thank you so much!

20th October 2018 at 5:06 pm

Gosh Elly, that is so kind of you. Also, you have a very lucky husband obviously – to be surprising him with such a lovely trip 😀 Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, it means a great deal! Have a fabulous time!

anna chana Weinberg says

6th October 2018 at 8:24 pm

thank you so much for this post!! we just got back from our 2 day vacation in Paris and had such an amazing time because of all of your advice!!

10th October 2018 at 4:56 pm

Hi Anna! Thanks so much for letting us know! We’re thrilled we were able to help you have a great trip 😀

16th September 2018 at 4:48 pm

Me and my colleague will be coming to Paris from Brussels on Thursday lunch time and will be leaving on Saturday morning (around eleven). Will come by train and will fly out. What can be the area for stay in Paris? We are okay with some b&b options. Also one of us have flight at Saturday night. So after checkout in the morning can he dump the luggage somewhere (some cloak room facility) and roam around for the day?

16th September 2018 at 6:11 pm

We would advise staying in central Paris if you can. You could try this hotel , it is well rated and fairly central. Otherwise you might want to try AirBnB to see what you can find.

In terms of luggage storage, most hotels will let you leave your luggage. if you choose an AirBnb, then you can take your luggage to the train stations, all of the major train stations have left luggage facilities in Paris, for a fairly reasonable fee.

I hope this helps!

18th July 2018 at 6:37 am

Hi, My husband and I will be in Paris for 2 1/2 days. We will arrive on a Sunday after a 15 hour flight. I’d love to wander some of the flea markets on that day. Any suggestions on a good one? On our two full days we would like to go to Giverny one morning. This will take up 5 hours, arriving back in Paris around 1:15 p.m. We are planning to visit the Eiffel Tower at 9:00 p.m., on one of the days and, of course want to go to the Louvre. So many of the places on your 2 day itinerary sound like must dos, but I’m afraid our visit to Giverny is going to cut in to things. Do you have any suggestions as to what we might cut out and any thoughts on how to maximize our time. It’s kind of a blur to me as to how to organize our time. Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

18th July 2018 at 8:35 pm

The most famous fleamarkets in Paris are the Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, on a Sunday they will be open until 6pm. So that would be my suggestion. I’ve actually drafted a one day itinerary for Paris that will be going live in the next few weeks, which would probably help clarify your thinking, depending on when you go. But my must-do’s would probably be Saint Chapelle, Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, the Seine River Cruise, and Montmartre. Beyond that it really depends on your interests 🙂

Hope this helps a bit – happy to provide more direction if I can!

18th July 2018 at 10:43 pm

Thank You!!

Philip says

13th May 2018 at 8:56 am

Hi … really nice write up…I’ve not stumbled upon such a great guide to Paris… extensive and super informative… I was actually lost …abt how to plan out 2 days in Paris. We reach 18th May evening 19.00hrs. and leave on 20th evening 16.30 to Brussels. We are a family with 2 kids 7 &4 yrs….was wondering how to go about…what would be interesting for them and amount of walking they can do… We maynot be able to cover a lot as per your iterinary… As you have been there multiple times…can I have your thoughts on it… Thanks a ton again for the great write-up ..it does make a big difference to first-timers like us…

Regards Philip

13th May 2018 at 9:28 pm

Thanks very much! I have to say it’s a bit hard to provide specific advice – partly because we don’t have children, but mostly because everyone’s interests are difference – including kids 🙂 So I’m not sure exactly what they might be into. My suggestion would be to pick those items on the list that you think you and your kids would both enjoy, for example, everyone enjoys the views from the Eiffel tower, and a seine river cruise can be a nice way to let your feet relax and take a break- whilst the Louvre might not be quite so appealing 🙂

Generally, I’d suggest cutting the itinerary in half at least to give you lots of time to rest and take breaks and not be too rushed when travelling with younger people, so this might be a good rule of thumb. Then a mix of activities for everyone. I hope this helps a bit!

Annemarie Hood says

27th April 2018 at 7:27 pm

My boyfriend and I are excited to be spending a day and a half in Paris in early October. It is the last leg of a trip to Scotland and Ireland and we arriving early afternoon on a Friday and have all day Saturday in Paris.

Your 2-day itinerary was so helpful in deciding what we want to do — just wondering if what we have come up with is doable in a day and a half?

Day One – Notre Dame / Dinner on the Seine River / walk on Left Bank

Day Two – Champs Elysees / Arc de Triomphe / Eiffel Tower / Latin Quarter / The Louvre / Marais / Dinner in Bastille

28th April 2018 at 5:44 pm

Hi Annemarie!

That does sound do-able yes! Your second day will be quite busy, but certainly manageable 😀 Definitely for the Eiffel Tower make sure you book your tickets in advance so as not to have to waste time queuing. You can do it on the official website 🙂 Same with the Louvre, although you might find a 1 day Paris pass or 1 day paris museum pass will help – although I’m not sure if you’re going to be seeing enough to make the savings too great – you’ll have to do the math and figure it out 🙂

Have a wonderful trip!

Sharen says

23rd April 2018 at 6:25 pm

Hi there, this is great info. THANK YOU. I will be travelling to Paris in May with my 14 year old daughter. We are both EU citizens. Do I need to purchase a Paris Pass for her? If I purchase one for myself will she be able to go through the Fast track lane with me?

24th April 2018 at 10:27 pm

Thanks very much 🙂 As your daughter is under 26 and an EU citizen, she won’t need to pay to access the majority of Paris’s attractions – just make sure you bring your passport with you 🙂 In terms of fast track access, I’ve done some research and can’t find a definitive answer, but I think if she is with you then you should be ok to use the fast track lane together.

Melanie says

5th April 2018 at 2:05 am

My husband and I are hopping up from San Sebastián next week and will only have 2 days so this itinerary is perfect and full of great advice! Wouldn’t have thought to see Saint Chapelle. Would be curious to know your thoughts on dining? Thanks again for putting together such an informative blog!

5th April 2018 at 10:17 am

Hi Melanie! To be honest we usually just google the local restaurants to wherever we are and find options with high recent reviews, or wander around the neighbourhood we’re staying at and check out the menus of the day. We find that restaurants can change in quality so much that recommendations can be a bit hit and miss. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

25th March 2018 at 8:50 pm

Hi – great writeup ! My first time to Paris with my husband and teenage daughter. Your writeup helped me come up with my itinerary of two days. I was wondering why have you not included Palace of Versailles? I am planning to opt out of few attractions for second day especially Sacre Coeur and Musee d’Orsay. Can I include Palace of Versailles instead? Is it doable?

25th March 2018 at 8:56 pm

Thanks very much! For two days, I thought that Versailles would be a challenge (it’s on my three day itinerary: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/3-day-paris-itinerary/ ).

However if you wanted to opt out of some of the other attractions, you could definitely do Versailles – it’s your trip so it’s important you do what you want 😀 Just be aware it’ll take you around half a day, and you definitely want to get there early – plan to arrive as soon as it opens so you can make the most of your day.

Have a wonderful time in Paris!

25th March 2018 at 12:58 pm

Hello! This itinerary is amazing! Thank you so much for all the work that went into it! Our questions is…we are thinking about going in Nov. 2018…to celebrate my 5oth birthday and our 20th anniversary. We would fly on a Friday but not get in until Saturday mid morning. We would leave on a Wed. Monday is Veteran’s Day and although that won’t be a factor in Paris, we read that many things are closed on Mondays anyway. Our question is…is there a way to split up the 2 day Paris Pass and use it on non-consecutive days? That way we could relax on Saturday, tour on Sunday, relax on Monday and use the pass again on Tuesday?

Thanks so much for your help. 🙂

25th March 2018 at 1:09 pm

Hi Jennifer! Thanks very much and congratulations on your milestones 😀

Great question! So, the “easy” answer is that no, you can’t split up the pass as it is for consecutive days, and once activated can’t be paused. So you have a couple of options. The easiest of course would be to buy a longer pass, which comes with longer travel cards and would be easier to manage.

The other options is to get a bit creative. The Paris Pass actually comes as two different passes, which can in fact be activated separately. These are the Paris Museum Pass, and the Paris Attractions Pass. These cover different attractions, and you could activate these separately from each. Of course, the travel pass will only last for two days from activation date, so plan your timing on that based on your transport needs.

So, going through the itinerary, the following attractions are covered by the Paris Museum pass:

Saint Chapelle Cathedrale Notre Dame towers / crypt Louvre Arc de Triomphe Musee d’Orsay Centre Pompidou

And the Paris Attractions Pass covers:

Wine tasting Seine River Cruise Dali Museum Opera Garnier Tour Tour Montparnasse

It also includes the hop on hop off bus, which you could do on one of your days.

The Eiffel Tower isn’t on any pass, neither is the Sacre Couer tower.

So my suggestion would be to split up your days in Paris across the attractions, and see the different attractions for the correct passes. I’d also suggest maybe taking one of the days and visiting Versailles, which is wonderful. That’s included on the Paris Museum Pass. For more ideas, check out my 3 day Paris itinerary here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/3-day-paris-itinerary/

Also, just for reference, here’s a handy listing of days that different sites are open: https://en.parisinfo.com/what-to-see-in-paris/info/guides/weekly-closing-days-of-cultural-sites-in-Paris

18th March 2018 at 4:40 pm

Going to Paris in the first week of April for 3 days Staying in and area called Boulouge.

Got a few places would like to visit, How do you recommend we do this ?

19th March 2018 at 11:00 am

My suggestion would be to check out my just published 3 Day Paris itinerary 🙂 https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/3-day-paris-itinerary/

If you could be more specific about what help you need I will try to help out!

8th March 2018 at 10:52 am

Gosh…. the city of Love ? I am going next month and your pictures are making me excited to go there soon! Can’t wait!!

8th March 2018 at 11:10 am

have a wonderful trip!

6th March 2018 at 11:13 am

Hi Laurence , Are all the Museums open on Saturday and Sunday as well ?

6th March 2018 at 9:26 pm

The majority of museums are open on Saturday / Sunday – Monday is a more common day for museums to close in Paris 😉

here’s handy list to save you looking through museums individually:

https://en.parisinfo.com/what-to-see-in-paris/info/guides/weekly-closing-days-of-cultural-sites-in-Paris

25th February 2018 at 1:44 pm

Me and my girlfriend will be traveling in Paris around 1st week of May. Just a question the Paris pass (2 day) will give you unlimited access to transportation as well?

25th February 2018 at 1:52 pm

Yes, the Paris Pass includes free transport for the duration of the pass. It actually comes as a 2 day metrocard ticket, which is good for zones 1-3. So you can’t use it to get to the airport, or outside of those zones (Versailles for example is not included), but everywhere in this itinerary is covered. You can see more here:

https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101lbZC/pubref:FTU2DayParis/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.parispass.com%2Fparis-transport%2F

Melanie Moore says

5th February 2018 at 3:18 pm

I was just in Paris in December and had only 24 hours! Luckily, it was my third visit so I didn’t feel like I had to squeeze everything in. (I wrote about what I did here: mywanderlustblog.me) I am making note from your post to see Saint Chapelle on my next visit. Wow, looks amazing! Thanks for sharing!

6th February 2018 at 6:31 pm

24 hours is a short time but I’m pleased you saw a lot still. And yes, definitely make time for Saint Chapelle next time!

Christine says

10th January 2018 at 2:42 am

Thanks for all the tips! I’ll be visiting Paris for the first time in March! I’ll be sure to read the other posts mentioned.

10th January 2018 at 9:30 am

My pleasure! Paris is one of our favourite cities – have a wonderful time!

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Perfect 2 Days in Paris Itinerary + Budget Guide

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy or book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission .

Are you looking to visit the City of Lights soon, but only have time for a short 48 hour visit? If so, you’re in luck! Below you’ll find the perfect 2 days in Paris itinerary to make the most of your time without burning out.

Is 2 days in Paris ideal? Technically, no, as there is so much to possibly see in this beautiful iconic city. However, sometimes life only gives you a couple days, and you’ve got to take them.

Seeing Paris is totally worth it, even if just for a day!

I actually just did a similar short stint in Paris with my husband while in town for a wedding. Due to how we scheduled our travels , we only left ourselves two whole days for sight-seeing even though we wished we could do more. After my planning mistakes in London last year, I was very nervous about jam-packing our schedule. This time, though, I worked hard to make a better plan while also scheduling in downtime. I’m happy to say it ended up being an amazing trip and we both fell completely in love with Paris.

This goes to show that a 2 day itinerary for Paris is 100% doable. It just takes a little strategy and realistic expectations. You certainly don’t need to try to “do it all” to feel like you got enough out of your trip. There is so much more to experiencing Paris than museums and tours, after all. So let’s get into it now and talk about how to plan the perfect 2 days in Paris itinerary.

Planning Your 2 Days in Paris

Getting to paris.

First off, I recommend building a travel day into your schedule that is completely separate from your 2 full days in Paris. Factoring in travel days is honestly one of the best things I’ve ever done when planning a trip. It helps prevent travel burnout and meltdowns, and preserves your sanity and sightseeing motivation.

Ideally, you’d think you could do some sight-seeing on your arrival day. However, it’s all too often that the many variables of travel get in the way. For that reason, it’s nice to leave this day open.

If you fly into Paris, you’ll likely land at Charles de Gaulle Airport. From there, you can catch a taxi, bus, or more commonly, the RER B train to Gare du Nord. From Gare du Nord, you can take the Metro to the station closest to your lodging.

Getting Around Paris

Paris is extremely walkable, and we certainly got our steps in during our visit. However, staying in the Marais, we were too far out from the Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysees and opted to take the Metro instead. The Metro, or Paris’s underground subway system, is cheap, easy to use, and usually arrives in less than 5 minutes.

You can buy tickets at machines for 1.90€ each or 14.90€ for ten tickets (we went through two sets of ten). I highly recommend utilizing the Metro to give your feet a break.

sign for the metro - 2 days in Paris Itinerary

Where to Stay

There are many great neighborhoods to base yourself in Paris, with some being closer to tourist attractions than others. What I learned from staying very close to heavy tourist areas on a recent trip to Italy , is that I’d rather be a little further removed from that scene. Picture crowds, lots of tour groups coming through, and street hawkers trying to sell you hats and light up Eiffel Towers every time you walk by. It gets old very quickly.

We stayed in a lovely flat in the Marais, and fell in love with this neighborhood. There are more Parisians, the scene is more chill, and there are plenty of good shops, restaurants, and cafés. If given the chance, I would absolutely choose to stay in this neighborhood again.

2 Days in Paris Itinerary

Arrival in paris.

While I don’t recommend planning much sight-seeing upon your arrival in Paris, you still gotta eat. Plus, you’ll probably be pretty hungry by the time you get your bearings after all that travel.

If you are staying close to the Marais, I highly recommend checking out Glou . It is very atmospheric, with tables right on the sidewalk where you can watch the world pass by. It also has romantic views, with a small park and the lovely Picasso Museum across the way. We enjoyed their menu, with my excellent fried octopus dish and my husband’s delicious ribeye. Obviously, we couldn’t eat this without a little wine too.

Glou was the perfect intro to Paris, and a welcome place to slow down for a couple hours after a long travel day. We liked it so much, we actually popped in here for wine two more times during our stay!

Picasso Museum accross from Glou - 2 days in Paris Itinerary

2 Days in Paris Itinerary: Day 1

Every morning in Paris should be started by finding a café for coffee and probably also a croissant or pain au chocolat if you know what’s good for you. These places are everywhere, so just hit up the one where you see the most locals and move along.

Now it’s time to start exploring Paris ( said like Paree ). I like to start a lot of my trips with a walking tour if I can. They really help with getting oriented to a new city, while also educating you about each sight. Since we were being cheap, we did Rick Steves’ self-guided Historic Paris Walk using his free Audio Europe app. The only price to pay is listening to all of Rick Steves’ cheesy jokes ( nothing’s free, right? ).

That being said, it’s a scenic walk, and it takes you through the Île de la Cité passed the Notre Dame Cathedral, Île Saint-Louis, down the Seine and the many vintage book stands, etc. Rick Steves suggests using 4 hours for the walk. However, the app has not been updated since the fire at Notre Dame, which unfortunately is closed to the public indefinitely. Since you can’t go inside, this probably shaves about an hour off the tour. If you’re like us, and don’t actually enter any sights, it’ll probably be closer to two hours.

If you don’t want to do a self-guided tour, there are plenty of group tours available as well. A popular company is Take Walks , which we used for two tours in Italy and had great experiences both times.

Crepe Break

You’ve just done a bunch of walking and burnt off some calories, which means you can take a crepe break. There is an awesome take-away stall in the Marais called La Droguerie that makes them fresh and puts them in a cone for you to eat and walk.

I caution you though – if you are like me and bad at eating neatly, you may want to be a little weary of the whole walking and eating thing. I got the banana and Nutella crepe, and ending up wearing some of it on my outfit. From now on, I think I’ll just eat them standing in one spot, since I can barely even handle eating sitting down.

Plan a visit to the Louvre Museum on your first day, and absolutely purchase your tickets in advance. The lines to buy tickets on site are horrendous and will unnecessarily waste time during your precious 2 days in Paris.

Once inside, you’ll likely see another obnoxious line going across the main lobby. We didn’t know it at the time, but this is the current line for the Mona Lisa ( or Joconde in French ) during renovations. It must have been recently relocated, because our maps of the Louvre showed it being somewhere else entirely. We spent a good hour wandering all around trying to find it. Finally, when we circled back to the lobby, it clicked what that huge line was actually for.

I would estimate this line to be at least an hour, maybe two, and we chose not to deal with it on our visit. With only a 2 day Paris itinerary, we didn’t want to waste precious time waiting in long lines. Plus, it’s the Louvre – there is plenty of other world class artwork all over the building to look at without a crazy line. For example, there are a number of other Leonardo da Vinci paintings to admire and loads of sculptures, including the famous Venus de Milo.

Right outside the Louvre is the Tuileries Garden that you can check out for free if you want. We passed on it, since we were exhausted after wandering all around the Louvre looking for the Mona Lisa.

Schedule a climb or elevator up the Eiffel Tower in time for golden hour. The cheapest option is to climb the stairs to the second floor, and it’s also a huge time saver with hardly any line at all. Plus, it’s a pretty rewarding experience, especially if you’re afraid of heights like me. I’m not gonna lie when I say I ran up the steps and pretended the ground wasn’t real…

You could also take the elevator to either just the 2 nd floor, or continue your journey all the way up to the top ( these are two different tickets ). The second floor has an amazing view, and arguably even better than the top, as it’s close enough to the ground to pick out some buildings and monuments. Elevator tickets book up well in advance, so be sure to reserve them online before your trip!

view of Champs de Mars from Eiffel Tower

After this would be a great time to do a starlight Seine river cruise, as Bateaux-Mouches and other such tour companies are only a 15 minute walk from the Eiffel Tower. Bateaux-Mouches leaves twice an hour until 10:30 p.m. during high season, and you can pretty much show up and buy tickets on the spot. One perk I really liked about them is how long their boats are, with plenty of space on the top deck to enjoy the stunning city views.

Tip – The left side of the boat will give you both the best views of Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Plan your cruise around 10:00 p.m. to catch the Eiffel Tower shimmering on the hour.

2 Days in Paris Itinerary: Day 2

If you want, you could spend the first part of your day touring the Musée d’Orsay when it opens at 9:30 a.m., and then walk or Metro over to the Arc de Triomphe. It’s about a 2 mile walk, mostly right down the famous Champs-Élysées, versus a 25 minute Metro ride. You could also do things in reverse order, and start with the Arc de Triomphe to get some pretty photos in the morning light before all the crowds. The drawback is that the shops and restaurants on the Champs-Élysées may not be open yet, so this could be more fun to do in the afternoon.

However, if you are like me and get museum fatigue, maybe you’d like to pass on the Musée d’Orsay in favor of a slower morning. Remember, there is more to Paris than hopping between monuments and museums. Plus, I personally prefer not to do back to back museum days, so we opted to sleep in a little before heading out for crepes. The best creperies generally do not seem to open until late morning anyhow.

If you decide to go the crepe route, BREIZH Café is a great sit down establishment in the Marais to check out. The have seating right on the street for people watching, and serve delicious sweet and savory crepes.

teal plate with white mug of coffee sprinkled with cinnamon

If you didn’t go in the morning, it’s Arc de Triomphe time now. From wherever you are, walk or take the Metro to the Charles de Gaulle – Étoile station, and get your signature selfie in the middle of the Champs-Élysées. Follow this up with a stroll past the luxury shops on the Champs-Élysées until you’ve had your fill. I largely ignored these, since peaking into stores I can’t afford is a waste of my precious time.

If you have time and energy, make the 15 minute walk over to Place du Trocadéro for a lively atmosphere and breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower. This is the perfect place to picnic with some takeout food, or perhaps a baguette with fromage and rosé. Finish off with some macarons, which you can purchase at a nearby shop called Carette.

brunette girl in pink sweatshirt standing in front of arc de triomphe on champs elysees

End your 2 days in Paris itinerary with a proper slow-paced Parisian dinner at a nice restaurant like Chez Mademoiselle in the Marais. We had a lovely experience there, although clearly our 7:00 p.m. reservation was an early dinner on Paris time. No one else entered the place for at least another half hour! We did not get an appetizer, but instead ate the wonderful bread that every Paris establishment provides no matter what you order.

We sipped on various wines, which were all delicious, just like all the wine we consumed in France and Italy. And believe me – we almost always ordered the cheapest wine on the menu. For dinner I devoured the incredible and well-portioned tartar duo. My hubby inhaled their fish dish, apparently a white fish called turbot, which he loved.

tartar duo and side salad at Chez Mademoiselle

Dessert was the kicker. We ordered the chocolate mousse to split between us, even though we were almost full. What we weren’t expecting was the entire jar of whipped mascarpone cream that was brought out with it. I presume we were supposed to top the chocolate mousse with a dollop?

They didn’t know who they were dealing with, though, because we definitely tried ( unsuccessfully ) to eat the whole jar. But after they took it away, we still weren’t quite finished. While waiting for our check, a waiter brought us over complimentary limoncello to top off our night. Need I say more? This was obviously an awesome date night spot, and the perfect place to complete our 2 days in Paris itinerary.

tiramisu and marscapone cream at glou - 2 days in Paris itinerary

This is where your romantic and memorable 2 days in Paris itinerary comes to a close. Hopefully, you got a good taste of the city and the opportunity to do as the Parisians do, even while going full tourist at their famous sights. Just remember that it’s okay to pace yourself and focus in on seeing a few key places. It’s impossible to squeeze everything into 2 quick days while still doing it justice. Paris is a place one could easily be drawn back to, so might as well start saving for your return trip when you get home!

The perfect Paris travel guide and itinerary for your upcoming trip to the City of Light. Read for amazing tips on things to do in Paris, as well as cool places to go and delicious local food to eat, like crepes and croissants. This 2 day Paris Itinerary will ensure you see top sights like the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees and Louvre, and other incredible places in Paris!

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Home > Paris Itineraries > 2 Days in Paris: Itinerary & Best Tips by a Local

2 Days in Paris: Itinerary & Best Tips by a Local

Visit paris in 2 days.

Two days in Paris, what to do? Paris is beautiful and incredibly romantic, and there is no city that is easier to spend time in like Paris. The kind of place where one always finds new things to see and do, Paris truly is a moveable feast!

Paris in two days is a bit short; we recommend spending at least 3 days in Paris to get a good picture of the city. But if you only have 2 days in Paris, this guide is a great starting point. Use this 2 days in Paris itinerary step by step, or simply use it as inspiration for your trip planner. Whatever you decide to do, we are sure you will have a wonderful 2-day trip to Paris.

Are You Planning a Trip to Paris Last Minute?

If you are booking a last-minute trip to Paris, I’ve got you covered! Below are our must-guides, top tours, hotels, and more:

» Plan: Paris Travel Planner ; Paris Arrondissements Guide ; Check out the best Paris Metro tickets for tourists

» Book your flight tickets with Omio ; book your train tickets with Omio

Book your transfer from the airport to the city with Welcome Pickups .

» Where to Stay: Best Districts to Stay in Paris

Le Pavillon de la Reine (historical 5-star hotel in Le Marais)
Hotel La Comtesse (mid-range hotel with Eiffel Tower view from all the rooms!)
Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne (super central 4-star hotel near the Louvre)

» Top-Rated Paris Tours & Tickets:

Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
Eiffel Tower Summit Access Ticket
Seine River Night Cruise
Catacombs Skip-the-line tour with VIP access to restricted areas

Want skip-the-line access at museums & attractions in Paris? Get your hands on a Paris Museum Pass !

» Don’t leave without travel insurance! Safety Wing works well for long and short trips (starting with a minimum of 5 days). SafetyWing covers COVID-19 for new policies purchased, and unplanned quarantine is covered, too.

Paris 2 Day Itinerary – Our Proposal for Two Days in Paris

What to see in Paris in 2 days? Here’s an overview of the perfect Paris itinerary 2 days .

Day 1 in Paris – Ile de la Cié and Right Bank with Montmartre
Day 2 in Paris – Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Près, Trocadéro, and the Eiffel Tower.

We decided to split this two days in Paris itinerary into Paris Right Bank and Paris Left Bank . This has an obvious logistics advantage: all our proposals for the day are concentrated on the same side of Paris, so the walking and metro distances are optimized.

During this 2-day Paris itinerary, you will explore the most popular Arrondissements of Paris, leaving the lesser-known districts for longer itineraries. Still, it’s recommended that you read our Paris by Arrondissement guide , with the story and main highlights by arrondissement. This will make your trip planning for your 2 days in Paris much easier.

This Paris 2-day itinerary comes with two different maps, one for each day spent in Paris, with our suggested points of interest.

2 Days in Paris, Day 1: Paris Right Bank

Notre dame | louvre museum | the tuileries garden | montmartre | moulin rouge.

Paris is bisected by the Seine River (La Seine, in French), which flows westwards to the English Channel. In Paris, you will often hear about Paris Rive Gauche (Paris’ Left Bank) and Paris Rive Droite (Paris’ Right Bank): when facing downstream, the northern bank is to the right, and the southern bank is to the left.

The isle that you can see in the middle of the Seine River is named Ile de la Cité , and this will be the starting point of this ultimate 2 days in Paris itinerary.

In Medieval times, Ile de la Cité was the center of the royal and religious powers. In this area, we find the Conciergerie, Notre Dame de Paris, and the Sainte Chapelle.

Click here to view this 2 days in Paris map, day 1 on Google

1. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL (FROM OUTSIDE)

Grab a coffee and head to Ile de la Cité , the heart of Paris. From metro station Cité (line 4), look for Notre Dame’s twin towers; this will be the starting point of your explorations today.

As you would no doubt be aware, Notre Dame was severely damaged during a fire in April 2019 and is currently closed to the public. During the fire, parts of the roof and the spire was destroyed forever, however, the main façade and its twin towers were saved, as were the Cathedral’s treasures.

The construction of this jewel of Gothic Architecture began in the 12th century and was finally completed in the 14th century. Notre Dame de Paris is dedicated to Our Lady of Paris, and you can see Her represented in the rose window.

Just in front of the Cathedral’s main façade (not visible now with the restoration works), there is a plaque indicating France’s km 0 . This means that all the French roads are measured from this point.

USEFUL INFO & TIPS

» Notre Dame opening hours: closed to the public until further notice

» notre dame towers opening hours: closed to the public until further notice.

Before leaving Ile-de-la-Cité, consider visiting one of these historical sights located on the isle: the Sainte Chapelle or the Conciergerie.

» The Sainte Chapelle : This Gothic-style royal chapel was built in just seven years, from 1238 to 1248. Today this building has one of the most extensive 13th-century stained glass collections anywhere in the world – Click here to buy your tickets

» The Conciergerie : This 14th-century Gothic building was formerly the King of France’s palace and then used as a prison. Visitors can explore the dungeons and the chapel where Marie Antionette was held prisoner during the last days before dying under the guillotine – Click here to buy your tickets

2. EXPLORE THE BANKS OF THE SEINE RIVER

This Paris itinerary 2 days continues on the Right Bank. Take Rue d’Arcole and cross the bridge: you’ve just reached the Seine’s Right Bank. Start walking northwest following Quai François Mitterrand , always having the river on your left side.

From here, you have a better view of Ile de la Cité, and you can admire the Conciergerie (the building with the pointed towers), the iconic rooftops of Paris, and the Pont Neuf (New Bridge), which is the oldest bridge in Paris! After a pleasant 20-minute walk, you will reach the Louvre Museum .

3. THE LOUVRE MUSEUM

With only two days in Paris, you might have time for only one museum. Pick either the Louvre Museum or the Musée d’Orsay. We recommend the Louvre.

First-timers in Paris find it difficult to resist the temptation of visiting the Louvre Museum , even if they visit Paris in 2 days! Originally built as a royal palace, the Louvre Palace is today one of the best and most visited museums in the world. Admire Pei’s glass pyramid , located in the Louvre’s inner court, and enter the museum for a short visit.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: the famous tea house Angelina has an establishment inside the Louvre Museum, not far from Napoleon iii apartments. Enjoy Angelina’s famous hot chocolate or taste the incredible Mont Blanc dessert without the crowds!

» The Louvre Museum opens from Wednesday to Monday from 9 am to 6 am. On Wednesdays and Fridays, the Louvre opens until 9.45 pm.

» buy louvre skip the line tickets , and don’t waste time standing in line: you only have 2 days in paris, » check how to get the most out of the louvre in 2 hours or less.

4. THE TUILERIES GARDEN

After visiting some of the most famous Louvre artworks, head to the Tuileries Garden for a walk in the fresh air.

The Tuileries Garden is one of the most beautiful parks in Paris and the oldest French garden in the city. It was designed in the 16th century on the site of ancient tile factories that gave the park its name. The current layout still keeps the spirit of André Le Notre’ s design, the same landscape designer as the Gardens of Château de Versailles and the gardens of Château de Chantilly .

Take a stroll around the park to see the ponds and the flowers, and admire the different sculptures. If you have not eaten yet, the park has a couple of guinguettes (kiosks) where you can get coffee and a quick eat.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: do you want to learn about the park’s fascinating history whilst having fun? Check out this DIY Tuileries Garden Quest for a unique view of the Tuileries Garden in Paris.

If the first day in Paris is rainy or too cold outside, replace the Tuileries Garden with some of the most beautiful covered passages in Paris , located not far from the Louvre.

5. MONTMARTRE

Spend the last hours of this two days in Paris itinerary exploring the most famous hill in Paris. From Tuileries, take the metro to the iconic neighborhood of Montmartre . Take the metro to Anvers metro station (line 12) and follow this Stories of Old Montmartre Walking Tour , which explores the top sights of Montmartre such as the Sacré Coeur , the Moulin de la Galette , Place du Tertre or the Wall of Love.

From the Sacré Coeur down to Place des Abbesses, take your time to read the stories behind the main sights, perhaps with a coffee break in between.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: climb up to Sacré Coeur’s dome for amazing panoramic views of Paris! The access to the dome is from outside the basilica, on the left side.

6. MOULIN ROUGE CABARET SHOW

For the first evening of this itinerary, head to the Moulin Rouge for a fun night of music, can-can, and bubbles. The Moulin Rouge is one of the most popular cabarets in Paris , so you may want to buy your Moulin Rouge tickets well in advance !

Alternatively, you can decide to spend the first evening of your 2 day trip to Paris exploring other bits of Montmartre under the moonlight and have dinner in one of the best restaurants in Montmartre . Finish your day with a cocktail at one of our favorite rooftop bars in Paris , the Terrass Rooftop Bar (7), admiring the Paris skyline and gazing across the lights and landmarks that define the City of Lights.

USEFUL INFO & TIPS:

» Click here to buy your tickets to the Moulin Rouge show

» terrass hotel and rooftop bar is located at 12 rue joseph de maistre. open also to non-guests, 2 days in paris, day 2: paris left bank, the latin quarter | luxembourg gardens | saint-germain-des-prés | eiffel tower.

On the second day of this Paris 2-day itinerary, you will explore the Left Bank of Paris. Historically, the Left Bank was the focus of Paris’s intellectual and religious life.

Click here to view this 2 days in Paris map, day 2 on Google

1. THE LATIN QUARTER

Start the last day of your 2-day Paris itinerary with a coffee in the Latin Quarter in Paris , the heart of university life. The Latin Quarter is also one of the oldest districts of Paris, where the former Roman city Lutetia (IC AD) developed along its Cardo Maximus, the present Rue Saint Jacques . Like all the Roman cities, Lutetia had a forum (current Rue Soufflot), a couple of Roman baths (Les Thermes de Lutèce), and even an amphitheater known today as Arènes de Lutèce .

2. THE PANTHÉON

The Panthéon in Paris is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. Originally built as a church, the Panthéon operates today as a mausoleum with tombs of illustrious French citizens – Click here to buy your tickets

The building has an impressive facade surmounted by a large dome. In 1851, physicist Léon Foucault demonstrated the rotation of the Earth by constructing a 67-meter Foucault pendulum beneath the central dome. Today, a replica of this famous pendulum is still displayed inside the Panthéon.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: don’t miss the awesome views from the Panthéon’s dome! The dome is often referred to as the “balcony of Paris” because of the amazing views of Paris.

Wander around the Latin Quarter. In this same area, several buildings make up the large complex of La Sorbonne University , which are also impressive and always teeming with students. La Sorbonne was founded in 1253 at King Louis IX’s request as a college for 16 poor students who wanted to study theology. After 1885, it became the most important university in France and it is still one of the most important universities in Paris.

Around the Sorbonne, you can find the Collège de France , other prestigious schools, and the beautiful Sainte-Geneviève library . There are also many bookshops, cafes, and independent cinemas.

» You can reach the Panthéon by metro, from Cardinal Lemoine metro station (line 10). If you want to have a quick look at the Arènes de Lutèce first, then take the metro to Jussieu (lines 7 and 10).

» the panthéon of paris is open every day from 10 am to 6.30 pm. the entrance ticket costs 9€, » the access to the panthéon’s dome is open from april to october. apart from the panthéon ticket, you need to purchase a second ticket that costs 2€..

3. THE LUXEMBOURG GARDENS

This Paris in two itinerary takes you now to one of the most beautiful gardens in the city. Explore the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens and admire the palace originally built for Queen Marie de Médicis (today the Sénat Palace) and other beautiful sights like the octagonal pond or the romantic Médicis Fountain . If the weather is good, don’t hesitate to blend in with the locals and have a picnic on the grass.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: this cool DIY Treasure Hunt is perfect to explore the Luxembourg Gardens whilst having fun!

4. SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS

From Luxembourg Gardens, take the Avenue Bonaparte to the neighborhood of Saint Germain-des-Prés.

Developed around the former Saint-Germain Abbey , the neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés became after the Second World War a center of intellectual and cultural life in Paris, with the presence of interesting writers and artists like Marguerite Duras, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir, François Truffaut, Picasso, Giacometti and many more. All these cool people liked to wander around Saint-Germain and enjoy its particular atmosphere and a good intellectual discussion at Café Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore .

Today, Saint-Germain is a great place to get lost in its winding streets or to stop at a nice cafe for people-watching.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: Saint-Germain is well known for having some of the best chocolate shops and pâtisseries in Paris. We recommend the Saint-Germain Chocolate Walking Tour.

5. THE EIFFEL TOWER

For the last night of your 2 days in Paris, head to the Eiffel Tower for a “grand finale” in the City of Light! Climb up to the Eiffel Tower’s summit to watch the sunset over Paris.

Designed by the engineer Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower is always impressive but it is even more incredible to see at night when the golden floodlights come on. When the Tour Eiffel is lit up it will sparkle for the first five minutes of every hour so check your watch not to miss the next one!

6. SEINE RIVER BOAT TOUR

End your day with a Seine night boat tour – and perhaps a glass of champagne – and admire the historical monuments dotted along the route: The Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, the Conciergerie, … and back to Notre Dame, where everything started.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: a gourmet dinner with amazing views of the Eiffel Tower at the restaurant Les Ombres can be the perfect start to an unforgettable night!

» Book your Eiffel Tower tickets well in advance! With only two days in Paris, it’s important to secure the date and time slot asap.

» restaurant les ombres is located at 27 quai branly (paris 7). book your table in advance directly on their website ., » have a look at the best seine river boat tours, » during summertime, sunset can be around 22:00. boat tours usually run until 10.30 pm so we recommend booking the last or pre-last boat tour to see the monuments illuminated., other things to do in paris in 2 days.

Of course, there are many other interesting things to do in Paris in two days, it’s just that we cannot include everything in a so short itinerary! Below, find more ideas of places to visit for 2 days in Paris:

» This Paris 2-day itinerary does not include Le Marais. Le Marais is another interesting area to explore and you can find some ideas in our posts on Paris 3 and Paris 4 . Both posts cover different parts of Le Marais.

» Are you planning your 2 days in Paris during the winter? Check out our guide to Winter in Paris , with some cool proposals when it’s too cold to be outside. If the weather forecast shows rain in Paris, check out this list of things to do in Paris during rainy days.

» If you want to surprise your partner with a romantic weekend getaway, we recommend using this romantic weekend in Paris itinerary instead, also with a program for two days in Paris.

» Hop-on Hop-off tours are a great way to get an overview of the city for first-timers and to check off the most famous Paris landmarks in one day.

» If you have some more time, you may want to include some of the 50 best things to do in Paris in your itinerary.

How to Get from and to the Airports of Paris

My personal recommendation is to pre-book with Welcome Pickups , a reliable and top-rated private transfer service. Your driver will wait for you outside of the arrivals hall with a sign bearing your name, plus a bottle of water and a map of the city. Welcome Pickups has introduced strict safety protocols to protect drivers and guests.

These are what we consider the best options to go from one of the Paris airports to the city but there are many more, public and private.

Click here to see all the options from Paris CDG Airport to city
Click here to see all the options from Paris ORY Airport to city

Where to Sleep in Paris for 2 Days

Haven’t decided where to stay during your 2 days in Paris yet? Check out our hotel suggestions perfect for exploring Paris in 2 days.

I recommend Booking.com for booking your hotel in Paris. They have a wide variety of accommodation of all kinds and good rates. In addition, they propose the option to cancel for free, most of the time up to 24 hours.

SLEEP WITH EIFFEL TOWER VIEWS

If you have the budget, why not treat yourself to the pleasure of waking up with an amazing Eiffel Tower balcony view?

Some of the best hotels in Paris also offer awesome views of the Eiffel Tower, which is especially beautiful during its night show!

Check out the best hotels with Eiffel Tower Views

The good news is that a cozy room with Eiffel Tower views is not exclusive to the best hotels in Paris. If you are looking for a more local experience, there are also beautiful, fully equipped apartments to rent with amazing Eiffel Tower views

Check out the best apartments with a view of the Eiffel Tower

HOTELS AT LE MARAIS IN PARIS 3

Le Marais in the Right Bank is a beautiful and central neighborhood perfect for setting your base in Paris, especially if you are visiting Paris for the first time. It is picturesque, well connected by the metro, and with many beautiful cafes and restaurant options.

Click here for the best hotels in Le Marais in Paris 3

LE PAVILLON DE LA REINE & SPA , Paris 3, $$$$

Le Pavillon de la Reine is a luxury hotel & spa located at Place des Vosges in the Marais. The rooms are individually decorated and very spacious. Facilities include a spa, fitness center, and hammam. Its beautiful secluded garden is perfect to end your day with a drink.

Click here for the Latest Prices

HOTEL DU PETIT MOULIN , Paris 3, $$$

Located in the heart of Marais and entirely designed by Christian Lacroix, this hotel offers the best combination of history and design. Guests can use complimentary bicycles and enjoy free access to the spa at Hotel Pavillon de la Reine, a 10-minute walk away.

HOTELS IN THE LATIN QUARTER

If you prefer to stay in the Left Bank, the Latin Quarter is also a good option, usually with less expensive options. Stay close to the Luxembourg Gardens or the Jardin des Plantes but also to lively areas like rue du Mouffetard or the Sorbonne with many bars and restaurants nearby.

Click here for the best hotels in the Latin Quarter in Paris 5

X HOTEL LA LANTERNE ; Paris 5, $$$$

Hotel La Lanterne has an excellent location (between Notre Dame and Luxembourg Gardens), attractive rooms, and great facilities like a spa, pool, or private garden. It is perfect for finishing your exploring days in a more relaxing way.

OBSERVATOIRE LUXEMBOURG : Paris 5, $$$

Located close to Luxembourg Gardens, we find its design pretty cool. But of course, it is not all about decoration: the hotel’s comfortable rooms, French Brasserie, modern facilities, and cool staff are the perfect combination for a great stay in Paris.

And there you have it, a comprehensive Paris 2-day itinerary with the best things to do in Paris in 2 days. Follow this 2 days in Paris guide step by step or change it up to suit your own individual preferences.

Have a look at our other Paris Itineraries

1 day in Paris Itinerary
3 days in Paris Itinerary
4 days in Paris Itinerary
5 days in Paris Itinerary
6 days in Paris Itinerary
7 days in Paris Itinerary

Click here to read more Paris Itineraries

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About WORLD IN PARIS

Quirky parisian explorer with a preference for lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about me ., i am elisa, the travel blogger behind world in paris. quirky explorer with a preference for the local side of my city and its lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & my best tips learn more.

2 Days in Paris Itinerary, With a Map

Last Updated on April 3, 2024

Few things are as satisfying as a walk around Paris …

Estimated reading time: 18 minutes

By Jim Ferri

Through all the years I’ve traveled around Europe, one of my greatest joys continues to be walking about Paris . There are so many places to visit; I never tire of the city.

I know, however, that many travelers don’t have the luxury of spending a week or two in the French capital. Many of us, myself included, cram so much into a European trip that we spent only 2 days in the city.

That’s not an altogether bad thing, however.

Two days in Paris are better than never visiting, and you’ll likely return again and again. In fact, if you’re in London, you can even take a day trip by train to the French capital.

On my many walks in Paris, I sometimes search for new places, while at other times, I just enjoy the old haunts. And each of my itineraries has shown me fascinating facets of the city – even when I only had 2 days in Paris.

From my experience, I’ve culled a 2-day walking tour of the best places to visit in Paris. However, these are two full days, meaning you should spend three nights in Paris.

Although I don’t mention it in this post, there is another (romantic and delicious) highly rated thing you can do in Paris: enjoy a Parisian dinner cruise. Cruise the Seine and see Paris lit up after dark while enjoying champagne and a gourmet meal. There are several cruises to choose from at different prices, and since they’re from Viator you can book now and pay later with free cancellation.

A note on getting around the city, notre-dame cathedral, the first stop on your 2 days in paris, sainte-chapelle, don’t miss the musée du louvre, a choice of paris itineraries on your walking tour, option #1 the marais, option #2 galleries lafayette, visit sacré-cœur and montmartre on your 2-days in paris tour, arc de triomphe and champs-élysées, a don’t miss: trocadero and the eiffel tower, musée d’orsay, beautiful luxembourg gardens – a great place to picnic, the panthéon.

This post includes a map of Paris, showing you the best routes to make good use of your time. In fact, there are two maps of Paris, one for each day.

Although these are maps for walking tours, you may sometimes want to take the Metro or a taxi due to the distances involved, such as from Montmartre to the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile. Another might be the half-hour walk (at minimum) from the Musée d’Orsay to the Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens).

This is when an app such as Rome2Rio is invaluable. As have many other travelers, I’ve been using Rome2Rio for years. But most travelers, I suspect, use it primarily for longer-distance travel, say from Paris to Brussels. But it’s also a valuable resource in navigating your way around Paris or any other city.

You only need to type in any two places on the app on your phone, and it will show you several different routes to reach your destination. In addition, it will also show you how long it will take to get there when walking or by taking a taxi, bus, or Metro.

Even better yet, especially for travelers on a budget, it also provides the approximate cost for each, noting which is recommended and which is the cheapest and fastest. I’ve also found it an excellent resource for planning a trip, potentially saving time and money.

Day 1 – A Walking Tour of Paris Map

This map depicts a walking tour of the places mentioned in this article. It can all be covered in two days in Paris. It is interactive; press +/- to enlarge it or make it smaller. It can also be viewed, and the route followed, on your smartphone.

Distance : start of your two days in Paris tour

Note: Notre Dame has not yet reopened. Reopening is expected on 8 December 2024 .

A stop on all Paris itineraries, Notre-Dame de Paris is as beautiful as it is historic. Located on the Île de la Cité in the Seine, it’s now more than 850 years old and typically attracts 13 million visitors yearly.

But, as you likely know, a devastating fire engulfed this world treasure in 2019, and it remains closed during its reconstruction. It is presently on track to reopen in 2024.

Meanwhile, you may want to visit Ile Saint-Louis instead, an old neighborhood tucked away behind Notre Dame and connected to la Cité by a pedestrian bridge.

Despite this catastrophe, you shouldn’t miss seeing the cathedral, which is as beautiful on the outside as inside. It’s a magnificent church, unlike any other.

If you’re lucky enough to visit Notre Dame after it reopens, and you have the stamina, climb the 387 steps to the roof of the north tower for a superb view of Paris and the cathedral’s famous gargoyles. And you’ll undoubtedly spend time walking about its magnificent interior.

It’s a church like no other, which I’ve visited many times. The last time I saw a boy’s choir in rehearsal, and I listened to their incredible voices drifting throughout the great church as I walked about.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II Paris Notre Dame Website Open: currently closed.

Distance: a 6-minute walk from Notre Dame

Follow your map to Sainte-Chapelle , which is missed on some short Paris itineraries. But take some time to see it, especially since it’s so close to Notre Dame. Louis IX built it in the 13th century as a repository for holy relics (later places in Notre Dame) that he had acquired from the Emperor of Constantinople.

Its claim to fame, however, is its magnificent 1,113 stained-glass windows, the oldest in Paris. They are why it is one of the top 10 places in Paris . They are as extraordinary as they are magnificent, soaring glass walls that make the ceiling above appear to float in the air.

It is an amazingly beautiful place, certainly Paris’s most stunning Gothic monument. It’s housed within the Palais de Justice, which requires visitors to transit a security area as they enter. Try to visit on a sunny day to get the full impact.

Sainte-Chapelle 10, boulevard du Palais 75001 Paris Tel: 33 / (0)1 53 40 60 80 Sainte-Chapelle Website

Open : April 1–30th Septembe r : 9am–7pm / October 1–March 31: 9am–5pm. Admission: all adults: €11.50 / Under 18 years old, 18 to 25 years old who are EU or EEA nationals and assimilated-holders of a residence permit: free. Note: when judicial proceedings are taking place in the Palais de Justice Monday-Friday, a timed reservation is required for entrance.

Distance: a 15-minute walk

The third stop on your Parisian route is the Louvre , the pièce de résistance of the museum world. Without a doubt, it’s firmly entrenched as one of the must-see places to visit in Paris for most travelers who visit France . If you’re short on time, you may want to skip the line and get a guide to show you about.

You can skip-the-line at the Louvre Museum and see its masterpieces on a fully guided, very popular tour from Viator – with free cancellation!

Although best known for the Mona Lisa and her enigmatic smile, it’s an incredible repository of more than 75,000 pieces of art from almost every civilization on Earth (it’s estimated it would take nine months just to glance at every piece). Works are spread out over 675,000 square feet in three different wings, with their entrances located under I.M. Pei’s glass pyramid in the courtyard. It’s best to go online to buy your tickets and select the areas you’d like to see ahead of time.

Musée du Louvre Rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris Tel: 33 (0)1 40 20 53 17 Musée du Louvre Website

Open: Monday–Sunday 9am–6pm / closed Tuesdays. Admission: General Admission: €17 (online) / children under 18 years and residents of the European Economic Area: free.

Depending on how much time you spend in the Louvre (or how tired you may be), at this point, you now have a choice of two places to visit at the end of the first day of your 2 days in Paris.

people at outdoor cafes seen during 2 days in Paris

Distance: The center of the Marais is just a few minutes from the Louvre (turn right on Rue de Rivoli as you exit the museum). See the attached Paris map.

You’ll now walk along the chic Rue de Rivoli into the beautiful Marais district north of Notre Dame. It’s a beautiful area filled with mansions, several small but notable museums, and many popular cafés and restaurants peppered along its little lanes. Encompassing the 13th-century Jewish Quarter , today it’s one of the liveliest nightspots in the city. By all means, take a stroll through it. You can also take a popular off-the-beaten-track guided bike tour of Parisian neighborhoods.

Distance: a 20-minute stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries to Concorde; an addition 20 minutes to Galleries Lafayette .

When you exit the Louvre, follow the map’s route and walk through the adjacent Tuileries Garden to the beautiful Place de la Concorde.

While you’re there, wander into the lobby of the incredible Hotel de Crillon, one of the most famous luxury hotels in the world . Room rates start around $1300 per night, and its Les Ambassadeurs bar offers more than 100 kinds of Champagne.

From here, I suggest you take a 20-minute walk up to Galleries Lafayette (35 Boulevard Haussmann), a beautiful department store with fine fashion and fabulous food. Yes, food. It has restaurants, bars, and takeaways. You’ll see plenty of French doing their food shopping here.

Galeries Lafayette 35, Boulevard Haussmann 75009 Paris Tel: +33 (0)1.40.23.52.67 Galleries Lafayette Website Open: The Galeries Lafayette Gourmet Store is open Monday–Saturday 9.30am to 9pm , Sundays and public holidays 11am–8pm. The Main Store is open Monday–Saturday 10am–8pm and Sundays and public holidays 11am–8pm. Admission: free.

Day 2 – A Walking Tour of Paris Map

This map depicts a walking tour of the places mentioned in this article. It is interactive; press +/- to enlarge it or make it smaller. It can also be viewed, and the route followed, on your smartphone.

women looking at sidewalk artists on a Paris itineray

Distance: the start of the second day of your 2 days in Paris tour.

The Romano-Byzantine church of Sacré-Cœur , completed in 1914, isn’t as old as other Parisian churches but is better known due to being a Parisian landmark visible from many areas of the city.

It stands on top of the hill of Montmartre, an area of Paris that was once a village outside the city. For centuries, it’s been the haunt of artists, which continues today as scores showcase their paintings for tourists in the bustling Place du Tertre. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s fun and colorful and retains pre-war Paris’s aura. You may also want to join a small-group walking tour to discover Montmartre and visit Sacré-Cœur.

You can reach it via Metro (depending on the line, the stop will be either Anvers, Abbesses, or Lamarck Caulaincourt). From the Metro, there’s a few short blocks walk and then steps up the hill to reach Sacré-Cœur.

Basilica of Sacré-Cœur Esplanade of the Basilica Montmartre, Paris Sacré-CœurWebsite Open: daily 6 am-10:30 pm. Admission: free. Note: masses are held several times a day .

Distance: 30 minutes by Metro

During your 2 days in Paris, perhaps on your second day, you’ll want to visit the triumphal arch, the Arc de Triomphe . Built to celebrate Napoleon’s victory at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805, it’s firmly entrenched as one of the top 10 places in Paris .

Significantly, the customary starting point for parades up the Champs-Élysées, the arch stands in the center of the hub where 12 avenues converge, a nightmare for unsuspecting out-of-town drivers. The viewing platform on its roof provides one of the city’s best views, the only place to get a good view of both the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées.

Arc de Triomphe Place de l’Étoile, Paris

Open: The viewing platform on the roof is open daily 10am–10:30pm / closed January 1, May 1, May 8 (morning), May 21 (morning), July 14 (morning), July 18, November 11 (morning) and December 25. Admission: Adults €13 / under 18, 18-25 years nationals of European Union countries and non-European regular residents on French territory, and disabled visitors and their companion: free.

Distance: a 20-minute walk to Jardins du Trocadéro; another 10 minutes to the Eiffel Tower.

When you leave the Arc de Triomphe, don’t head straight for the Eiffel Tower, the most popular must-see in Paris. Instead, follow the map and walk to the Trocadero Gardens on the Seine directly across from the tower.

Of course, you must then cross the river to visit the Eiffel Tower . It stands proudly along the Seine on the Champ de Mars and remains the most enduring symbol of Paris.

Go up the Eiffel Tower with this tour that includes summit access to see Gustave Eiffel’s private apartments. Reserve now and pay later with free cancellation .

Everyone has to see it, even if you only stand below, although the sights from above are much better. Crowds will be queuing at the tower from opening to closing, so it’s well worth getting tickets online in advance. Even better, join a tour and go up the tower in the elevator with access to the summit for beautiful views of Paris.

If you’re hungry, you’ll find that the Jules Verne Restaurant is one of the best in Paris. Located on the tower’s second level, don’t even think about dining there if you’re on a budget.

Trocadéro Open: Trocadero: 24 hours daily

Eiffel Tower Open: opening times vary – opening times here / Jules Verne Restaurant: 12pm–1:30pm and 7pm–9pm. Closed on July, 14 (Bastille Day) for dinner. Admission: ticket prices vary based upon age, to which stage you will go, and whether you will take the lift or stairs. See the prices here . Note: the top level of the tower is closed every year from January 3–February 4 for for renovation and maintenance work, although the restaurant remains open.

women walking by a sculpture one of the places to visit on a paris itinerary

Distance: a 30-minute walk along the Seine

Now follow your route map to the Musée d’Orsay, which, from a collector’s perspective, takes over where the Louvre leaves off, exhibiting pieces from 1848 to 1914. It’s a superb museum, born as a Belle Époque railway station in the 19th century and given a second life in 1986.

World-renowned for its collection of Impressionist and Post-impressionist paintings, it has works by Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, Manet, Degas, and Cézanne.

You can skip the line at the d’Orsay and have a private tour of its famous Impressionist collection . Reserve this popular tour now and pay later with free cancellation.

It’s a comfortable and easy-to-see museum with exhibits spread over three floors. You’ll spend much less time here than in the Louvre, but it should be on your list of places to visit in Paris.

Musee d’Orsay Esplanade Valéry Giscard d’Estaing Paris Musee d’Orsay Website

Open: daily except Monday 9:30am–6pm (until 9:45pm Thursday). Admission: Adults €16; if you are accompanied by children under 18 years, adult admission is €13 / free entry for visitors under 18 years, EU citizens 18–25 years, and disabled people. The museum is free the first Sunday of the month.

Distance: a 20-minute walk

Don’t miss following your map to the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens , one of the top parks in the world. You won’t find it on many self-guided walking tours of Paris. Still, it’s a treat to visit these beautiful, quiet gardens that are surprisingly close to the hustle and bustle of St-Germain-des-Prés. With only 2 days in Paris, you don’t want to spend much time in parks, but it’s a great place on the Left Bank to have a picnic lunch.

This green oasis is the most popular park in Paris, a refuge filled with spacious lawns and paths beneath towering chestnut trees. In its center is the beautiful Luxembourg Palace with an octagonal pool where children sail their toy sailboats for rent at the nearby kiosk. The beautiful 60-acre park has French and English gardens with over 100 statues spread throughout it.

Luxembourg Gardens Rue de Médicis – Rue de Vaugirard Paris

Open: opening and closing times vary. Opening ranges from 7:30am–8:15am, and closing times from 4:30pm–9:30pm, according to the season. Admission: free.

people walking through an ornate building - paris map

Distance: an 8-minute walk

When you exit the gardens on Boulevard Saint-Michel, follow your route map since you’re only a few minutes walk from the Panthéon , which many travelers bypass if they just have 2 days in Paris. But you’re so close to it now that it’s well worth seeing, even for a short time.

Modeled after its namesake in Rome, the neoclassic Panthéon was initially constructed as Sainte-Genevieve Church in honor of the patron saint of Paris. However, its life as a church was short-lived since it was completed right before the French Revolution, and the revolutionary government converted it into a mausoleum.

The building’s 220-foot-high dome is so extraordinary that Foucault used it to test his famous pendulum, proving the Earth rotates on its axis.

It is a beautiful, stately building whose “residents” are a “Who’s Who” of French history . They include such luminaries as Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Emile Zola, Louis Braille, and Marat. The ashes of Marie Curie were moved here in 1995, more than 60 years after her death.

Panthéon Place du Panthéon Paris Tel: 33 / (0)1 44 32 18 00 Open: January 2–to March 31 and October 1–December 31 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. April 1–September 30 10:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Open every day except January 1, May 1 and December 25, and the morning of June 17. Admission: €11.50 or €9 if with a child under 18 years / free for those under 26 years from countries within EU, disabled people, and primary and secondary teachers. Free for all the first Sunday of the month November 1 – March 31. Note: you can reserve different Panthéon tickets now and pay later with free cancellation.

musicians on a busy sidewalk - seen on a walking tour of Paris

End Your 2 Days in Paris Tour In the Latin Quarter

When you leave the Panthéon, return to Boulevard Saint-Michel and follow your map back toward the Seine into the heart of the Latin Quarter, another of the must-sees in Paris.

It’s an easy 15-minute walk that you’ll find on most Paris itineraries, but it likely will take you longer as you enjoy the sights along the way.

Now you’ve reached the end of your second day in Paris. End your walk, put away your map, and stop in a café or restaurant for a drink and dinner.

You may also enjoy: Favorite Paris Patisseries / Normandy from Paris: an Easy 2-Day Trip / A Fun, Delicious Weekend In Brussels

Paris Tourist Office

January 12, 2022 at 3:34 pm

Wonderful article evoking wonderful memories! My greatest “adventure” in Paris was the retro sidecar excursion (chocolate tours are a necessity, not an adventure). Thanks, Jim!

January 18, 2022 at 9:17 am

Thank you Donna. Jim

January 18, 2022 at 9:19 am

Thank you Donna. Sidecar excursions sound fun! Jim

July 1, 2023 at 9:40 am

Meandering through the ramshackle Shakespeare and Company bookstore opposite the Notre Dame was always one of my favorite stops in Paris for the nostalgia of the Lost Generation and an opportunity to pick up an inexpensive classic paperback.

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The perfect 2 days in Paris itinerary | How to spend 48 hours in Paris

We know there are hundreds, if not thousands of Paris itineraries out there. But we love this city so much, and have been there so many times, that we think we’ve now perfected the ideal Paris 2 day itinerary. We’ve packed in all the major sights to make sure that this would be a superb trip to the French capital. And whether this is your first time, a romantic weekend in Paris or even a trip with your parents, we’ve tried and tested this on most scenarios (and age groups). So, read on to find out what attractions make it into our must visit list with our perfect 2 days in Paris itinerary…

2 days in Paris - a weekend in Paris itinerary including the Eiffel Tower

Why go to Paris?

The city of love, fine wine and even better cuisine. I mean if you haven’t been to Paris before then you absolutely must – it’s one of the biggest bucket list cities for most. But just in case you need a bit more inspiration as to why you need to spend your hard-earned money on a weekend in Paris, then here goes:

France is absolutely littered with famous and iconic landmarks , and you’ll find many of them in the French capital. So, whether it’s your dream to climb up the Eiffel Tower , shop on the Champs Elysees or cross la Seine on Pont Neuf, you’ll find that you can cross off many bucket list items with two days in Paris.
We’ve mentioned it already above, and quite rightly we’ll be mentioning it a few more times in this article, including some must try out places, but the food and wine in Paris is wonderful. Whatever your budget from Michelin starred creations to the best crepes of your life, there is something for everyone to gorge on.
Probably able to make it into the landmarks list, La Louvre has to be the most iconic museum in the world! And you could easily get lost in that museum for a day (spoiler alert, we don’t suggest you spend that long). But Paris has a number of other amazing museums and galleries to explore, from our personal favourite, the Musee D’Orsay, to the Rodin Museum, Musee de l’Orangerie and an endless list of others to explore.
Up there with London and Budapest , it has to be our favourite city to visit in Europe at almost any time of year! There is so much to do that once you’ve been once it’ll draw you back time and again.
Last, but definitely not least, Paris has so many attractions in easy reach. Like the Palace of Versailles, easily one of the best day trips from Paris and a must-visit for any traveller.

2 days in Paris - a weekend in Paris itinerary

The ideal 2 days in Paris itinerary

Although there is only so much you can see of Paris in a couple of days, we think that this is the perfect Paris 2 day itinerary, especially for first time visitors or those who haven’t been to the city in a while.

Arc de Triomphe

Jardins du Trocadero

La Tour Eiffel (Eiffel Tower)

Les Invalides

Pont Alexandre III

Grand and Petit Palais

Champs-Elysées

Place de la Concorde

Musee de Louvre

Notre Dame Cathedral

Sacre Coeur

Moulin Rouge

Palace of Versailles

Is 48 hours in Paris enough?

If you’ve never been to Paris before, then a 2 days in Paris is probably the perfect way to get a really good feel for the city, will allow you to explore many of those key landmarks and at the same time leave you wanting to return for more…

However, there is so much to see and do in the city of love, that you could easily spend a week here and not get around to seeing even the main attractions! So, if you are able to extend your weekend in Paris, or midweek two day trip to a few more days, then the good news is that we’ve got a host of additional bonus activities that you can add to your Paris itinerary to extend it.

Paris in 2 days - Gargoyle from Notre Dame

And of course, if you’d like some more ideas of what to include in a longer itinerary, drop a comment below or get in touch with us here .

Travel Insurance for your Paris trip

Got your travel insurance booked? We promise to never push a brand or product we don’t personally use, and the travel cover from Safety Wing is a policy we don’t just use, but we highly recommend. They offer some of the most flexible policies, amazing customer service and are affordable too.

Check out the latest travel insurance prices with Safety Wing here.

Day 1 in Paris

For the first day of your two days in Paris itinerary, we’ve mainly set this out as a part walking, part public transport tour. And don’t worry if you’re not too sure about using the Paris Metro (underground) it’s really easy, and we’ve got loads more details on it in the Getting around Paris section later in this article.

Start your day with one of the world’s most recognised landmarks, the Arc de Triomphe. Completed in 1836, it is located at one end of the famous Champs Elysees and is dedicated to the armies of the Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Beneath it is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a pretty sombre reminder of the tragic losses endured in World War I.

The Arc de Triomphe is interestingly one of the most famous triumphal arches in the world, a monument that was originally first conceived back in ancient Roman times, to commemorate significant events.

We have always found these fascinating and beautiful places to photograph, with some of the other iconic ones from around the world include India Gate in New Delhi, Washington Square Arch in New York and Wellington Arch in London. We were very fortunate to recently visit the stunning Patuxai Victory Gate in Vientiane, Laos .

You are also able to climb the Arc de Triomphe, with a museum inside outlining the history of this monument and great views from the summit. It really is a must-do on the Paris bucket list !

Make sure that you get a skip the line ticket here before if you want to go into the Arc de Triomphe, it will save you a bunch of time…

Location: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris

Open: 10.00am to 11.00pm (Apr to Sept), 10.00am to 10.30pm (Oct to Mar)

Fun fact: The Arc de Triomphe is set in the middle of a 6 lane roundabout, and given the lack of road markings and the notorious driving habits of the Parisians, it makes trying to navigate it in a car a rollercoaster of fear and excitement all rolled into one. We’ve driven around it a few times, and if you get the chance it’s surprisingly well worth it for that rush!

Finished at the Arc de Triomphe?

Take the Line 6 of the Paris Metro: Kleber Station to Trocadero

The reason for stopping at the Jardins du Trocadero rather than heading straight for the number one tourist attraction in Paris, the Eiffel Tower? Well, you won’t find a better place to get a photo in Paris of the Iron Lady.

Originally the gardens of the Palais du Trocadero (Palace of Trocadero), the ones you see today were opened in 1937 as part of the Paris Universal Exposition and boast a beautiful central water feature – the Fountain of Warsaw – which frames the view of the Eiffel Tower.

Top tip: If you’re an early riser and want to find the perfect sunrise in Paris , then the Jardins du Trocadero is the spot to get that glorious Eiffel Tower sunrise shot.

Location: 1 Avenue Gustave V de Suède, 75016 Paris

Open: 24/7 – we’ve also heard that it is beautiful to visit in the evenings!

Finished at the Jardins du Trocadero?

Take a stroll across Pont d’Iéna, crossing La Seine, to La Tour Eiffel.

It’s already time to ascend the most famous structure in France; if not the world: the Eiffel Tower .

The Eiffel Tower was incredibly built as an entrance way to the 1889 World Fair, having taken two years to build and is now one of the most-visited paid tourist attractions in the world.

Now there are two options – walking or the elevator – and pros and cons to each. Elevator access costs you more, has far longer queues but means less exertion! And, of course, walking up is cheaper, far quicker (sometimes without much of a line at all), but might stretch your lungs a little.

We’re always fans of walking up to the second level (as high as you can take the stairs), since you feel that the view is a reward for the effort. And at 116m you get an awesome view. Plus, you save a few euros for your post-walk crepe! Then take the lift to the top floor which, at 276m, provides the best views in Paris.

abIf you’re keen to beat the queues, book your tickets online here .

A shot from the Eiffel Tower over Paris during our 2 days in Paris

Location: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris

Open: Daily from 9.00am to around midnight – check times here depending on time of year.

Finished the third stop of your day 1 Paris itinerary?

Once down from the Eiffel Tower take a walk down the Champ de Mars (park), to the Wall of Peace monument as you’ll get another great perspective back towards the Eiffel Tower. Then jump on line 8 of the Paris Metro from Ecole Militaire to Invalides.

The Eiffel Tower Paris from Champs de Mars

A short walk from the Metro Station, you will find Les Invalides (or the Hotel des Invalides). This is really just a number of buildings with a hospital and retirement home, although it also has some museums, including the Musee de l’Armee (a great stop if your interested in the military, as this one is dedicated to the Army of France) and the Dôme des Invalides, the tallest church in Paris which also houses tombs of some of France’s war heroes like Napoleon.

We like jumping out here so you can also take a photo of some of the impressive government buildings nearer to the Metro Station including the Assemblee Nationale and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to name a couple.

Best things to do in Paris - Les Invalides

Location: 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris, France

Open: Daily 10.00am to 5.00pm

Next after Les Invalides?

It’s only a short walk to your next stop, Pont Alexandre III, another bridge on the Seine river.

So, head over to this breath-taking bridge, known for its views across the Seine river and dotted with gorgeous gold statues. It’s also a great starting point for a Seine river cruise, if you have the time to add it to your 2 days in Paris itinerary! We explore that option in a bit more detail in our bonus things to do in Paris section.

The Pont Alexandre III bridge is definitely not the most famous in Paris, that award goes to Pont Neuf, but this bridge is without doubt our favourite in the city. The bridge was completed in 1900 in homage to Tsar Alexander III of Russia, shortly after the Franco-Russian Alliance was agreed.

Walk along Paris' Pont Alexandre III bridge

Location: Pont Alexandre III, 75008 Paris

These two museums generally don’t make the ‘Must Do List’ in Paris but since they are on your route, we suggest you walk past these super impressive buildings.

Like the Pont Alexandre III bridge, both the Grand Palais and Petit Palais were built for the 1900 world exhibition and have stood the test of time. We particularly like doing a short tour of the Petit Palais, since entry to all the permanent museum art exhibitions are totally free!

Grand Palais Location: 3 Avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008 Paris

Open: Wed – Mon 10.00am to 8.00pm, Tuesday – closed!

Petite Palais Location: Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris

Open: Tues – Sun 10.00am to 6.00pm, Monday – closed!

Having walked by the Grand Palais and Petite Palais?

Continue on to the corner of the next road, where you will reach the Champs-Elysees!

And having started your Paris 2 day itinerary on one end of the most celebrated avenue in the world, you are now re-joining it almost at the other end.

This street is roughly translated as ‘Elysian Fields’ i.e. heaven on earth. To be honest, you could have walked down from one end of the Champs Elysees to the other, perusing all the beautiful boutique stores en route. However, with only 2 days in Paris we don’t think you should waste it with shopping on this street!

But if you are inclined to want to pick up some gifts to take home with you, we have a full guide on the best souvenirs to buy in Paris .

Location: Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris

And next on the 2 days in Paris itinerary?

As you get onto the Champs Elysees, you’ll want to hang a right heading towards the Place de la Concorde – it’s not even a 10 minute walk from the two palais.

Another major open space in Paris and another really interesting landmark. The Place de la Concorde is the square where the famous guillotine stood during the French Revolution. Although no longer there, it has now been replaced by the 3,300 year old Obelisk of Luxor.

Location: Place de la Condorde, 75008 Paris

Finished at the Place de la Concorde?

Well cross over the square, as behind it you will find the Jardins des Tuileries, another lovely park to take a wander in. Within this park you’ll find the Musee d’Orangerie, another of our bonus ideas for your Paris 2 days itinerary. But more importantly, at the far end of the park is the Louvre Museum. The walk from the Place de la Concorde to La Louvre should only take around 15 minutes.

Ah… La Louvre. More than just the backdrop for Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code novel, no trip to Paris is complete without a trip here. It’s hotly debated whether you should visit La Louvre or the Musee d’Orsay and, to be honest, both are lovely.

Although, if you’ve never been to the Louvre Museum before, or especially if it is your first time to Paris, then La Louvre absolutely has to be on your itinerary.

We’d suggest that you only spend a couple of hours in the museum and make a point of seeing the Mona Lisa (bucket list ticked!) and the Egyptian exhibition. It is our favourite part of the museum. However, if you are a museum nut, and don’t fancy all of our suggestions, then maybe consider half a day in La Louvre, and half in Musee D’Orsay!

La Louvre, Paris - a must visit for 2 days in Paris

We’ve heard really good reviews of this 1.5 hour La Louvre guided tour , that takes in the must-see places in the museum. So would be a perfect tour to do on your weekend or 2 days in Paris.

Location: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

Open: Mon, Thurs, Sat & Sun 9.00am to 6.00pm, Wed & Fri 9.00am to 9.45pm, Tuesdays – closed!

Top tip: The later we go to the museum, the less crowded it seems to be!

Where after La Louvre?

So you’re probably getting a little heavy in the legs by now, but don’t fret – there are only a couple more stops to finish your first day in Paris. Exit La Louvre onto Quai Francois Mitterand which hugs the banks of La Seine, and a short walk away you’ll reach the most famous bridge in Paris.

Most famously depicted in a painting by Renoir, this is the oldest remaining bridge in Paris. Which is odd, considering ‘pont neuf’ means ‘new bridge’! Although many people get confused with the name, believing that it means the ninth bridge across the river…

Pont Neuf again provides some great little photo spots, and from here you’ll be able to access Ile de la Cite, home to Saint Chapelle, the stunning City Courthouse and Notre Dame.

Location: Pont Neuf, 75001 Paris

Phew – you’ve made it! The last stop of the day is the Church of our Lady; one of many similarly named but undoubtedly the most renowned. Especially after the fire in April 2019 that pretty much gutted the entire church.

Notre Dame Cathedral was one of the must visit attractions in Paris, with beautiful stained-glass windows, the world’s largest organ and great towers that you could climb. Although since the fire you obviously can’t visit, it is another one to tick off that Paris bucket list.

2 days in Paris itinerary - Notre Dame before the fire

Location: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris

Open: Currently closed due to the fire

Alternatives to this walking tour

Sightseeing Bus

If you’re not that keen on the walking route that we’ve suggested for day 1 of your Paris 2 day itinerary, then you could look to the hop on hop off sightseeing bus instead. Check out the prices here , as they offer 1, 2 and 3 days passes that cover all the major attractions!

Day 1 in Paris interactive map

Day 2 in Paris

So, you’re exhausted from the first day of the 2 days in Paris itinerary? Don’t worry, your second day will be quite a bit more relaxed, although don’t pack away those walking shoes just yet! It’s time to visit a few more amazing Paris landmarks.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, or Sacre-Coeur Basilica as it is better known, is one of the most beautiful basilicas in the world.

Set on the top of Montmartre it is the highest point in Paris, and the views of the city from the garden out the front are well worth the effort to get to this part of the city.

The Sacre Coeur Basilica was completed in 1914, having taken 39 years to build. And alongside visiting the beautiful interior of the church which is free to enter we’d recommend that you buy the additional ticket to climb the 300 stairs to the top of the dome. As at the summit you are rewarded with even better views of the city.

Sacre Coeur view - 2 days in Paris itinerary

Location: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris

Basilica Open: 6.00am to 10.30pm daily

Dome Opening Hours: 8.30am to 8.00pm (May to Sept), 9.00am to 5.00pm (Oct to Apr)

After visiting the Sacre Coeur Basilica, we’d suggest that you spend a little time exploring the Montmarte area. Famous for being an artist’s enclave, take a stroll through the square, Place du Tertre, which is flanked by artists looking to draw or paint your portrait for a handsome fee!

As you walk around the cobbled streets, you’ll find cute little arts and crafts style shops and bakeries with wafts of fresh pastries enticing you in. Do stop somewhere in the area for your morning coffee or breakfast.

Things to do in Paris - art and streets of Montmartre

Montmartre and the surrounding area is full of Paris hidden gems , if you just look for them!

Location: Place du Tertre, 75018 Paris

Finished exploring Montmartre?

It’s about a 15 minute walk from Montmartre to this famous cabaret venue, but it’s mainly downhill and you’ll some brilliant street art or graffiti along the way.

And onto the last stop for your morning of day 2 of this Paris itinerary, an Instagram famous location, but really the name is synonymous with the Baz Luhrmann film, Moulin Rouge.

Created as a cabaret in 1889, the original Moulin Rouge burned down in 1915, only to be rebuilt with its striking red colour and iconic windmill, the venue is the birthplace of the can-can dance.

Moulin Rouge as part of 2 days Paris itinerary

Tip: Once at Moulin Rouge you will need to wait for your ‘photo ready moment’ since it can be difficult to capture a clean shot, but just have some patience for your turn.

Fancy something a little different for your one of your evenings in Paris? Then why not try out one of the dinner and cabaret performances at the Moulin Rouge?

Location: 82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris

Getting to the Palace of Versailles

Since it’s a 30 min drive, we suggest either hiring a car or, ideally, taking the RER C train line out to the chateau. The RER C line runs along many tourist attractions so get yourself back to the Eiffel Tower, Invalides, Musee d’Orsay or Notre Dame (to name a few) if you missed them on yesterday’s tour.

Our suggestion for the remainder of day 2 of your Paris 2 day itinerary is to head out to the Palace of Versailles.

The Palace of Versailles or Chateau de Versailles, was the royal home from the reign of King Louis XIV in 1682 until the French Revolution in 1789 ended the reign of King Louis XVI.

Gardens of Versailles - Paris itinerary 2 days

Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, there are some incredible places to explore within the palace and the stunning gardens, from the Hall of Mirrors, to the fountains and flower bed arrangements.

The Palace is a must-see stop on any Paris itinerary, but it is a sprawling complex and you need to be smart about how you visit it. If the queues for entry into the chateau are snaking across the square when you arrive, rather spend your time visiting the gardens and the coach house. Usually when you return to the square, the line to enter will have shortened significantly.

Get hold of your palace and gardens ticket beforehand here – it’s a massive time saver as the queues for the Palace can be really long.

Things to do in Paris - Gardens of Versailles

Location: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles

Open: 9.00am to 5.30pm

Day 2 Paris itinerary map

If you want a way to save loads of money on your Paris trip, then make sure you get yourself a Paris Museum Pass .

Available as 2, 3, 4 or 6 day passes, the Paris Pass provides access to over 60 of the leading tourist attractions in Paris, including the Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus, La Louvre, Palace of Versailles, Musee d’Orsay, Tour of Montmarte and the Arc de Triomphe to name just a few!

What’s more, along with access to all these great attractions, your Paris Pass also comes with a Paris Visite Pass – or Travelcard – that gives you use of the Paris Metro, buses, the RER, city trams and rail (SNCF) for free. What a bonus.

Look at the options and book your Paris Pass here.

How to get around Paris

The Paris Metro

Especially on Day 1 of our 2 days in Paris itinerary, we’ve included a few Metro station suggestions that will lessen some of the walking, so it’s worth buying a day pass, Ticket Mobilis , at any Metro station if you don’t get the Paris Pass!

The Paris version of the Underground is really easy to use, and one of the best ways to get around the city.

If you follow our other itineraries, you’ll know that we absolutely love stomping the city streets and always advocate to try and walk around city centres when you first arrive.

The great news about Paris is that as long as you have a little bit of base fitness, many of the top attractions are all within walking distance. So, make sure you pack comfy shoes!

With Uber revolutionising the taxi market, it has become a realistic and relatively affordable option for travelling in many major cities. And Paris is no exception, with Uber being the best way to use a taxi in the city. Just make sure you have the app downloaded!

Take a taxi to get around in Paris for 2 days

Additional public transport

Alongside the Paris Metro, the buses, rail and trams are great options for exploring Paris. And if you don’t get hold of the Paris Pass, which comes with free use of all these, then have a look at purchasing the Travelcard, Paris Visite Pass .

A zone 1 to 3 card will set you back €12 per adult a day (13 USD/10.50 GBP), and zone 1 to 5 (for visiting Euro Disney or Palace de Versailles) will cost you €25.25 for adults (27.50 USD/22 GBP).

Rental Cars

Nothing quite gives you the freedom to explore Paris like having your own car, especially if you want to also check out some of the surrounding area!

Find the latest deals on RentalCars.com .

Getting to Paris

With two international airports servicing Paris, Charles de Gaulle in the north of the city, and Orly to the south, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to flight options into Paris.

Whether it’s low cost airlines through to big international carriers, you can look for the best options and prices on Skyscanner here .

James actually used to take the Eurostar almost weekly for work, and used to swear by it. If you’re based in London, it’s a very easy and stress-free way of getting to Paris.

Here are the latest options and prices for Eurostar.

The Eurostar connects you easily to Paris, France

Driving & Ferry

Or the third option if you are coming from the UK, is to consider driving to Dover, hopping onto a ferry and then driving into Paris.

If you’re departing from London, the drive time, including your ferry transfer will be around 6 to 7 hours on a good run!

Although we’ve taken the Dover to Calais ferry a number of times, we’ve never done the drive to Paris.

We have driven from Germany (well specifically from Cologne) to Paris. And as handy as it was to have a car in Paris, it was for longer than a couple of days in the French capital! So, for such a short trip, we’d definitely recommend looking at the flight or Eurostar option.

Getting from Paris Airports into town

Orly Airport

Located a bit closer to the city centre than Charles de Gaulle, we find that Orly Airport is an easier option for a quick city break, although we’d suggest not taking the train from the airport into town as it involves a transfer…

Bus: The appropriately named Orlybus is a direct service that will take you from Orly airport to the city in 45 minutes and will cost around €8.50 per person (9.20 USD/7.50 GBP).

Taxi: Once again the easiest option, but most costly, a taxi from Orly Airport to Paris city centre will take around 30 minutes and there is a €35 flat rate (38 USD/30.50 GBP).

Charles de Gaulle Airport

There are three options when you arrive into Charles de Gaulle airport to get to the city centre.

Train: Our favourite option, both for ease and cost is to take the RER regional train B, which runs every 10 to 20 minutes from terminal 2 & 3. The journey takes around 50 minutes to get into the city and you can get off at Gare du Nord or Chatelets – Les Halles, both of which you can then transfer onto the Metro, other RER lines or jump into a taxi to your accommodation.

A one-way ticket will cost you €10 per person (10.80 USD/8.75 GBP).

Bus: Another cheap option is to take the Le Bus direct which departs from the Charles de Gaulle airport going directly from the airport to three central Paris locations (Porte Maillot, Etoile Champs-Elysées and Trocadero).

Although the bus takes a bit longer to make the journey, at around an hour, it’s possibly the most convenient of the public transport options.

The one-way ticket will set you back €17 per person (18.50 USD/15 GBP).

Taxi: The most convenient and fastest way to get into Paris city centre, a taxi from Charles de Gaulle airport will set you back €60 (65 USD/52.50 GBP) to anywhere in the city – it’s a flat fare.

It is worth noting that traffic can be pretty bad getting to Charles de Gaulle airport in rush hour. We’ve nearly missed flights on numerous occasions.

Where to stay in Paris

Unsurprisingly, with Paris being one of the most visited cities in the world, accommodation costs and options don’t come cheap or easy. However, if you’re willing to do some decent digging, you can still find some great gems at reasonable prices, whatever your budget. Here are a few of our best places to stay in Paris .

Budget : It’s not the cheapest hostel you’ll ever find (this is Paris after all), but the cool quirky Generator Paris is undoubtedly one of the best hostels in Paris, and a cheap gem of a place. Very modern rooms with a lovely terrace, free WIFI and an inhouse bar makes this a sociable yet relaxed place to kick back after all that walking.

Mid-range : While Best Western hotels can be a bit hit and miss, the Best Western Star Champs-Elysees is a great bet. Located on the famous avenue you’ll have a lovely room at a relatively affordable price. The rooms are spacious and have all the amenities but what we really like is that they are surprisingly quiet for such a centrally located hotel.

Luxury : On the cheaper side of the luxury spectrum (and there are SO many luxury hotels in Paris), is Prince de Galles . It’s actually located right next door to the Four Seasons but the two hotels are decidedly different as Prince des Galles is a 1920’s style hotel which feels retro yet opulent. It’s modern but not over the top, and has one of the best restaurants, the Michelin-starred La Scene, right on its property.

Alternatively, try out one of the beautiful boutique hotels in Paris .

Paris 2 day itinerary - generic landscape

Best other Paris Museums

Of course we had to include La Louvre in our itinerary, and with only 2 days in Paris we limited your time in this world class institution – but just in case you’ve already been to La Louvre and would like some alternative museum suggestions to add into your Paris 2 day itinerary, here are some alternatives that we’d highly recommend.

Musée d’Orsay

There’s often a tussle between the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre as to which one people should really visit in Paris. If you can, we’d squeeze in both! That said, the d’Orsay offers something a little different to the Louvre in that its collections are smaller – 2,000 paintings and 600 sculptures – so you can whizz round in less time and it’s arguably the best showcase for Impressionist paintings in the world. You can lose yourself in Monet’s Poppies or Degas’ Ballet Class before heading to see Manet’s Olympia.

The museum is also a bit hit with historians and architecture fans as it is housed in what was originally a railway station! Originally the main railway terminal for southwestern France, the short platforms became unusable around 1939 as longer trains became the norm. It was originally set to be demolished but a later proposal from the Museum of France directorate saved the building and saw it converted into the stunning showpiece it is today.

72 hours in paris itinerary - Musee d'Orsay clock

Top tip: If you’re a keen Instagrammer the gallery also boasts one of the city’s favourite photo spots: the Musée d’Orsay Clock where you can get up close and take a cracking silhouette shot.

Location: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris

Open: 9.30am – 6.00pm Tuesdays to Sundays (closed Mondays)

Musee de l’Orangerie

Impressionist art lovers will again delight if they visit the Musee de l’Orangerie . Tucked away in the western part of the Tuileries Gardens, the museum is home to arguably the world’s most famous impressionist painting: Claude Monet’s Water Lilies. The eight panels of this magnificent work (which was originally destined for the Rodin), was specially installed in the museum along with Monet’s request for custom skylights, so that the paintings could be best viewed in natural light. Monet’s involvement in the museum was so important that it was first named the Musée Claude Monet.

Fun fact : Actually, the building was never intended as a gallery or museum but was built by Napoleon III in 1852 to protect the citrus trees from the gardens when frost hit in the winter, hence the name! Nowadays of course it’s home not just to Water Lilies but works by a host of renowned artists including Paul Cezanne, Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso.

Location: Jardin Tuileries, 75001 Paris

Open: 9.00am – 6.00pm Wednesdays – Mondays (closed Tuesdays)

Musee Rodin

Last, but definitely not least, on our museum line-up is the Rodin Museum . Dedicated to French sculptor, Auguste Rodin, this museum was first opened in 1919 and encompasses the Hotel Biron and surrounding grounds, filled with Rodin’s own sculptures but also some of the stand-out pieces he collected, including works by Vincent van Gogh and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

The museum is really a showcase of Rodin’s exquisite sculptures including over 6, 600 of them dotted both inside and outside in the gardens. If it’s a sunny day we’d highly recommend you take a wander around these beautifully manicured gardens to see some of his works set amongst the greenery. Firm favourites include The Thinker or his gigantic The Gates of Hell, an unfinished but epic work.

The Rodin Museum, a great museum in Paris

Location: 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris

Open: 10.00am – 6.30pm Tuesdays to Sundays (closed Mondays)

Bonus things to add to your 2 days in Paris itinerary

Opera Garnier

The Opera Garnier (also known as Palais Garnier) is often known as the most famous opera house in the world, and we’d probably agree (although we are also huge fans of the gorgeous opera house in Budapest!). Part of its fame is since the legendary Phantom of the Opera was set within it, plus it’s architecture and construction is second to none.

Built in 1875 at the request of Napoleon III, the opera house was the main home of the Paris Opera until 1989 when the Opera Bastille was built. Nowadays you’ll find it is usually home to ballet productions although a few operas or tourists (like yourself!) doing the self-guided or guided walking tours to take in this masterpiece of 19 th century art and culture.

Things to do in Paris - Palais Garnier Opera House

Location: Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris

Open: 10.00am – 4.30pm daily (open until 6.15pm in summer)

Sainte Chapelle

If stained glass windows are your thing, you have to head to the incredible Sainte Chapelle , and be bathed in lavender and red-hued light. This gothic style cathedral, set within the Palais de la Cite, was home to the kings of France until around the 14 th century.

It’s a gorgeous building but the piece de resistance is undoubtedly the windows – 1, 113 of them. They offer a wall of light with 15 huge glass panels set amongst the soaring pillars of this property. The windows, more than just a brilliant showcase of stained glass prowess, also depict key scenes from the Bible – the eastern side showcases the New Testament, the nave the Old Testament and the final west windows offer more contemporary history, chronicling the later French kings themselves.

Stained glass windows of Sainte Chapelle

Location: 8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris

Open: 9.00am – 5.00pm daily (open until 7.00pm between April and September)

Shopping at the Bouquinistes

If it’s good enough for Hemingway, its good enough for us, right? Flanking the banks of the Seine river are about 217 licensed bouquinistes , essentially used booksellers. Dating back as far as the 16 th century, these forest green painted market stalls started to pop up selling old books. The stalls stretch for about 3km boasting 900 ‘stalls’ or ‘boxes’ with approximately 300, 000 well-worn books for purchase, alongside old stamps and bound journals.

It’s a slightly touristy thing to do in Paris but you honestly can’t come to the city without browsing the wares here, even if it’s just to pick up a more garish postcard or a little Iron Lady shaped keyring.

Best things to do in Paris - walk past the Bouquinistes

Location: Banks of river Seine (Pont Marie to Quai du Louvre on the right bank; Quai de la Tournelle to Quai Voltaire on the left bank)

Open: Depending on weather but usually 11.30am – sunset

The Catacombs

It’s a fascinating if slightly gruesome tale behind this great attraction to add to your 2 days in Paris itinerary: The Catacombs. Essentially as Paris grew in stature, around the 17 th century there were too many people living and dying in the city, and the cemeteries were overflowing. As the smell of the cemeteries became unbearable, the idea was floated to move the bodies into the underground tunnels, tunnels that existed since they were limestone quarries used to extract the building materials for the city.

And so began the task of moving almost 7 million bodies into the tunnels, as the city’s catacombs, starting in 1786. They lay there undisturbed for a few years before, in a macabre twist, the catacombs were opened for visitors to tour them in around 1809. Since then they’ve had a colourful history – opening and shutting many times and even used by the French Resistance during World War II as a tunnel system and hiding place.

Things to do in Paris - explore the underground catacombs

While we haven’t personally visited the tunnels, we’ve been told it’s a great thing to do in Paris, if you’re interested in this kind of history. You can tour it on a 1.5km circuit although be warned that there can be long lines as only 200 visitors can be inside at a time. It’s also pretty chilly down there (about 14 degrees Celsius) no matter the weather up top, and humid so you’ll get a sweat on!

Location: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris

Open: 10.00am – 8.00pm Tuesdays to Sundays (closed Mondays)

Tour Montparnasse

It’s been called the ugliest building in Paris but it’s still one of the best ways to get sweeping views of Paris: the Montparnasse Tower of Tour Montparnasse. Built in 1973, this soaring building is primarily an office block and considered an eyesore of Paris. Standing 210 metres tall it’s the tallest skyscraper in Paris and the third largest in France; both of which sound impressive but after it was built, the city banned the construction of buildings over 7 storeys high, apparently due to criticism of its design.

While the building might not be the prettiest (it’s actually been voted the second ugliest in the world !), you can go up to its observation deck on the 59 th floor for very good views.

The second ugliest building in the world, Paris Montparnasse Tower

Location: 33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris

Open: 9.30am – 10.30pm daily (until 11.30pm between April and September)

Explore the Latin Quarter

Winding little streets, quaint cafes, bookshops galore and ancient buildings? They’re all part of the delightful Latin Quarter where you can definitely waste a few hours just wandering the alleys! We love this artistic corner of Paris, named due to the many students flocking to the Sorbonne University there who spoke and learned Latin.

The appeal of the Latin Quarter is not just visiting the attractions but just walking the streets. From the Place Saint Michel to Boulevard Saint-Germain-des-Pres, this suburb on the left bank is jammed with things to see and do. Highlights include the Pantheon, a monument to the ‘heroes of France’ from the Revolution (it’s made to look like the Pantheon in Rome), the gorgeous gardens of Jardin des Plantes and the Natural History Museum which is actually three museums in one, dedicated to Mineralogy, Paleontology and Evolution.

Paris 2 days itinerary - Pantheon in Latin Quarter

One of the other must-visit locations is the marvellous Musee de Cluny and also the most renowned bookseller in the area, Shakespeare and Company . This independent bookstore was even chronicled in Hemingway’s memoir, A Moveable Feast.

Location: Place du Panthéon, 75005 Paris

The Centre Pompidou

It’s hard to explain the Centre Pompidou other than to say that it’s an ‘inside out building’. The first example of this kind of architecture, the building looks like an unfinished structure full of exposed circulation, bright green pipes and almost scaffolding-type design.

The walk to see it is worth it just for the architecture but the building offers a host of great activities within it’s walls. Like a huge public library (obviously best visited if you’re French!), the largest modern art museum in Europe, the Musée National d’Art Moderne and a number of cultural events, music offerings, live debates (yes, really!) and cafes to drink down a strong French coffee.

It’s worth checking their website before heading off, to see what’s on their current program of events.

Location: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris

Open: 11.00am – 10.00pm Wednesdays to Mondays (closed Tuesdays)

La Seine River Cruise

If you’re tired of traipsing around Paris on foot (and you will be if you do everything in our 2 days in Paris itinerary!), then it’s worth looking into seeing the City of Lights from a different angle: by boat.

There are a number of fantastic cruises down the River Seine which will allow you to spot some of the top landmarks in Paris: the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and so much more.

Honestly, the views on these are pretty unbeatable and, let’s face it, it can be one of the most romantic things to do in Paris if you’re there with your significant other!

It’s hard to choose which tour to take but we’d suggest this one from Les Vedettes de Paris: it’s one hour on the water and you can even book a VIP section with a lovely terrace to get unobstructed views. Check out the latest prices and options here .

Location: Vedettes de Paris – Port de Suffren, 75007, Paris

Open: Departs every 30 minutes between 10.30am and 11.00pm

Père Lachaise

If you liked the idea of the catacombs you’ll love this idea: a cemetery! Okay so it sounds a little odd but Père Lachaise is not just a cemetery but the largest park in Paris. Also, it’s great for celebrity spotting!

There are somewhere between 300, 000 and a million Parisians buried in the cemetery, many of which are very famous historical figures. You can check out the lipstick covered exterior of Oscar Wilde’s tomb, see the overwhelming floral arrangement on Edith Piaf’s grave or pay homage to composer Chopin whose remains are all buried here, with the exception of his heart, which was sent back to his home of Poland.

More modern hero Jim Morrison is interned here as is famous author Marcel Proust and American soprano singer, Maria Callas.

It definitely makes for a more unusual outing, that’s for sure!

Paris itinerary 2 days - Pere Lachaise cemetery

Location: Boulevard de Ménilmontant, 75020 Paris

Open: 8.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Fridays, shorter opening times on weekends

Disneyland Paris

Make like Mickey and spend time at the fun-filled Disneyland Paris , previously known as Euro Disney. This mammoth amusement complex is actually not in Paris but located about 34km away in the small town of Chessy and has had some bad luck since it first opened in 1992, as it opened amid a recession and had to be bailed out by a Saudi prince.

Today Disneyland offers all the requisite fan for kids (large and small), with five magical areas to explore. There are some cool adrenalin-type rides like Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain (for the adults), while the kids will love sailing at It’s a Small World or spinning in the Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups.

For anyone with kids this is a must-do day out! To get there just take the train for approx. 25 euros (27 USD/21.75 GBP), or rent a car.

We’d also highly recommend you get a Fastpass which gives you quick and easy access to some of the more popular attractions like the Toon Studio or Rock ‘n Roller Coaster. You can purchase one here .

Or check out all the latest Disneyland Paris ticket prices and packages here!!

2 day Paris itinerary - Disneyland Paris

Location: Boulevard de Parc, 77700 Coupvray

Open: 24 hours a day

Paris ePrix

It’s a little niche but if you’re a motorracing fan (plus love a side of sustainability), and you’re planning to be in Paris around April each year, definitely consider buying tickets for the Paris ePrix ! The Circuit des Invalides street circuit opens up once a year for this sustainable feast of motorsport.

The temporary street circuit makes for an interesting race with 14 very challenging turns for drivers to navigate, making this quite the spectacle! It’s also got a lovely festive atmosphere so well worth the price of the tickets to see it all in action.

When to go to Paris

To be honest, Paris is beautiful in almost every season.

Our favourite would be autumn (fall) in September and October, or spring (April and May) since the city is warm enough to enjoy but the key landmarks are a little quieter than the peak summer months.

Summer (June to August) boasts lovely, hot weather but it can be heaving with tourists and the queues for places like La Louvre or the Eiffel Tower can be brutal.

If you don’t mind the cold, then the winter months are also a lovely time to visit, although we do find carrying jackets in museums (or at least taking them on and off all the time) is a pain. But many places do have good coat checking facilities.

How much will a weekend in Paris cost?

Paris is not a very affordable city by any stretch of the imagination (see the hotel prices if you don’t believe us) but that’s not really too much of a surprise, as you wouldn’t pay less in London or New York.

But of course, any trip budget depends on your standard of living. Your Paris budget if you’re trying to save money will probably be at least €100 a day (108 USD/87.50 GBP) , whereas a luxurious, premium budget will set you back several hundred euros!

Paris Travel Tips

What to pack for paris.

Much like any European city, you can pretty much get away with any clothing in Paris, but don’t forget this is the home of chic, so if you want to dress up you will look and feel the part.

Just remember that it’s quite a lot of walking on our Day 1 itinerary, so you must pack comfy shoes. Maybe heels for the evening, but during the day think trainers or even hiking shoes!

And finally, don’t forget that you need to get a good travel adapter if you’re coming from outside of the European Union.

Related: Had the most amazing 2 days in Paris and have epic shots for your Insta feed, here are some amazing Quotes about Paris for those photos.

What camera equipment and other gear do we use?

We’re living proof that you don’t need the most expensive gear to travel the world and take good photos. Here are some of our must have items that make it into the packing list for all our travels.

Main Camera: Panasonic Lumix FZ1000
Drone: DJI Mavic Air – Fly More Combo
GoPro: Hero 7 Black
GoPro Dive Case: Go Pro Housing
GoPro Case: Smatree GoPro Carry Case – Small
Packing Cubes: Eagle Creek Packing case
Backpack: Osprey Farpoint 70
Powerbank: Anker Powercore
Phone: Xiaomi Mi 9
Hard drive: Transcend Slim Storejet 2TB
Laptop: Lenovo IdeaPad 720s
Headphones: Bose Quiet Comfort 35
Wifi Hotspot: GlocalMe G4

Although we did this Paris tour in 2 days, it’s definitely more on the whirlwind side, and if you’re able to afford the time, we’d definitely suggest extending it to make a 4 day Paris itinerary .

So, that’s it! Just like the film written by Julie Delpy, we’ve finished our 2 days in Paris! We hope we’ve shown you the best places to visit but, of course, let us know if we’ve missed anything by dropping us a comment below. And, if you are looking for a deeper dive into the vibe of Paris, we recommend you head over here !

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Your Perfect 2 Days in Paris! Itinerary & Insider Tips

Embarking on a Paris for 2 days adventure? This 2-day Paris itinerary is your go-to guide, whether it’s part of your Europe trip, a quick stopover, or a brief weekend escape. Paris always brings a thrill, and with just 48 hours to soak it in, planning is key.

As someone who knows Paris inside out and loves organizing short trips, I’ve crafted this 48-hour Paris itinerary just for you. I must admit, I’m quite proud of how it turned out – a near-perfect plan for two days in Paris.

Expect to explore iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe, wander through charming areas such as Montmartre, and indulge in the vibrant atmosphere and delicious cuisine.

Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷

If you purchase through links on this site, I may earn – at no cost to you – a small commission. This helps me cover my costs and keep my website running. Thank you so much for your support 🙂 Learn more

River Seine in Paris with the Ile de la cite in the backdrop

Is it Worth it to Visit Paris for 2 Days?

In response to the frequently asked query: Absolutely, it is! Paris, a city of beauty and excitement, merits a visit regardless of the duration.

Yet, when you have only two days in Paris, it’s crucial not to leave your plans to chance. Adequate preparation is half the battle won. So, investing some time in planning what to see and do during your Paris for 2 days trip is essential.

To help you with planning your trip, I created this 2 days in Paris itinerary for you. Feel free to use it as your own!

This itinerary is structured to allow you to efficiently explore Paris in 2 days, ensuring a thorough experience without feeling hurried.

Important: These Sights & Landmarks Require in Advance Reservation

But whether you’re following my itinerary or not, make sure to reserve a few attractions in advance. Paris can be very busy, and some sights are often booked out weeks in advance.

Especially these:

Eiffel Tower : Buy your summit tickets here
Louvre : secure your admission ticket here

CHECKLIST for your Paris Trip

Get a Travel Adapter
Book your airport transfer
🚨 Get Travel Insurance
Buy your SIM card in advance

✔ Hotel booked?

Budget: Hotel France Albion (8.6)
Midrange: Hôtel des Arts (9.6)
Upscale: Millésime Hôtel (9.2)

✔ Tickets booked?

Eiffel Tower ( book here )
Louvre ( book here )
Versailles ( book here )

Know Before You Go: Paris Travel Tips

Before diving into the 2 days Paris program, it’s important to highlight some common errors that many travelers to Paris encounter. I’ve positioned this section right at the start so you won’t overlook it.

Paris is an incredible destination for quick trips, known for its unique charm and breathtaking beauty. However, in my group (which you can join here on Facebook for free ), I frequently hear about travelers facing scams, misunderstandings, feeling exploited, or encountering unforeseen circumstances.

Honestly, there is only one way to avoid these pitfalls and get the trip you deserve : Know about the most common Paris mistakes before you travel to Paris!

The Eiffel tower - here as seen from the Palais de Tokyo

The Most Common Scams & Pitfalls

To keep this list short, I am linking to additional resources that might help you when prepping your trip.

» Know about Scams! Read our article about the most common Scams in Paris and know how to protect yourself.

» Book your Eiffel Tower Tickets in Advance! The Eiffel Tower is often booked out weeks in advance. Make sure to book your ticket in time. For example, here .

» Don’t trash your Metro Ticket! If you can’t show your ticket when controlled, you will be paying a fine. They don’t have mercy, no matter how good your excuse. Also read our Metro guide to the Parisian Metro.

» Say Bonjour! If you approach someone (in a restaurant, shop, or a tour guide) say Bonjour first. Many complain that the French are unfriendly, unknowingly that they have been outright rude in the first place by not properly greeting.

» Know how to save Money in Paris : see our Budget in Paris guide

just a lovely terrace in Paris in the Latin Quarter during Spring with cherry blossoms

2 Days in Paris: Your Perfect Itinerary

So, here’s the 2 days Paris itinerary you’ve been waiting for. Don’t forget to also look at my hotel suggestions, which you’ll find following the itinerary.

Day 1 – Paris Itinerary

Start your day with one of the most delicious treats in Paris: a flaky croissant from a Parisian bakery . There are more than 1000 bakeries in Paris and you should not run into any trouble at all finding one near your accommodation.

After a quick breakfast and maybe a little café in a brasserie, you are all set to start day 1 of your little Paris break.

The Eiffel Tower (Morning)

→ Click here for Eiffel Tower tickets

A trip to Paris is simply not complete without visiting the most famous landmark of Paris (if not the world!), the Eiffel Tower. To avoid spending too much time in queues and to get tickets in the first place, book your admission already in advance , the earlier, the better.

The Eiffel Tower is mostly sold-out weeks in advance, especially early and late tickets are very popular.

You can book your ticket directly on the Eiffel Tower website or at a ticket provider like Get Your Guide . Personally, I recommend using Get Your Guide. Contrary to the official vending point, their tickets are available on a shorter notice and fully refundable until up to 24h before.

By Elevator to the Summit – buy tickets here
Direct Access to the 2nd Floor – buy tickets here
Eiffel Tower & Seine Cruise Combo – buy tickets here

Seine Cruise (Lunch)

→ See all available Seine River Cruises here

One highlight chases the next. A cruise on the river Seine is a must-do for everyone visiting Paris and can’t be missing on this 2 days in Paris itinerary.

The Seine divides Paris into left banks and right banks, and many of the most important sights are just on its shore. For Example, Notre Dame, Petit Palais, the Pont Neuf, Place de la Concorde, just to name a few.

Very conveniently, this Seine River Lunch Cruise leaves right by the Eiffel Tower. During a 2-hour journey, you can marvel at the Parisian Panorama , while enjoying a 3-course à la carte lunch .

It is the most popular Lunch Cruise in Paris, and it’s often booked out. See here if they have availabilities on your travel dates.

View on the Eiffel Tower from the Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe (Afternoon)

→ reserve your tickets here

From the departure point of the Seine cruise, off to the next highlight of your 2 day itinerary in Paris: The Arc de Triomphe. It is a nice walk to the famous arch, and you will come across some of the most admirable buildings in Paris.

Starting with the Trocadero (an excellent Eiffel Tower Photo spot! ) you will walk by some of the most impressive Parisian Haussmann buildings.

The Arc de Triomphe is one of the big 5 of Paris , and you should definitely see the crazy roundabout around the monument with your own eyes. Plus, the Arc de Triomphe is one of the best Eiffel Tower viewpoints in Paris .

However, you don’t necessarily need to climb the Arc de Triomphe to visit the sight. The place and the tomb of the unknown soldier is free to visit, however for a splendid view of Paris, you should visit the top of the Arc de Triomphe. You can buy your tickets here.

Interesting read : 35 Facts about the Arc de Triomphe

Cheap tickets to sights are usually a scam

Champs-Élysées (Afternoon)

The Champs-Élysées is one of the most prestigious streets in the world and a centerpiece of every Paris sightseeing program. Whether you are just strolling along, admiring the fancy storefronts, or are keen on an exclusive shopping trip, the Champs-Élysées is well worth a visit.

However, personally, I would not spend too much time on this avenue. It is very touristy and often packed, so a quick walk is enough to take in the beauty and move on to something else.

A word of advice : Don’t take a coffee or a drink on one of the Terraces on the Champs-Élysées. It is overpriced, and the waiters might try to convince you that you are expected to tip. You are not.

Place de la Concorde (Afternoon)

The Place de la Concorde marks the end of the Champs-Élysées. Originally planned as a place to honor King Louis XV, it got renamed to Place de la Revolution after the French Revolution, and finally to “Place de la Concorde”.

The place itself is not too spectacular, but its location on an axis with the Champs-Élysées and the Pyramid of the Louvre, does make it special. Plus, you have a good view of the Eiffel Tower from here.

If you walk up straight, you enter the Tuileries garden (it’s on tomorrow’s itinerary), if you head right, you’ll cross the Seine and on the left, you have the Hotel Marine.

What to do in Paris with teenagers: visit the Champs Élysées

Hotel de la Marine (Afternoon, optional)

→ reserve your tickets in advance here

The Hotel de la Marine is maybe an unusual point to be added to your 2 days itinerary in Paris, as the museum is still rather new and not too well known yet. But if you have a bit time at hand, do pay it a visit.

Inaugurated only a couple of years ago, it is an excellent alternative to the Château de Versailles . Plus, it is right by the Place de la Concorde and can be perfectly fitted into your two days in Paris program.

The resemblance to the Château de Versailles is not by chance. The palace was created by the architect of King Louis XV, who, together with Marie Antoinette, were beheaded during the French Revolution.

Hence, if you are sad not to be able to fit Versailles in your short stay in Paris, the Hotel de la Marine is where you should be heading to.

Montmartre (Evening)

No matter how short your stay in Paris is, you should not miss Montmartre . I even would go that far and say that you haven’t really been to Paris if you’d skip the artist district in the North of town.

Montmartre is a perfect location for spending an evening in Paris . Whether you are keen on simply sipping wine in one of the many street cafés, going dancing at “ La Machine de Moulin Rouge ” or just taking the occasion to stroll the cobbled stone alleys.

The nightlife of this iconic neighborhood has something for everyone. You even find one of the best cocktail bars in Paris near there.

But regardless of what’s your jam, one thing you should not miss though: the view from the Sacre Coeur over the illuminated Paris. It is one of the most breathtaking viewpoints of Paris.

Where to eat in Montmartre

For budget dinners in France , crêpes and galettes are always a yummy choice. Comptoir Breizh is a good address to try both. If you want to taste something more original, they also have Sardines with an assortment of sides and nibbles. It is not on the menu, but they prepare it for you if you ask.

Alternatively, you can also queue to get a seat at the traditional Parisian Bouillon Pigalle.

These articles might also be interesting to you:

Bouillons in Paris: These are the 5 most authentic Parisian Restaurants
17 yummy Foods to Try in Paris – The Paris Food Guide!
62 Fascinating French Food Facts
13 Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Paris (updated 2023)

Are you looking for traditional French cuisine at moderate prices? Reserve a table at Chez Pitou or at Sacree Fleur. The latter is also popular for its steaks.

But Montmartre is also home to a few Michelin Restaurants . If you want to savor French gastronomic dishes at Signature Montmartre, make sure you reserve your table well in advance.

You can also go all in and book yourself a spot at one of the popular Dinner Show at the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret .

Day 2 – Paris Itinerary

After the obligatory Croissant – or maybe a Pain au Chocolat – let’s start with the itinerary for your 2nd day in Paris.

The Tuileries (Morning)

The Tuileries is a great spot to start your second day in Paris. Get a Croissant at a nearby bakery and enjoy it in one of the iconic green chairs that you find all over the garden. For a good coffee, you also could step by Kitsuné , a tea and coffee shop in the Jardin Royal ( Emily in Paris filming location!), just across the street from the Tuileries.

It is a Japanese French coffee shop that has not only coffee, but also a great Matcha Latte and all sorts of Teas.

The Louvre (Morning)

→ buy your admission to the Louvre here and save much time!

The Louvre opens at 9 am and I advise you’re there before the crowds, but best before 10 am. Your time at the Museum will be short, but you’ll have enough time to see the most famous paintings in the Louvre .

The Museum is huge and truth be told, you could spend days there. However, with limited time, it’s best not to set off to explore the Louvre just wandering around, you will miss most of it.

Your best (and most affordable) choice is to follow one of the free Louvre’s visitors’ trails . They cover different topics, and you can be certain to have covered the Louvre’s basics. I did the Masterpieces Tour a couple of times myself, it’s a good and efficient tour.

In 1.5h you get to see the most essential exhibits plus some background info.

You only need to hold a ticket to the Louvre and either download the tour in advance or take one of the free paper guides they provide on-site.

Tip : if you travel with children or teenagers to Paris , they can access the Louvre free.

Marais (Lunch)

From the Louvre, it’s just a 15-min walk to one of the nicest quarters of Paris: The Marais.

Until the French Revolution, it was home to the Parisian Aristocracy and many of the elegant city palaces are still defining the shape of this old quarter. Today, the Marais is known as the center of Jewish and LGBTQ culture in Paris , and moreover, as a great place for shopping, strolling, dining, and enjoying the Parisian nightlife.

So, surely, the Marais is a place that you shouldn’t miss if you wonder what to do in Paris for 2 days. It’s best if you just stroll around and seek a place to have lunch.

Marais in Paris, rainbow umbrellas in Paris

However, a sit-down lunch would probably take up too much time, and the Marais is renowned for its excellent Falafel Sandwich places.

L’As du Fallafel is by far the most popular Sandwich store, and it’s even listed as a hidden gem in Paris in many Paris travel guides.

My personal favorite though is the Le Sabich Sandwich from Babka Zana . You find them as well in the Marais

Saint Michel (Afternoon)

After lunch, head over to Saint Michel. Ok, Saint Michel is really just a pretext to get you walking in the right direction because except for the fountain, there is not much to see. But on your way you’ll pass by Notre Dame , at least one of the Islands on the Seine with a beautiful Panorama , and the bookstore Shakespeare & Company .

With a tiny detour, you even cross the Pont Neuf and are granted another spectacular view over Paris .

Tip: If you did not have lunch yet, resist the temptation of the pretty and cheap restaurant near the Fountain. They are not horrible in and of themselves, but absolute tourist traps . You simply find better food for not much more anywhere else.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Afternoon)

Just a stone’s throw away from the St. Michel Fountains lays Saint-Germain-des-Prés, another iconic district of Paris, which you explore best by just wandering around.

From St. Michel head to Odéon , pass through the beautiful Cour du Commerce Saint-Andre , and walk along the popular Rue du Buci. It’s the perfect location by the way to take a little break, either in the Instagram famous Café Sauvage or a little further down at the Le Deux Magots or Café de Flore .

Jardin du Luxembourg (Afternoon)

While the Jardin du Luxembourg may not top the list of essential Parisian sights, its lush greenery is always a delight. It’s a beloved spot among locals , with the stunning Medici Fountain adding to its charm.

Moreover, it’s conveniently located between Saint-Germain and the Latin Quarter. Since you’re likely to pass through, make the most of your walk by enjoying this pleasant route.

If you find yourself rushed or too tired, you can also take the Metro (Line 10 until Place Cardinal Lemoine) or rent a Vélib and cycle your way to the Latin Quarter

Quartier Latin (Evening)

The Latin Quarter is Paris’ university district and one of the few areas that Baron Haussmann left untouched during his extensive remodeling of the city. As a result, this is where you’ll find quaint cobblestone streets and narrow alleys, offering a glimpse of what resembles an old town.

While the magnificent Pantheon and charming streets of Paris in this quarter are sure to captivate you, the Latin Quarter truly shines as an evening destination. It boasts an array of restaurants and bars , offering a culinary and social experience that’s hard to match anywhere else in Paris.

Saint Germain is also a good spot for drinks

My go-to location within the Latin Quarter is always Rue Mouffetard , because you are always off to a good start when heading there.

You find budget eateries like the crêperie au p’tit grec or the excellent Sichuan restaurant Tran Tran Zai for spicy noodles and dumplings. But also many brasseries for a more French experience.

If you are in for a treat, I can recommend the restaurant Le Grand Dictionnaire , a bit further down the Latin Quarter, but well worth the detour. Or try to get a table at Narro , for Japanese French fusions on a very high level. Both are some of my favorite restaurants in Paris.

Travel Essentials for your Paris Getaway

If you did not lay out the organizational details of your trip yet, the following will help you to plan the pillars of your Paris vacation.

Where to stay for 2 Nights in Paris?

If you are in Paris for as little as 2 days, I strongly recommend looking for a hotel in the very center of Paris . You are not only getting the fullest dose of the most amazing Paris vibes , in fact, almost all landmarks, sights, and museums are also in the center of Paris and on your doorstep.

Therefore, staying in the center of Paris when following your two day in Paris itinerary is a huge time saver.

To make the hotel hunt easier for you, I put together a list of the best hotels in Paris that fit perfectly this 2 days in Paris itinerary. Even though I am covering all price ranges, keep in mind that Paris is overall more on the pricey side and rates rise quickly depending on season and demand.

Affordable Hotels in Paris

Also see my article about the best located Ibis Hotels in Paris

» Home Latin – classic hotel in the heart of Paris – see prices on booking.com

» Hotel Rivoli – simple rooms in a stellar location on Rue Rivoli – see prices on booking.com

» Saint Georges Lafayette – No frills close to Pigalle – see prices on booking.com

Midrange Hotels in Paris

» Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche – great value for money & location – see prices on booking.com

» Hotel Residence des Arts – neoclassical style at St. Michel – see prices on booking.com

» Le Basile Hotel – modern and cozy hotel near the Louvre – see prices on booking.com

» Hotel Henri IV Rive Gauche – great location with a nice view – see prices on booking.com

Upscale Hotels in Paris

» Hotel Maison Colbert Paris – elegant rooms with a view of Notre Dame – see prices on booking.com

» La Clef Louvre Paris – spacious & elegant suits by the Louvre – see prices on booking.com

Hotel in Paris for 2 nights in the Center of Paris

Luxury Hotel Choice

» Le Meurice Dorchester Collection – Luxury at the Tuilieries and an inhouse Michelin Star Restaurant – see prices on booking.com

Tip: If you are staying in Paris for 2 nights with an early flight out, spend the last night by the airport. It is cheaper, and it can be a nightmare to get to the airport early in the morning.

Roissy CDG Airport: For budget accommodation, consider the Ibis Paris CDG Airport and the Pullman Paris Roissy if you want more comfort. Both Hotels are located in the Roissy CDG Airport.

Orly Airport: This airport has only 2 hotels on site: Ibis Paris Cœur d’Orly Airport for budget stays and the Novotel Paris Cœur d’Orly Airport for more comfort.

How to get from the Airport to Paris

If you come by plane to Paris, you arrive either in the South at the Orly Airport or in the North at Charles de Gaulle Airport .

By Public Transportation to Paris

Both airports are well connected to Paris and you won’t run into issues boarding an RER train and heading into town. Tickets are available at the ticket machines or at the Service center and everything is clearly indicated. For more information, read also our Paris CDG Airport Guide and our article on how to use the Parisian Metro.

2 days in Paris - take a taxi from the airport

By Taxi to Paris

A more convenient option is taking a private transfer or a taxi. Taxis are available at both airports and are well indicated. Just follow the taxi signs to get to the official pick-up point. The prices are flat rates, it’s €55/€62 from CDG to Paris depending on your destination, and €35/€41 from Orly.

Attention! Do not under any circumstances accept a transfer offer from a driver that waits for clients in the arrival area. They are not legal and can and will charge you horrendous amounts.

By Private Transfer to Paris

The most convenient and easiest transfer option is to organize a private transfer prior to your travel. Like this, you can be sure everything is taken care of, and you just need to get into the car.

I recommend considering booking a transfer with Welcome Pickups . They track your flights to be aware of delays, wait for you. in the arrivals area, and bring you safely to your accommodation. Get your Welcome Pickups quote here .

Voilà, Paris in 2 days – as you can see, you’ll have enough time to see the highlights in Paris and enjoy the flair of the French capital. Plus, I am sure you will want to come back. Bon Voyage!

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Your Perfect 2 Days in Paris! Itinerary & Insider Tips
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2 Days in Paris Itinerary | The Best Way to Explore Paris in 48 Hours

Planning on spending two days in Paris? Well, you’ve come to the right place, because Paris just so happens to be one of my favorite cities in the world. With its iconic landmarks, unbeatable cafes, and wonderful Parisian vibes – spending 48 hours in the buzzing capital of France will surely leave wanting more!

Alongside being one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited, with such grand and gracious architecture. It also produces some of the tastiest pastries in the world. There is also just so much to discover in terms of history, landmarks, and food spread all over this city. I have put together the perfect 2-day itinerary for you to discover everything; from some of the most famous and iconic landmarks of Paris, right down to some of the lesser-known locations. So definitely keep reading to find out exactly how you can plan your 48 hours in Paris!

Also, be sure to read my article, “ Top 19 Music Festivals in Paris To Experience Before You Die ” to see if your trip coincides with any of them during your trip!

Where to Stay for 2 Days in Paris…?

Paris is a pretty massive city, and there really are a wide variety of places I could recommend to stay! I think one of the major things to think about is your future travels when booking a place. Are you heading back to the airport via metro? Taking a train up to London? Catching a bus to England? I think it’ll make the check-in / check-out process much easier and smoother if you keep that in mind!

Charming apartment in the heart of Paris : This five-star rated Airbnb Plus is one of the best places to stay in Paris for sure! I always love staying in an Airbnb while traveling in Europe (to get a local feeling), and this is my personal favorite!

Generator Paris Hostel : Perfect for Backpackers. Situated in 10th district, Generator is by far the best location of all Paris hostels. Boasting free wifi, an in-house bar and with scenic views overlooking the city; you really can’t go wrong with this hostel. Also known for being the most solo-traveler friendly hostel in Paris , you are bound to meet some awesome new people to take on this incredible city with by both day and night.
Staycity Aparthotels Gare de l’Est : Perfect for couples and families. Rated as the best value hotel in Paris, Staycity is well recommended for those travelling as a family. Located just a 5 minutes walk from Gare de I’Est, Staycity is just a 4 minutes walk from all of the waterside cafes and restaurants. It’s also well located for all of the popular sightseeing attractions. Additionally there is underground parking available and there are also self-contained kitchens available for preparing meals – Perfect for families wanting a lower budget hotel but still being well-rated and in a brilliant location.

Where to Stay for 2 Days in Paris Accommodation

Getting Around Paris

Getting around Paris, like with many other European cities is fairly easy. Paris also happens to have one of the oldest metro systems in the world. It’s extremely efficient and can get you anywhere in Paris that you need to be. When I was recently in Paris, I personally took to walking around the city. I find it’s a great way to see the buildings and iconic landmarks, and it’s the perfect way to get familiar with the layout of the city.

However, there is also a wide variety of public transport options available; from Metro, Busses, Boats, and even Cycling. You shouldn’t struggle at all finding your way around Paris. Tickets can be used on both the metro and busses and are available by a single ticket, 10-tickets, 1, 2, 3, 5-day and even weekly or monthly tickets are available.

Tip : If you accidentally get into a train going in the wrong direction, at some stations it’s impossible to change directions without exiting the station. Which means you can waste those single tickets easily if you don’t make it a habit of checking the direction of the train before entering.

Also , Paris is one of the few cities in the world I recommend utilizing the touristy Hop-on/ Hop-off buses! Since it’s such a big city, and there’s a lot to see, the double-decker bus is a super fun way to see the city. The bus system runs really frequently, and easy-to-use!

Paris Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: Classic, Premium or Deluxe : “Tour the enchanting city of Paris at your own pace, on an open-top double-decker sightseeing bus. You can hop-on and off as often as you like on 2 routes, taking in the best that the City of Light has to offer.”

What To Do in Paris In Two Days.

Let’s just say you’re going to be super busy because there is a whole lot to explore in Paris! Now It would obviously be better if you had a few more days in Paris, but if you’re just on a short two-day visit/weekend trip, here is what I think are the must-visits! I would recommend waking up bright and early so you can check out as much as possible, as well as get photos without throngs of tourists in them!

Take a Walks Essential Paris Tours

If you want to make the most of your 2 days in Paris, then I’d recommend booking one of these amazing Paris Walking Tours with “Walks”! It’s an awesome company that offers tours all over Europe, and their Paris tours are regularly reviewed as a trip highlight. From their iconic Paris in a Day Tour , to skip-the-line tickets at some of the city’s most iconic tourist attractions, they’ve got a wide variety of tours I’d recommend looking into!

Explore Some of The Worlds Greatest Art at The Musee du Louvre

Making a trip to the Louvre Art Museum is one of the best ways to start your Paris trip!

You definitely want to start out early on in the morning, to give yourself enough time to walk around and take in all of the different pieces of artwork. This is a huge museum and there are eight departments in The Louvre. It’s enough to keep you busy all morning; with Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous painting the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo , the sculpture of goddess Aphrodite being the most sought after pieces to see here.

Don’t forget to really take in the entire building design, including the iconic pyramid design at the entrance. Even if you’re not typically into museums, it’s well worth the visit. Check out this article “ 10 Secrets of the Louvre, The World’s Most Visited Museum ” for some fun facts and interesting insights!

Paris Travel Tip: The Louvre can get ridiculously busy, so it’s recommended to reserve a time and book tickets in advance, or you could book this highly populer tour, The Louvre at Closing Time Tour .

“See the Mona Lisa at her most peaceful time on our carefully-crafted itinerary. This Louvre Tour walks you through the best of the collection, from French paintings to Italian sculptures and even the palace’s moat foundations, in a small group and with an expert local guide. So you’re guaranteed to get the best from this once-in-a-lifetime visit.”

Read Reviews & Book Now

Due to the coronavirus, Walks is offering a 10% discount on all tours by using code “WALKPARTNER10” off until March 31st, 2020

Experience a birds-eye view of Paris from up the Eiffel Tower!

A great place to visit regardless of the time of day. The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and for good reason. It really is stunning to see up close, and I personally was so shocked to see how huge it actually is when I visited Paris for the first time!

The 1,665 steps up to the top are well worth it for the sprawling views you get of the entire city from inside the top of the Eiffel Tower. But if you aren’t into climbing steps, there is an option to take the elevator up to various viewing points too.

Additionally, for a lovely atmospheric evening; take a picnic blanket and a bottle of wine to sit in the park by the Eiffel Tower. Watch the Eiffel Towers lights turn on at night time and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere in the area. Just be aware that there will be a lot of people trying to sell you wine, beer, and souvenirs throughout the entire evening.

Paris Travel Tip : A great spot to take Eiffel Tower photos is from the Place de Trocadero. I recommended you get there for sunrise in order to get some shots with fewer people around.

The Eiffel Tower is pretty much always going to be busy to wait in line, so I’d suggest booking a tour that includes a skip the line pass as well. For example, this Skip-the-Line Eiffel Tower & Seine River Cruise is a pretty fantastic deal for first-time visitors to Paris!

View the Arc de Triomphe up close.

I was super impressed with the Arc de Triomphe when first saw it. Much like the Eiffel Tower, I just couldn’t believe how big and grand the Arc de Triomphe was up close. It seems to be an ongoing occurrence when wandering around Paris; all of the buildings are just so beautiful and grand in design.

The Arc de Triomphe honors those who fought and died for France during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Inscribed on the inner and outer surfaces of the building are the names of all the French victories and generals who fought. Including the tomb of an Unknown Soldier from World War I which lies in a vault underneath the arch.

Tickets cost 12 Euro, but I’d check out this deal for Skip-the-Line Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets to save time and money! It’s cheaper than the actual tickets to the roof, and you won’t have to wait in the long line.

View Palais-Royal and Explore The Beautiful Gardens

Built for Cardinal Richelieu in the 17th Century by one of Frances most influential architects, Jacques Lemercier. Palais-Royal is a very popular place to visit in the city It’s known for its iconic inner courtyard sculpture ‘Les Deux Plateaux’ , which is a large modern sculpture consisting of large striped black and white columns. Created by sculptor Daniel Buren, this area is one of the most popular places for taking photographs around the palace.

You also do not want to miss the beautiful Jardin du Palais Royal, which are the stunning gardens situated just next to the Palais-Royal. I personally found these gardens look stunning in Spring and Autumn time.

Palais-Royal - THings to do in Paris in 2 days

Fontaine St Michael

Designed by Gabriel Davioud in 1855 and completely in 1860, this fountain is a very iconic part of the city, being the tallest fountain in Paris.

The statue was built to depict the archangel Michael combating the Devil, evoking the thoughts of the battle between good and evil. There are also two winged dragons on each side of the fountain which are represented as assisting the devil.

I absolutely loved seeing the famous Saint Michel Fountain. It stands at 26 meters tall and has such an elaborate and intricately detailed design that I could have stared at it all day.

Fontaine Saint Michel - Paris Must Do in Two Days

Admire the Notre-Dame Paris Cathedral

Unfortunately, due to the tragic fire that has partially destroyed some areas of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the famous landmark is currently closed to the public.

However, it is still worth walking up to the iconic cathedral to at least view it from the outside. The exterior is still stunning to look at, it is, after all, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Construction started in the 12th century and it is still very much an element of Paris that shouldn’t be ignored on your trip.

To make your trip here worthwhile; the Notre-Dame is conveniently located very close to the Sainte Chapelle and the Concierge, which both appear further down this list and place you definitely need to check out while you are in the area.

View the Exquisite Stained Glass Windows inside Sainte Chapelle

Within easy walking distance from the Notre-Dame; Sainte Chapelle is definitely not a building you will regret seeing in Paris. Inside the Chapelle on the upper floor, you will find a spectacular room with over 1,000 stained glass windows to view.

Nothing can really prepare you for how striking this room is, with the light shining through and the vibrant display of pinks, purples, blues and other colours; it is just so dazzling and beautiful.

Inside the Chapel are also various informational sheets with explanations as to what biblical stories each famous glass panel is depicting.

Close by is also the Concierge , which was once the royal residence for various French leaders. Definitely worth checking out while you are in the area also.

Have a Picnic in The Jardin des Tuileries

Separating the Lourve from the Place de la Concorde are the perfectly designed Jardin des Tuileries. Great for a relaxing stroll through right in the centre of Paris, I personally like to sit in the gardens with a picnic lunch after a morning of exploring the Lourve museum.

The gardens contain two ponds that you can relax by, and close enough is the Musée de l’Orangerie where you could even find some of the famous works of Monet afterwards.

Watch the sunset at Tour Montparnasse Observation Deck

At 210 metres tall, the Tour Montparnasse is the perfect place to finish off your day.

It will cost you 13 Euro, but the views over Paris from up here are well worth it. The tower makes for the perfect place to watch the sunset over Paris.

Conveniently there is also a lovely little restaurant up there, perfect for enjoying a some drinks or food afterwards.

“Straight in and straight up – just 38 seconds and you’re 200 metres above Paris, contemplating the very best view you can get of this beautiful city! The Eiffel Tower is right in front of you – a sight you will never forget. Just like the Empire State Building and the London Eye, the Montparnasse Tower Panoramic Observation Deck gives you a totally unique view of Paris and its monuments.

Climb up the stunning Basilique du Sacre Coeur

The Sacre Coeur (or also known as The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris), is the second most visited monument in Paris. Known for its brilliant large white medieval dome, the basilica was built by the French Government following the Franco-Prussian War in the 19th century.

It is located perfectly on top of the hill Montmartre, which is also the highest point in the city. The 300 step climb is more than worth it for the beautiful panoramic views of Paris at any time of day. This is also a great alternative sunset viewing option to the Tour Montparnasse which I mentioned above.

Tour Options: Sacré-Coeur and Montmartre Tour with Expert Guide : “Visit the inside of Sacré-Coeur, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart with an expert guide. Marvel at the world’s largest mosaic then enjoy an amazing walk around the village of Montmartre.” Price: $17.28 *Certified*

Food & Drink Recommendations for 2 Days in Paris

Since you’re on limited time in the city, you won’t have much time to explore everything on the list, but I’d recommend giving a quick read through this article, “ 50 Things You Need to Eat in Paris Before You Die ” as it’s filled with goodies and I’m sure you’ll find some inspiration in there!

Here are a few of my recommendations as well…

Le Procope – A Historical Eating Experience: If you are wanting a genuinely authentic foodie experience in Paris, you should definitely consider heading to Le Procope. Founded in 1686, it is the oldest cafe in Paris. It also happened to be the cities first ice cream maker and first coffee shop. With authentic decorations throughout, real traditional recipes and proven quality, all for around 21 Euro for a two course meal – this isn’t a place to miss.
Bouillon Chartier – A Traditional Quality Meal on a Budget: Founded in 1896, this place is not only authentic, traditional and of high quality. But it’s also extremely budget-friendly! At only 12-13 Euro for three courses, this place was perfect for me when I was visiting Paris for the first time on a backpackers budget. It serves all of the traditional foods that have been present on the menu right from the beginning, from Snails, camembert and so much more. This place is loved by locals and tourists alike for its high quality food and amazing prices. Tip: It’s always busy, so come early!
Stohrer – One of the Oldest Bakeries in Paris: When I visited this beautiful bakery I was initially drawn to the stunning interior within, let alone the incredible selection of traditional fresh pastries also on display. It is famous for its delicious Baba au rhum alongside many other pastries available here. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything you decide to try from Stohrer as I can guarantee that anything you try will be absolutely delicious. You simply cannot miss grabbing a lunch from Stohrer while you’re in Paris.
Pierre Herme – For The Best Macarons in Paris: With a beautiful selection of creatively made Macarons, this place in known for creating the best Macarons in all of Paris . From a great selection of traditional flavors such as lychee, raspberry and passionfruit milk chocolate to more unconventional flavors such as hazelnut asparagus and much more. You can definitely find a unique flavour of macaroon here that you simply wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else in the world. Tip: Buy a box full because you sure will regret it later if you don’t. It is also worth trying some of their delicious pastries while you’re there.

Nightlife for 2 Days in Paris

Paris may not be the first place on your radar for a big party scene. However, Paris does have a very diverse variety of clubs, bars and unique venues that are hidden away just waiting to be discovered. In this list I have tried to include a variety of both popular and lesser known locations for spending your nights out in Paris.

Moulin Rouge – For The Real Burlesque Experience: If you have a free evening in Paris, you really can’t miss the cities big staple cabaret performance experience; The Moulin Rouge ! It’s world-famous for exciting crowds with outrageous dancing, costumes and extravagant performances since 1889. Many people claim that The Moulin Rouge is one of the most memorable Parisian experiences they’ve ever had. Complete with wine, feathers, lights and sequins, there really is no other place than the Moulin Rouge.
Wanderlust, Nuits and other bars and clubs with the Quai d’Austerlitz complex: W ithin the Quai d’Austerlitz complex that is home to a fashion museum, little cafes and retail shops is Wanderlust. A bar and terrace new-disco/electronic dance house run by the same people who run Silencio, the David Lynch imagined club and Social Club , both also popular venues. Below Wanderlust is also Nuits Fauves which is another cool little club with a real warehouse kind of vibe. There are graphic posters all over the metal walls, a DJ booth inside a cage and overall a very unique atmosphere with super diverse crowds. This entire complex shouldn’t me missed if you want a party night out in Paris.
Espit Chupitos – A Unique Shot Bar! Originated in Barcelona before being brought to Paris, this place has almost 600 shots on the menu! All flavors are written on the wall, and costing only 3 Euro each, you can guarantee you will find some incredible new shot recipes to try here.

Moulin Rouge - 2 Days in Paris Nightlife

2 Days in Paris Travel Tips

Are you under 26? It is half price to go up the Eiffel Tower and FREE to enter the Arc de Triumph.
Have a European Passport? Majority of museums and attractions are FREE to those who are under 26 and hold a European passport. Ie The Louvre and Sainte Chapelle. Make sure you take your passport (and student ID) out with you at all times just in case there is a discount available.
Don’t miss out on the FREE Paris Walking Tour. A walking tour is the perfect way to not only explore Paris like a local, but you also get the opportunity to ask some of your most important questions to the experienced walking tour guides, too. They often throw in some humour and fun stories and overall I always find walking tours my most informative and affordable way to learn about a new city. Usually a walking tour in Paris will last around 3 hours. They usually cover all of the most famous landmarks such as The Notre Dame, the Lourve and even some famous street markets.
Be careful of pickpockets. While Paris is a safe city to visit, you need to remain vigilient and keep an eye out for suspicious activity like pickpockets. Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, and unfortunately, that means pickpockets tend to prey on tourists!

What am I’m missing on my Two Day Paris Itinerary?

Paris is an absolutely massive city, and only having two days to explore it is not much at all! But I do hope my itinerary has shown you some great places to visit during your trip, some fun travel tips, and quality tour bookings. If you think I need to add anything to this itinerary, please do reach out to me and let me know!

Planning a trip to France & Europe…?

I’ve spent a lot of time living and working in different parts of Europe, and my website is filled with helpful travel itineries, things to do, destination guides, festival roundups, and much more! Check out a few of my favorite articles below, and as always, please do email me if you’ve got any questions about anything you’ve read! I love helping people plan their travel as much as possible!

Top 10 Amazing Things to do in the French Riviera
10 Awesome Things to do in Paris, France
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The 20 Best Techno Festivals in Europe to Experience This Summer
2 Days in Budapest | The Ultimate 48 Hour Weekend Guide to Budapest
2 Days In Berlin itinerary | How to Explore Berlin in 48 Hours
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The 20 Best Music Festivals in Sweden
The Ultimate Weekend in Rome Itinerary
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2 Days in Paris – A Step by Step Paris Itinerary

Planning your two days in Paris and not sure where to start? Don’t miss this step-by-step itinerary – packed with handy tips and suggestions to help you plan your trip.

The first time I went to Paris , I was completely in awe. I’m a big city girl through and through, but there’s something so enchanting and grandiose about Paris that it even made me pause and take stock.

In the years that have followed, I’ve been back again and again, each time discovering a new neighbourhood, a chic cafe or bohemian hangout – forgoing the big landmarks because hey – I’d already seen the Eiffel Tower, visited the Louvre countless times (and decided that I much preferred the Musee D’Orsay).

That’s why I wanted to take a completely different tack on my last trip. We had 2 days in Paris and I decided that I was going to see it afresh.

I’d create a first timer’s Paris itinerary and explore the city as if I’d never seen it before. All of a sudden, that feeling of awe in the face of the city’s unabashed magnificence returned.

We tramped around the city, oohing and aahing at the rose-tinted light inside Sainte Chapelle, watching the sunset from the Sacre-Coeur – it was an adventure – one that I think you’re going to love. So, what are we waiting for? It’s time to set off and explore the best of Paris in two days.

PS: I give you lots of practical tips and hints for planning your two day Paris itinerary at the bottom of this guide that will make your life a lot easier. Be sure to check them out.

2 Days in Paris Itinerary

Day 1 – louvre, ile de la cité, st germain and le marais.

For the first day of your two day Paris itinerary, it’s time to get a taste of the city’s best attractions, as well as spend some time living like a local in two of the capital’s trendiest neighbourhoods.

Tuileries

Once upon a time, the Tuileries Palace was the most desirable address in Paris – home to monarchs from King Louis XIV to Napoleon III. That was, until the radical socialist group the Paris Commune burnt it to the ground during their rule in 1871.

While the palace may be gone (although there are whispers of rebuilding), the garden near the Seine remains open to the public.

The meticulously planned garden is absolutely beautiful and a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

To call the Louvre an art gallery seems kind of underwhelming. Its staggering size and collection means it’s a sprawling institution offering up the who’s who of the art world.

In fact, it’s the most visited art gallery in the world – with over seven million art fans (and total novices) visiting annually.

The Louvre’s most famous painting needs no introduction – it’s, of course, the enigmatic Mona Lisa. However, there’s so much more to see. From Egyptian antiquities to Impressionist masterpieces, it’s all here.

Queues for The Louvre can be nothing short of horrific. Plan ahead and get your skip-the-line ticket here

Pont Neuf

The oldest and most iconic bridge in Paris, Pont Neuf is a beautiful location in a city tha

The oldest and most iconic bridge in Paris, Pont Neuf is a beautiful location in a city that’s not exactly short on pretty spots. It crosses the Seine near Ile de la Cite, the birthplace of modern Paris.

As well as the twelve arches of the bridge, it is also recognisable for the elaborate statue of King Henry IV – French kings weren’t known for their humility.

Another feature to keep your eyes out for are the many “mascarons” (or ‘scary’ – some would say funny – faces) decorating the bridge.

Ile de la Cite

The most well-known of the two natural islands in the Seine, the Ile de la Cite has a special claim to fame.

It is here that the modern city of Paris was founded, when the Roman city of Lutetia was founded on it. Paris as we know it today grew up around it, into one of the great cities of the world.

Today, the Ile de la Cite is a must-see during your time in Paris. Although small, it has many impressive sights including Place Dauphine, Sainte Chapelle, the Louvre and Square du Vert Galant.

Sainte Chapelle

Sainte Chapelle has a strong claim to being one of the most famous attractions on the Ile de la Cité and certainly one of the most striking.

It was formerly a royal chapel, built in the 13th Century as part of the Palais de la Cite , home to the first royal palace in Paris.

Much of the palace has been destroyed, however Sainte Chapelle remains with its dazzling stained glass windows.

In total, they depict over 1,000 scenes from the Old and New Testament, and are a beautiful kaleidoscope of colour.

I’d have lain down on the floor and gazed at the meticulously-depicted stained glass stories for hours but it’s hella busy in there and I have more sense than to lie down amidst a stampeding crowd.

Amazingly, the whole thing was constructed in just seven years – the blink of an eye by historic building standards.

Notre Dame

Over the years, the stylish cafes of Saint Germain have attracted more than just chic Parisians and eager tourists from abroad as the places to eat in Paris . Many famous people have also sipped an espresso (or downed a champagne) at these cute little hubs.

Nowhere is that more true than at La Palette in Saint Germain . This cosy cafe was the place for creative types to hang out – everyone from Jim Morrison of the Doors to the painter Pablo Picasso has been here.

The menu is reasonable, the wine stellar and the outdoor seating extensive – perfect for a little tete a tete before you tackle the afternoon’s itinerary. It’s nice and chill too, so you needn’t worry about eating there if you’re on a solo trip.

Jardin du Luxembourg

Over the centuries, the face of Paris may have changed considerably – but the Jardin du Luxembourg has been a constant – if unusual attraction.

The beautiful garden was commissioned by royal widow Marie de Medici, who dreamed of bringing a little bit of her hometown of Florence to Paris.

The result was a staggeringly beautiful garden enjoyed by Marie and her other aristocratic buddies.

That was until the palace was converted into a prison during the French Revolution.

Luckily, things again improved and the gardens were opened up to the public. Today, they are one of the most beautiful green spaces in Paris and worth a leisurely stroll, no matter the weather.

Pantheon

When architect Soufflot saw the stunning cathedrals of St Paul’s and St Peter’s in London and Rome, he thought ‘I can do better!’ (humble most certainly was not his middle name)

And so he set about building the Pantheon in Paris.

I’m not one to play favourites, but I will say that the Pantheon is an incredibly beautiful building.

Beautiful as it is, part of The Pantheon’s fame stems from its crypt, or rather the people buried within it. Victor Hugo, Marie Curie and Voltaire all rest within its walls.

Wander Around Le Marais

There are many chic neighbourhoods in the capital but one of my favourite stops on your Paris map is Le Marais. Centuries ago, this was a playground for the aristocratic few in Paris. Today, it is very different – and all the better for it.

Perhaps most famously, Le Marais is known as the LGBT+ centre of Paris, with a plethora of gay bars dotted along its picturesque streets.

It’s also home to a large Jewish population, meaning kosher eateries are almost as plentiful. Clearly, there’s much to enjoy here – so leave an hour or two just to go for a wander.

Don’t forget to swing by the Place des Vosges – the oldest planned square in Paris. The gorgeous small park is surrounded by aristocratic residences dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Dinner at Le Petit Fer a Cheval

If you can’t find a good meal in Paris, you’re doing something very wrong in life. You’ve worked hard peeps, and we all know that hard work deserves just reward, which is why we’re going to head to Le Petit Fer a Cheval .

Conveniently located in Le Marais, this authentic Parisian restaurant offers vintage decor yet a modern take on French classics like confit de canard and steak tartare (if you’re into it, theirs is truly something).

After dinner, feel free to order a drink (champagne, of course, you’re celebrating the end of a big day in Paris) from the horseshoe shaped bar that this place is named after.

Beautiful setting, delicious food = the best.

Day Two: Musee D’Orsay, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees and Montmartre

Today we’ll tick off more of the city’s main historic and cultural attractions, before enjoying a taste of the famous Parisian nightlife. Buckle up, it’s time to discover a little more of Paris.

Musee D’Orsay

Paris has enough museums that you could spend a lifetime exploring them, however the Musee d’Orsay is an absolute Paris must-visit. The collection contains all kinds of Western Art, spanning from 1848 to 1914. However, it is the impressionist section that is most famous…for good reason.

The first time I went to the Musee D’Orsay at the tender age of 17, quite frankly I lost my shit. Conjure up the names of all of the great Impressionist painters and I’ll bet they’re all there.

The art is so dazzling you could be forgiven for overlooking the beauty of the museum itself. Aside from its much-loved collection, the Musee d’Orsay just so happens to also be something of an architectural wonder.

It’s housed in an old train station that’s been renovated to look like an elaborate palace. Trust the Parisians to make absolutely anything look incredibly beautiful.

Les Invalides

Standing proudly on the left bank of the Seine with its gold-plated dome, Les Invalides is another wonderful stop on your Paris itinerary for 2 days.

The building was first built by King Louis XIV as a hospital for injured war veterans. Over time, it was converted into various cultural institutions including the Army Museum .

Perhaps most famously, it is home to the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. Although Napoleon was in exile at the time of his death, the city of Paris well and truly made up for it with this elaborate tomb in the centre of the city.

You can buy a ticket for priority entry into Napoleon’s Tomb and the Army Museum here.

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is, without a doubt, Paris’s most iconic landmark, so there’s no way I’d have you spend two days in the city without swinging by. I’d never do that to you.

Built in 1889 to commemorate the French Revolution’s centenary, the tower soon became one of the most iconic structures on earth.

So much so that there seems to be a never-ending line of people waiting to make it to the top to take in the gorgeous views.

If you’d prefer not to waste any time in Paris queuing (fair call – why would you want to do that when you could be having fun elsewhere), then you’ve got two choices – pick up a priority entry ticket , or just snap away from the floor.

Trocadero

The beautiful Trocadero gardens are so synonymous with the Eiffel Tower that it’s hard to imagine one without the other.

In truth, the gardens were added a fair bit later, for the 1937 World Fair in Paris.

They were designed to perfectly frame the Eiffel Tower, and that they do. You could spend hours here trying to snap the perfect shot of the tower with the extra beauty of the gardens.

The last time I visited it was hotter than hell and also rammed with everyone trying to capture that perfect “ooh look I’m holding the Eiffel Tower in the palm of my hand shot” (rolls eyes). You can roll up your sleeves and join the throng or just get there early for a more peaceful experience.

Arc de Triomphe

Built by Napoleon as a signal of French power, the Arc de Triomphe was once the largest building of its kind anywhere in the world (crazy how the world moves on – while it’s stately, it’s just not that big).

Impressively, the beautifully decorated arch remains that to this day, albeit surrounded by a ram-jammed roundabout.

Buy a ticket and puff your way to the top of the stairs and you can get a fab view of Paris from the top of it. That said, but also be sure to walk beneath it, where you’ll find the touching Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

As the name suggests, it’s the resting place of an unidentified member of the armed forces – with their grave commemorated by an eternally burning flame.

Grab your skip the queue tickets before you go

Champs Elysees

It’s time to flash some cash. Or, maybe just window shop to your heart’s content.

Arguably the Champs Elysees is the most famous shopping street in Europe, and possibly the world. It’s lined with chic boutiques selling some of the most fashionable clothing out there.

I’ll be honest – these days there are a lot of crap shops on the Champs Elysees, but the contrast between the high end boutiques and tackier offerings is kind of kitsch in itself.

Visit on a Sunday the Champs Elysees is closed to motorised traffic, meaning you can take a stroll down the middle of the road and capture that perfect shot of the Arc de Triomphe without the fear of being run down like roadkill.

Sacre Coeur for Sunset

The stark white facade of the Sacre Coeur is instantly recognisable as a Parisian icon. So much so, that it’s surprising to know that it was only consecrated a century ago, in 1919 – pretty modern by Parisian standards.

Modern-ish or no, it’s certainly one of the most beautiful structures in the city – and even more so at sunset.

The light of the dipping sun casts a spectacular glow over the white church, while both locals and tourists gather on the church’s steps to watch Paris bid adieu to the light of another day.

Dinner and Drinks in Montmartre

There’s no two ways about it: Montmartre is one of Paris’ most charming arrondissements . It’s home to several notable landmarks, like the Sacre Coeur, and yet it still feels the teeniest more peaceful than central Paris, well, during the day anyway. Taking a walk around Montmartre during the day is an absolute must.

At night, it’s a rather different story… The right combination of slightly seedy, eccentric and buzzing, you simply have to spend a night drinking and dining in Montmartre.

I’m a huge fan of the relatively new Bouillon Pigalle , a bustling yet authentic “bouillion” that serves up amazing French food and lashings of great wine at ridiculously good prices.

Then, it is only right to follow it up with drinks at the infamous Lulu White Drinking Club, once a den of debauchery of all kinds – and today a brilliant cocktail bar and one of Paris’ lesser known gems .

Moulin Rouge

Moulin Rouge is the most famous cabaret in the world. Sounds like a good enough excuse to settle down for an evening of razzle dazzle amidst the bright lights of the club.

It first opened in 1889, raising eyebrows and getting people all hot under the collar with their new can-can dance, which was rather alluring and just the tiniest bit risque at the time. It soon spread around the world, with visitors all over the globe going wild for the all-kicking, all-dancing style.

Unfortunately, the original club burned down in 1915 but it was swiftly rebuilt – iconic windmill and all.

It’s a bit pricey, but truly unforgettable to catch a show here.

Have More Time? Add These To Your Itinerary

If you have a little extra time in Paris, here are a few more things that you can add to your itinerary.

Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles lies less than an hour south west of the centre of Paris by road or rail, and is an awesome addition to any Paris itinerary.

Before Louis XIII got his hands on some land to build a hunting lodge, Versailles was a quiet rural hamlet. Several expansions later, and the eventual Palace that stands today is a testament to the extravagant opulence that came to characterise the reign of Louis XIV.

With more than 2,000 rooms, the famous hall of mirrors, the palace included a zoo, roman-esq baths, elevators (a novelty in the 18th century!) and elaborate gardens with stunning water features.

In 1789, thousands of French citizens stormed the palace in protest and compelled the royal family to follow them to Paris where they were interned.

Much of the opulence of that period remains visible today, and of course, the palace played another huge part in European history in 1919 as it hosted the peace conference that saw an end to the Great War.

The scale of the palace is absolutely staggering and puts other European palaces to shame, and this alone, never mind its rich history, makes it a must-visit if you have the time while in Paris.

Visit the Pompidou Centre

The Pompidou Centre is an unmissable piece of modern architecture bang in the middle of Paris designed to resemble a heart fed by brightly coloured arteries. While its exterior may divide opinion, venture inside and you’ll find all sorts of awesome artistic treats.

After being built in 1977 it immediately started to build one of the first collections of modern and contemporary art in Europe, and it now serves as a gallery, library and constantly-evolving exhibition space for art lovers in Paris.

Among their enormous collection of 140,000 works are masterpieces by Vassily Kandinsky, Robert Delaunay, Frida Kahlo, Piet Mondrian and Henri Matisse.

Find Jim Morrison’s Resting Place at Pere Lachaise Cemetery

While taking time out to visit cemeteries may be a little bit of a niche pastime on a trip to Paris, I loved taking a wander around Pere Lachaise Cemetery, the largest graveyard in Paris.

If, like me, you find a stroll through a cemetery an oddly peaceful experience that allows you to reflect quietly, you’ll also be keen to know that Pere Lachaise is the final resting place of some big names.

Jim Morrison, the enigmatic frontman of The Doors, lays here, as do Chopin, Edith Piaf, Marcel Proust, Sarah Bernhardt and Oscar Wilde.

Handy Tips for Planning Your Paris Trip

So, there we are – what to see in Paris in 2 days. That’s only half the fun though, check out these cool tips to help you make the most of your time in the city.

Recommended Tours

What to Pack for Your Paris Itinerary

Choosing what to pack for your two days in Paris can be a headache – it’s not easy to plan what to wear in one of the world’s most stylish cities.

What to bring will also largely depend on what time of year it is. However, here are a few items you just can’t forget –

Comfortable walking shoes, as those cobbled streets can be fatal to stilettos
An umbrella and/or rain jacket (especially in winter), as you don’t want a spot of rain dampening your plans
A camera, with plenty of room on your SD card since Paris is incredibly photogenic.
Outfits that make you feel fabulous, because this is Paris and you’re joining the well-heeled crowd.
Your passport and other important documents, lest your travel plans are ruined before they even begin.

Where to Stay

Opera – hotel opera marigny .

With its many theatres (and the famous opera, of course), the arrondissement of Opera bring to mind the glam Paris of old. It’s a great place to stay if you want convenience, with more than a little glamour.

My pick for hotels in Opera is Hotel Opera Marigny . This four star hotel is modern and inviting, with a great location close to the action. Nearby there’s plenty of shopping, while attractions including the Louvre and the Sacre Coeur are within walking distance.

Check rates and availability at Hotel Opera Marigny

Bourse – Hotel Bachaumont

If you are looking to shop while you’re in Paris (and really – it’s hard not to), then La Bourse is an ideal base. It’s home to many brilliant brand and fashion houses, while the other attractions of Paris are close by.

Of the hotels in this area, I can’t go past Hotel Bachaumont . It’s located just one kilometre from the Louvre, meaning you can simply roll out of bed and beat the crowds. The hotel itself is also very stylish, and a great breakfast buffet is on offer.

Check rates and availability f or Hotel Bachaumont

Getting Around

I’ve organised this itinerary so that most spots are within easy walking distance of each other, but there are a few points where you might want to use public transport.

No fear, Paris has an excellent public transport network. The subway system is known as the Metro. It’s clean (mostly), efficient and will take you all around the city in a jiffy.

You can buy individual tickets, however it may be more cost-effective to buy a carnet of 10, especially if you’re travelling with someone.

Buses ply their way across every conceivable inch of the city, helping zip you from one part to another (unless you get stuck in a notorious Parisian traffic jam) at reasonable prices.

I’d recommend downloading Citymapper before you go as it will always help you find the fastest route between destinations.

Failing that, Uber is widespread and super-cheap too.

Quick Info

Time Zone: Paris observes Central European Time (GMT +01:00) Currency: France is within the Eurozone so make sure you have exchanged your national currency for Euros Plugs: French power sockets use the C and E-type plugs with two pins Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Paris is Charles de Gaulle, around 23km northeast of the centre of Paris 5 Must-See Spots: The Musee d’Orsay, Arc d’Triomphe, Louvre, Saint Chapelle and Notre Dame

Although most Parisians speak English, they do appreciate foreigners making the effort to speak the local lingo. Try and at least learn some essential phrases in French before you travel.

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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2 Days in Paris: An Amazing First-Time Itinerary

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Are you thinking of spending 2 days in Paris? If you’re into romantic streets, croissants, and jaw-dropping landmarks, I highly recommend it!

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a lover of fantastic food, or want to bask in the Parisian ambience, the City of Lights has plenty to keep you entertained.

But let’s be honest—trying to see the best of Paris in 2 days is like trying to finish a whole wheel of Camembert cheese in one sitting. It’s tempting but can feel a bit daunting, right?

During my first trip to Paris on a weekend getaway , I was overwhelmed trying to fit everything in, from climbing the Eiffel Tower to visiting the Mona Lisa.

So, I hope this 2 day Paris itinerary helps you to feel a little less flustered when trying to plan your trip to this fantastic city in Europe . I also hope that, by the end of this article, you’ll know precisely where to indulge and where to be a savvy traveller, as it’s no secret that Paris can be pretty pricey!

My favourite travel resources for Paris

✅ H ere’s the coolest hotel in Paris. ✅ Don’t miss this Seine River Cruise and the Eiffel Tower ✅ Don’t forget your travel insurance .

Is 2 Days in Paris Enough?

Are 2 days in Paris enough to soak in all it offers? I mean, 2 days is sufficient to see the iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Seine River, Notre Dame, and the artsy hills of Montmartre.

However, 2 days only really allows you to skim the surface of what the city offers. To get a more in-depth feel for the Parisian lifestyle, you may need almost a week to fully appreciate it.

That said, if you’re constrained to a 48-hour window, with some planning, you can definitely experience some of the best that Paris has to offer, and see some of the city’s most beautiful sights.

Where to Stay for 2 Days in Paris

First things first, let’s talk about where to stay. After a long day of walking around this gorgeous city, you’re going to want somewhere nice to rest.

Well, whether you want Eiffel Tower views (for those Insta-perfect pics ), or somewhere as affordable as possible, here are some of the top places to stay.

£££ – Shangri-La Paris – If you are looking for the ultimate luxury in Paris with views of the Eiffel Tower, the Shangri-La Paris is the perfect option. Not only will you wake to stunning views, but you are also just a 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower.
££ – Hotels des Arts – For a mid-budget stay, the Hotels des Arts is perfect. Located in the heart of the city, you are just 260m from the Grand Boulevards Metro Station, making seeing Paris a breeze.
£ – Ibis Paris Place d’italie 13ème – If you want to save some money on your accommodation, Ibis Paris Place d’italie 13ème is the hotel for you. You will find the Notre Dame and Pantheon near the Latin Quarter.

✅ Discover more of the best places to stay in Paris

The Best Things to Do During 2 Days in Paris

Eiffel Tower
Seine River Cruise
Louvre Museum
Notre Dame Cathedral
Sainte-Chapelle
Montmartre
Musée d’Orsay
Luxembourg Gardens
Latin Quarter
Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe
Moulin Rouge

Day 1: Iconic Landmarks and Art

So, without further ado, let’s jump into your perfect 2 days in Paris itinerary to ensure you tick off all your bucket list items.

On day one of our Paris itinerary, let’s dive headfirst into the iconic landmarks and artistic masterpieces.

These are the places that you’ve probably been dying to see and are just itching to cross off your Paris bucket list . Prepare for a bit of walking, but also prepare to be blown away by the beauty of this city.

9:00 – Eiffel Tower

Cost: €28.30 for lift access to the summit, €11.30 if you’re up for climbing the stairs to the second floor, and €21.50 to climb to the second floor and take the lift to the summit.

Let’s start with the one you’ve been waiting for: The Eiffel Tower. A quintessential symbol of Paris and a must-see for any visitor, it’s a good job you’re getting here so early because this landmark can get BUSY! But, it’s also a bit of a Paris must-see, so it’s got to be done, right?

The view ov the Eiffel Tower across the Seine

I’ve enjoyed climbing the stairs and taking the lift; each offers a unique experience. If you’re looking for a quick ride to the top, you can go wrong with the lift. However, it is more expensive, so, if you’re trying to budget, you might want to take the stairs.

The Eiffel Tower isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a symbol of French ingenuity and a testament to the vision of its creator, Gustave Eiffel. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the most visited monuments in the world.

Practical Information About Visiting The Eiffel Tower

To get there, hop on the metro and get off at the Bir-Hakeim station. You’ll catch your first glimpse of the tower as you exit, and trust me, it’s a sight that never gets old.

Now, the lines can be insane, especially during peak tourist season. So, either get there bright and early or book your tickets online in advance.

Top Tip : Tickets for the summit can sell out months in advance, so book early to get to the top!

✅ Book tickets for the Eiffel Tower

11:00 – Seine River Cruise

Cost: Starting at €13 for a standalone ticket, here’s a pro tip: snag a combo ticket that includes both the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River Cruise.

After soaking in the awe-inspiring views from the Eiffel Tower, it’s time to see Paris from a different angle —a cruise down the Seine River. Trust me, this is one of the most romantic things to do in Paris.

The Seine River cruise is one of the best things to do during 2 days in paris

As the boat glides along the water, you’ll pass by some of Paris’s most iconic landmarks, like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. It’s like a floating tour of the city’s greatest hits, all while you’re sitting back and maybe sipping on some French wine.

The Seine River Cruise is a wonderful experience. The gentle sway of the boat, the reflections of historic buildings on the water, and the soft glow of the Parisian sky as the sun starts to set—ah, it’s pure magic.

Practical Information About the Seine River Cruise

To catch your cruise, head to the docks near the Eiffel Tower. It’s a short walk, and you’ll find plenty of signs guiding the way. Cruises usually run every 30 minutes, giving you some flexibility if you spend extra time at the Eiffel Tower (totally understandable).

✅ I recommend this Seine River Cruise in Pairs

12:30 – Louvre Museum

Cost: €17 for adults. Free for those under 18.

Ah, the Louvre! Just saying the name conjures images of art, history, and that iconic glass pyramid.

Let’s be honest, you could easily spend an entire day here—or even more—if you wanted to dive deep into its vast collections.

The Louvre is a must-visit in Paris in 2 days

Buuut, we’re on a tight schedule, so let’s focus on the crème de la crème. First, you can’t visit the Louvre without seeing the Mona Lisa.

It’s pretty much the highlight of the museum, although, like many other popular things in Paris, you will probably have to fight through a crowd to actually see her!

I also recommend checking out a couple of other exhibitions. Whether you’re into ancient sculptures or Renaissance paintings, there’s something here for every art lover.

✅ Book tickets to the Louvre

15:00 – Sainte-Chapelle

Cost: €11.50 for adults, free for those under 18.

Stepping into Sainte-Chapelle, you’ll be treated to a beautiful blend of architecture and stained glass. The effect of the light on the glass is pretty magical.

In fact, this Gothic chapel is renowned for its stained glass windows, which tell biblical stories in a kaleidoscope of hues.

The chapel itself is smaller than other Parisian landmarks, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in sheer beauty.

16:00 – Notre Dame Cathedral

Cost: Free to enter the cathedral

As you approach this iconic cathedral, you’re instantly captivated by its intricate façades, flying buttresses, and the hauntingly beautiful gargoyles that seem to keep watch over the city.

The Notre Dame cathedral is a must visit in 2 days in Paris

It’s a place where history, architecture, and spirituality converge, making it a must-visit for anyone spending 2 days in Paris.

Note : The Notre Dame is closed due to the 2019 fire but will reopen in December 2024. Even though it is closed, it is still worth a visit.

Total cost for Day One activities : €71.80 (depending on the type of ticket you purchase for the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River cruise).

Day 2: Culture and Foodie Sights

For the second day of your 2 days in Paris, we’ll explore some of the neighbourhoods in the city, finish the day with a shop on the famed Champs-Élysées, and enjoy a show at the Moulin Rouge.

9:00 – Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

Cost: Free to wander, €6 to climb the tower

Montmartre is like stepping into a Parisian postcard. The cobblestone streets, the artists sketching portraits, and fresh croissants wafting through the air are all dreamy.

As you go uphill, you’ll reach the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The interior is just as awe-inspiring with its intricate mosaics.

The Sacre Coeur is a must visit during 2 days in paris

Take advantage of climbing to the dome; the 300-step ascent might be a little tiring, but the panoramic views of Paris make the perfect reward.

Don’t miss Place du Tertre (Artist Square). It is a great place to buy some artwork or just watch the artists as you sit in a cafe and enjoy a coffee.

11:00 – Musée d’Orsay

Cost: €16 (or €14 if you purchase at the museum)

Housed in the former Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station, the Musée d’Orsay is a spectacle even before you see the art. The giant clock face that serves as a window is Instagram gold. Inside, you’ll find an extensive collection of Impressionist art.

From Monet’s water lilies to Van Gogh’s starry nights, there’s so much to see. However, since the museum is large and you only have 2 days in Paris, you’ll probably need to prioritize your must-sees.

13:00 – Luxembourg Gardens

Cost: Free, but let’s budget €20 for a picnic.

The Luxembourg Gardens are super elegant and a perfect spot for a midday break.

Luxemburg gardens is a beautiful place to visit during 2 days in Paris

It’s the perfect place to lay your picnic blanket with a spread of baguettes, local cheese, and fresh fruits, surrounded by meticulously manicured lawns and fountains.

The Senate building is a grand backdrop, and local Parisians playing chess complete the scene. It’s a fantastic escape from the bustle right in the city centre and is enjoyed by both visitors and locals.

15:00 – Latin Quarter

Cost: Free to explore, entrance to the Panthéon €11.50

The Latin Quarter is the soul of Paris. It’s a labyrinth of narrow medieval streets buzzing with students from the nearby Sorbonne University.

Explore the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, where literary legends like Hemingway once hung out. Pop into quirky shops selling vintage postcards or rare books, or enjoy the Panthéon on the edge of the Latin Quarter.

Top Tip : The area is also great for a coffee break; try a café au lait at one of the many charming cafes.

17:00 – Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

Cost : Free to walk, €13 to climb the Arc

The Champs-Élysées is more than just a street; it’s a Parisian experience. High-end boutiques, theatres, and cafes line this grand avenue and it’s a great place for shopping, people-watching, and coffee breaks. The Champs-Élysées is particularly beautiful at Christmas when all the lights twinkle.

As you walk, you’ll see the towering Arc de Triomphe ahead. The monument honours those who fought for France.

Climbing to the top is a must; the spiralling staircase leads you to a panoramic view of Paris where you can see the trees that line the Champs-Élysées, and the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

This is a great place to watch the sunset over Paris.

Top Tip : You need to find the stairs that take you under the road and into the middle of the roundabout! Don’t be like us and try to cross the road!

21:00 – Moulin Rouge

Cost: Tickets start at €125

The Moulin Rouge is a great way to end your 2 days in Paris. The excitement starts outside as you see the famous red windmill. Make sure you arrive in time to snap a photo.

The Moulin Rouge is one of the best places to visit during 2 days in Paris

You’re transported to a world of glamour and glitz as you step inside. The show is a dazzling array of feathers, sequins, and incredible choreography. And let’s not forget the iconic French Cancan!

It’s a bit of a splurge, but you’re in Paris, and some experiences are priceless. You can purchase that, including dinner or a glass of champagne. I would enjoy dinner at a restaurant nearby and purchase a ticket with champagne.

✅ Book tickets for the Moulin Rouge

Total cost for Day Two activities : €191.50 (depending on the type of ticket you purchase for the Moulin Rouge )

Practical Tips for 2 Days in Paris

Before you head to Paris, let’s talk about some of the details that will make your trip a little easier. Here are some practical tips to make your Parisian adventure as smooth as possible:

How to Get Around Paris

Paris is best explored on foot. This will allow you to discover hidden courtyards, quaint cafes, and those picture-perfect moments that make Paris unique. But the public transport system is your best friend when you need to cover more ground.

The Paris Metro is efficient and reaches almost every corner of the city. A single ticket costs €2.20 and is valid for multiple transfers within 90 minutes.

If you plan to use public transport a lot, consider getting a 1-day or 2-day pass, which costs €13.20 and €21.50 respectively (depending on zones). These passes cover unlimited travel on buses, trams, and the Metro for the period. Or, consider a hop-on-hop-off bus for easy access to the most popular sights.

✅ Book your public transport in Paris

What’s the Best Time to Visit Paris?

The best time to visit Paris is tricky. Each season has its unique flavour:

Springtime (from April through June) is when the city’s parks come alive with colour. You’ll experience mild weather and fewer crowds. Exploring Paris in May is ideal for riverside picnics and café-hopping.

The summer months (July and August ) bring a wave of travellers, so expect bustling streets and higher prices. While the atmosphere is electric, be ready for the heat and the long queues at popular spots like the Louvre or Notre Dame.

Autumn (September to November ) is a sweet spot for travel. The summer crowds have thinned, and the city is more relaxed. You’ll also get to see some beautiful autumn foliage (especially in October ) at some of Paris’s parks, and hotel rates often drop a bit, making it easier on your wallet.

Winter (December through February ) offers its cosy charm. The city dresses up in holiday lights, and while it’s cold, the festive mood is warming. It’s also a quieter time to visit, so you’ll deal with fewer crowds and potentially find some fantastic deals on accommodations (outside of the Christmas and New Year period).

The shoulder seasons—spring and autumn—are the golden tickets in my book. You dodge the extreme temperatures, and the crowds are more manageable, making it an ideal setting for the best 2 days in Paris.

Is 2 days in Paris Worth it?

Technically no, 2 days isn’t enough to see everything there is to see in pairs, but it’ll give you a great introduction to the city. You’ll also be able to see some of the city’s top landmarks in just 2 days, and get a little bit off the beaten path as well.

So, if you are short on time and debating whether or not to visit Paris, yes, I’d say it’s worth spending 2 days here as the city really is impressive. And who can resist views of the Eiffel Tower?

If you have less time, check out my 1 day Paris itinerary , and if you have slightly more time, check out my 3-day itinerary .

👉 If you’re wondering where to stay in pairs, here’s my guide to the best hotels even if you’re on a budget!

My favourite tools for finding cheap travel

SKYSCANNER – For amazing flight deals.
BOOKING.COM – For affordable hotels and accommodation.
SAFETY WING – For affordable, reliable travel insurance.
DISCOVER CARS – For cheap car hire around the world.
OMIO – For trains, coaches, and transfers.
GET YOUR GUIDE – For attractions and tours.
AIRALO – For a global eSim that keeps you connected.

Disclosure: Some of the links above may be affiliate links that earn me a commission at no extra cost to you. If you purchase through my links – thank you so much! I only recommend products and companies that I use and love.

Alice Smith is a travel blogger, content creator, and founder of Adventures of Alice. Following an unexpected redundancy, she embraced her passions and turned her hobby of travel blogging into a full-time career.

Based in the UK, she's ventured to over 30 countries since 2016. With a passion for the outdoors and going off-the-beaten-path, Alice is on a mission to show that budget travel can still be luxurious and that every destination, no matter how touristy, holds hidden gems.

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sunrise in paris with Eiffel Tower in the background and buildings and river going through them

2 Days in Paris Itinerary: The Perfect Trip For Your First Visit

December 8, 2023 // by Follow Me Away // Leave a Comment

Are you looking for what to do with 2 days in Paris, France? Not to worry, I have you covered with the best way to spend just two days even if it is your first time in Paris!

Paris is my favorite city in the world, and I have visited it countless times in all seasons! I also know that it is better to spend a few extra minutes planning to maximize your time in Paris in just a few days. Above all this eases stress once you arrive, so you can enjoy your 2-day Paris trip!

This itinerary will include all of the best things to do, including exploring the Latin Quarter, visiting Musee D’Orsay, walking around Montmartre, and of course seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle!

Two days is enough time to get a taste of all that Paris offers. So, pack your walking shoes, as the next two days will be jam-packed! We have taken the guesswork out of what to do with just 2 days in Paris!

Table of Contents

Best Things to See With 2 Days in Paris

Here is a highlight of all the best things to see in Paris in 2 days in an easy format for you to check off your favorites! These are my must-sees for the next two days in Paris.

Eiffel Tower ( book tickets FAR in advance)
Louvre ( take advantage of free Friday after 6 p.m. or Book tickets in advance.)
Musee D’Orsay
Palais Garnier
Tuileries Garden and Musee L’Orangerie
Arc de Triomphe ( my favorite view of Paris)
Sacre Coeur and Montmartre Area (perfect for Sunrise over Paris)
Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle
Latin Quarter
River Cruise down the Seine (1-hour sightseeing cruise or Romantic Dinner Cruise)
Champs-Élysées
Luxembourg Gardens (perfect Picnic Spot)
St. Germain du Pres or Marais (Great area for restaurants, wine bars, and shopping)

2 Days in Paris Itinerary: The Perfect Trip For Your First Visit

Day 1 itinerary for a first-time trip to Paris will allow you to explore all the famous sites at a quick pace! You can make this guide your own by omitting or adding in stops! Use this itinerary as a framework for your trip!

Stop 1: Sacre Coeur and Montmartre 6:30 am

On my first day in Paris, I always wake up early! Why not take advantage and watch the sunrise over Paris? There are two ways to get here.

My favorite way is to take the 2-minute funicular ride (included with metro pass), from the Anvers Metro Stop!
Or you can climb the stairs – wear comfortable shoes, the streets are cobblestone

The Basilica of Sacre Coeur opens at 6:30! It will award early risers with crowd-free 360-degree views of Paris. The Basilica ceiling is the largest mosaic in all of France! Climb the steps of the dome for an unrivaled view of the city!

Click Here to Book : Paris: Montmartre and Sacré-Coeur Walking Tour

Click Here to Book : Paris: Montmartre Cheese, Wine & Pastry Guided Walking Tour

a gil in a burgandy skirt standing on the steps leading up the sacre coeur is one of the things to do on your 2 days in Paris itinerary

Stop 2- Breakfast (Le Petite Dejeuner )- 7:30 am

After leaving the Sacre Coeur, head to Rue Abbesses where you will find plenty of restaurants. This area is an absolute must-visit on your Paris itinerary.

One of my favorites is Le Vrai Paris . Sit outside at this lively bistro and sip on coffee while enjoying a basket of pastries.

For Breakfast Try:

Hardware Societe
Beans on Fire is great for a cup of coffee.

One of the restaurants Vrai Paris, all decorated with flowers

Stop 3: Moulin Rouge – 9 am

After coming down the hill, stop by Moulin Rouge with the iconic red windmill, one of the most famous sites in the city!

Moulin Rouge is the iconic after-dinner show, where can-can dancers put on a spectacular performance in a cabaret-style show. This was a top nightlife experience, that needs to be on your 2 nights in Paris itinerary.

Click Here to Book: Paris: Champagne at the Moulin Rouge & Seine River Cruise

The Iconic Red Windwill at Moulin Rouge - where a Caberate show takes place

Stop 4 : Palais Garnier 10 am

From Moulin Rouge, it is just a 20-minute walk to the Palais Garnier or the Opera House.

This is an example of the stunning Parisian architecture. To go inside one of the greatest opera houses of the 19th century, visit from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For theater lovers, book a ticket for an opera show. Book your advanced ticket entry here !

Click Here to Book : Paris: Covered Passages Audio-Guided Walking Tour

Click Here to Book : P aris: Opera Garnier Entry Ticket

THe Opera house in Paris light up in the evening is an example of Paris Architecture

Stop 5 : Place Vendome 11 am

Head down Rue Auber to Rue de la Paix, one of the ritziest areas of Paris. If you come during the holiday season, this public square is always decorated. You will know you arrive when you see the iconic Green Napoleon statue.

Place Vendome decorated for Christmas with trees and the statue of Napoleon

Stop 6 : Jadin des Tuileries and Musee de L’Orangerie 11:15 am

Continue down Rue de La Paix until you arrive at Rue Rivoli where you will cross into the Tuileries Garden .

It is my favorite public park in Paris! Here, you will find tree-lined paths, statues, flower gardens, and ponds surrounded by chairs! Enjoy the garden cafe for a drink or snack!

It is also one of the best places for children ! A summer carnival with rides and a carousel takes place every year.

During the winter, enjoy the Christmas market and giant carousel for amazing views of Paris. A great park to visit for 2 days in Paris with family!

The Musee de L’Orangerie on the west corner of the park features three of Monet’s water lily paintings in two rooms. Book a tour with the L’Orangerie complete with a river cruise on the Seine.

Click here to Book: Paris: Orangerie Museum Entry Ticket and Seine Cruise Ticket

THe Tuleries Garden is my favorite park in Paris, with flowers, green areas and a ferris wheel

Stop 6: Lunch 12:30

After a full morning, you will be ready to grab lunch and recharge for your first afternoon in Paris.

There are tons of restaurants and cafes in this area. Please note that as this is a “touristy” area, prices are a little higher. If you’re on a budget, pop into a grocery store for a picnic lunch in the park!

Chez Claud is the classic French Bistro, and Bistrot Benoit and Angelinas are within the Louvre. Le Musset is a contemporary Bistro with a spin on classic dishes. And for those looking for upscale dining head to Loulou and sit outdoors.

A TYPICAL french lunch of a cassoulet with salad and wine at an outdoor cafe perfect stop on you 2 days in Paris itinerrary

Stop 7: Louvre 1:30 pm

After lunch, exit along the Seine and head towards one of the most iconic museums in Paris, a must for your first time in Paris!

Remember your museum pass can be used here , with advanced reservations!

My favorite rooms to wander are the sculpture garden and the impressionist paintings! Research what interests you, or just hit the highlights like the Mona Lisa or Venus de Milo (listed on the museum map).

Book your tickets in advance , as tickets are for timed entry. For those looking for a skip-the-line ticket, with a guide to all the masterpieces, I highly suggest booking this tour!

Here are some helpful tips:

Enter underground versus entering on street level as the lines are much‌ shorter!
Purchase timed tickets ONLINE
If visiting on a Friday and you are looking to save money and don’t mind waiting in line head to the Louvre after 6 p.m ., for free entry
After leaving the museum, head upstairs to the glass pyramids for some pictures!

Click Here to Book: Paris: Skip-the-line Louvre Ticket with Host for Mona Lisa

Click Here to Book : Paris: Louvre Museum Timed-Entrance Ticket

Click Here to Book : Paris: Skip-the-Line Louvre Museum Masterpieces Guided Tour

The Louve can't be missed on your Paris in 2 days Itineray a girl in pink skirt is sitting outside the glass pyramids outside the museum

Stop 8: Ile de La Cite : Saint Chapelle and Notre Dame 4 pm

One of my favorite ways to experience the city when I am tired of walking is to rent a bike. There are bike stands all over the city, making it easy to rent bikes for the mile along the Seine.

Still under construction because of the fire of 2019, the exterior is worth a stop at Notre Dame. If you are looking to enter the crypt and want a walking tour of the area, this tour combines both things !

Next, walk 6 minutes to Sainte Chapelle Cathedral; it can’t be MISSED on your 2 day Paris itinerary. It is the stained-glass windows of the church that draw visitors here.

The price is about 10 euros, and if you can budget to visit this breathtaking cathedral, Book your tickets here .

Dress Modestly: As with any place of worship, respect the sacredness; dress modestly

Click Here to Book: Paris: Notre Dame Outdoor Walking Tour with Crypt Entry

Notre Dame cathedral is an iconic church in Paris can't be missed

Stop 9: The Latin Quarter, 5:00 pm

The Latin Quarter is a great area to pick up touristy souvenirs.

Spend some time wandering around this lively area! Grab a crepe (my favorite street food in this area), or have an afternoon coffee or happy hour at a cafe, LouLou!

This walking tour of the Latin Quarter that takes you to all the highlights over 90 minutes is a great option for those wanting a more structured option!

Sights in the Latin Quarter:

Shakespeare and Co. Bookstore
Cluny Museum
Paris-Sorbonne University

Click Here to Book : Paris: Latin Quarter Walking Tour with Local Guide

The Pantheon building with gold dome is overlooking the Latin Quarter buildings

Stop 10 : Marais 6 pm

The Marais district has become one of my recent areas to explore when visiting Paris. This trendy area has plenty of charming cobblestone streets, shops, and cafes to enjoy.

Here are some of my favorite things to do in the Marais:

Picasso Museum, open until 6 pm
Center Pompidou – open until 9 pm ( closed from 2024 to 2028)
Hotel De Ville ( year-round events, and Christmas Market)
Place de Vosges (oldest square in Paris)
Victor Hugo House ( free! And open until 6 pm) My favorite Macaron maker – Maison Mulot opened a location here
Musee Carnavalet ( free! )

Finally, the Pompidou Center is o p en until 9 pm , making this a great place to visit in the evening. You can spot the unmistakable architecture with brightly colored tubes adorning the outside of the building.

Artists here include Dali, Picasso, and various other Modern Art exhibits! And don’t forget to head to the roof for views of the city!

If you want to take the guesswork out of what to choose for dinner, I highly recommend taking this food tour in Le Marais with tastings! Over 3 hours you will, taste a variety of French classics.

For Dinner

On Rue des Rosiers for L’as de Fallafel (closed on Friday and Saturday)
Bouillon Republique is an old-school affordable French restaurant ( be prepared to wait in line)
Breizh Cafe (Crepes and Galette’s)
Au Bourguignon du Marais and Le Colimaçon (upscale French)
My absolute favorite is Little Red Door.
La Resistance – creative cocktails
Les Souffleurs – Gay Bar
38RIv – Jazz Bar

Click Here to Book : Paris: Pompidou Centre Modern Art Museum Entry Ticket

Click here to Book : Paris: Food Tour in Le Marais with Tastings

The Marais district in a must visit on your 2 days in Paris Itinerary, the liverly street with lights and Parians enjoying the evening out

Stop 11 – River Cruise 9:30 pm

Head down to the Seine and take a one-hour Seine River cruise to appreciate Paris from the water.

Bateau Mouche operates daily from 10:15 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.! You need to add this to your list of things to see in Paris in 2 days! If you want a more lively experience book this Paris: Evening River Cruise with Music!

For those wanting a romantic must-see with two days in Paris skip dinner in the Marais and head on a river and dinner cruise! T his tour includes champagne a 4-course menu, and live music while setting sail on a river for a 2.5-hour tour! The perfect ending to your first of 2 nights in Paris itinerary,

Click Here to Book : Paris: Dinner Cruise on the Seine River at 8:30 PM

Click Herre to Book : Paris: Evening River Cruise with Music

Click Here to Book : Paris: Champagne at the Moulin Rouge & Seine River Cruise

a river boat after sunset with the Eiffle tower int he background

Day 2 of this 2 day itinerary for Paris has another full day in store for you to explore popular spots like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Luxembourg Gardens, Catacombs, and more!

Stop 1: Breakfast 8 am

If looking to grab a quick bite, a boulangerie (French bakery) is where you will want to head. You MUST try a flaky melt in your mouth pain au chocolate, a croissant, and a cup of coffee!

For those whose Day 2 is a Sunday, and want a brunch head to Carette near Place des Vosges.

A couple sitting at a table with coffee and French pastries

Stop 2: Eiffel Tower 9 am / 9:30 am (Oct-May)

The Eiffel Tower is a MUST for every Paris bucket list! I saved this for day 2 of your itinerary for Paris in 2 days.

Book your tickets to see the Eiffel Tower as far in advance for a visit to the top as possible. Add this to your to-to do list of your Paris trip planner!

Here are the options:

Second Floor with lift access: 18.10€ Adult/ 4.50€ Child
The Top Floor (summit) with lift access: 28.30€ Adult/ 7.10€ Child
Second Floor with stairs: 11.30€ Adult/ 2.80€Child
Stairs Second Floor + Lift to Top: 21.50 €Adult/ 5.40€ Child

Or save time by booking a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower , Not having to wait in the long queue is such a timesaver on shorter trips! However, both the second floor and summit offer gorgeous views of the city!

If you are looking to save money, head to the local grocery store and enjoy a picnic breakfast on the grass after taking in the city view.

In other words, even if elevator and stair tickets are sold out for your dates, the Eiffel Tower is still a must-visit! Head to Av de Suffren for amazing pictures of the tower, one of my favorite spots, and a great place to view from the street level.

For those celebrating a special occasion, experience the Eiffel Tower by having lunch above the city on this tour that comes with a 3-course meal at Madame Brasserie.

Click Here to Book : Paris: Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator

Click Here To Book : Paris: Eiffel Tower’s Madame Brasserie 3-course lunch 12:00

A girl in a pink skirt standing in a neighborhood overlooking the eiffel tower

Stop 3: Arc De Trimophe/ Champs-Élysées 11 am

After leaving the Eiffel Tower, walk or bike down Avenue Marceau and along the Champs-Élysées, in about 30 minutes you will be at the Arc de Triomphe. Keep an eye out for Pont Alexander Bridge!

This is my favorite spot for views of the city as you get views of the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Cœur, and the Louvre! Plus, the lines are way shorter. Please note it does not open until 10 a.m. Book your tickets here !

If you are looking to save money, the Galleries Lafayette Haussman rooftop viewing area is FREE ! Another free viewing area for Paris is the free rooftop bar at Printemps Department Store in Paris. A rooftop view is a must on your two-day trip to Paris!

Click Here to Book : Paris: Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets

A girl in a red skirt standing at the Free rooftop of Galleries Lafyette overlooking Paris at sunset

Stop 4: Musee D’Orsay 12 PM

Musee d’Orsay is one of my favorite Paris museums. The museum is a converted railway station that showcases Impressionist painters like Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, sculptures, and more!

For breathtaking views of the Seine River and the Louvre Museum head to the outdoor viewing area.

Alternatively, you can book your‌ tickets here which also includes a Seine river cruise an excellent choice if you haven’t experienced a river sightseeing cruise yet!

Tips :

Admission is FREE on the first Sunday of each month
Museum Pass – book times in advance
CLOSED on Monday
Reserve your skip-the-line guided tour through the museum to avoid wasting time waiting in line

The view out the clock window at Musee d'Orsay with the Louvre and Seine River outside

Stop 5: Lunch in Luxembourg Garden 1:30

From Musee D’Orsay head to the Solférino Metro stop, where you will take the 12 Line to Rennes. On Rue Vaugirard you will find several grocery stores (Monop, Franprix, and Carrefour) or specialty cheese, meat, and bread shops.

Stock up on items for a lunch picnic in the park! I always like to grab a variety of cheese, bread, meats, fruits, prepared foods, and pastries. During the winter, I like to head to Angelina’s for hot chocolate and pastries!

Luxembourg Garden has statues, fountains, and a pond that is the backdrop to the Luxembourg Castle. Surrounded by flowers, statues, and gravel paths, you will feel like a local.

The Luxembourg garden with statues and gardens

Stop 6: Catacombs 3 pm

From Luxembourg Garden is a 20-minute walk or 3-minute RER B ride to the catacombs (Denfert- Rochereau stop).

One of the unique things to do in Paris in 2 days is head underground to explore the Catacombs. Head 131 steps under the streets of Paris, back to 18th-century Paris, to the underground cemetery.

Book your tickets online 7 days in advance or be prepared to WAIT in line
Pack a light jacket even in summer as it can get quite cold underground.
If budget allows, grab an audio guide

This special skip-the-line access tour is complete with areas that you can’t normally see as a tourist and is worth splurging for if your budget allows.

For those wanting to explore more of the dark history of Paris, take this Dark History walking tour !

Click Here to Book: Paris Catacombs: Skip-the-Line Special Access Tour

Click Here to Book : Paris: Dark City Secrets Walking Tour

The Catacombs is an underground cemetary in Paris that tourists can visit

Stop 7: Dinner and Nightlife in Saint-Germain-des-Prés 5 pm

Enjoy a delightful dinner in the charming Saint-Germain-des-Prés district at my favorite dinner spot for steak, Le Relais de L’Entrecôte . Be in line for the first seating at 5:30 pm, or you will wait quite a while. Breziah Cafe is a great choice for those in the mood for Crepes.

Book in advance at a local bistro or brasserie, as all the popular spots get busy!

Saint-Germain-des-Prés Dinner & Nightlife Tips:

Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots, or Le Procope – popular cafes for people watching
Stroll Rue de Buci
Live Music at Le Caveau de la Huchette or Le Hibou
Wine Bars : La Palette, Le Robe, or L’Avant Comptoir du Marce.
Late-Night Treats : Pastries at Poilâne or Ladurée.
Seine Walk: Take a romantic Seine walk after dinner.

Cafe de Flore is one of the most famous cafes in Paris, with plenty o people gathered outside tables

Stop 8: Shop Covered Passage Ways 7:30 pm

If you love shopping, you will love the covered passages in Paris at night!

Covered in glass, it adds a magical aspect that is only experienced at night. Check out our post about the top 10 covered passages in Paris .

A girl in Red skirt and red beret is standing on the mosaic floor of one of the covered passageways inn Paris filled with light and glass

Stop 9: Watch The Eiffel Tower Sparkle 9 pm

There is nothing quite like experiencing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night! There are quite a few places to see this architectural wonder. I recommend either Trocadero or Tuileries Garden Ferris Wheel. Regardless of which option you choose to end your 2 day Paris trip, it is sure to be magical.

Option 1: If you can snag outdoor reservations at Girafe (I am sure you have seen this restaurant all over your social media page) while researching where to eat in Paris , it will award you drinks/dinner with a view.
Option 2 : Grab a bottle of champagne and some dessert, sit on the marble steps of the opulent Palais de Trocadero, and toast during the dazzling light show of the Eiffel Tower. A truly Magical end of the second night of your weekend getaway to Paris!
Option 3: Head to the Tuileries Garden, ride the Ferris Wheel (must-see with two days in Paris) a few minutes before the hour, and you will be awarded the sparkling Eiffel Tower. After, I like to Head down the street to the Ritz bar. The drinks are pricy, but the atmosphere is vibey, and drinks come with complimentary bar snacks!

Check out more suggestions of things to do in Paris at night !

The sparkling Eiffel tower with a couple surrounded by lights on a rooftop in Paris

Museum Closures

For those visiting Paris for 2 days, it is important to note museum closures for your Paris trip itinerary! those days. Add this list to your Paris trip planner for 2 days as you will want to avoid traveling on Monday and Tuesday when major museums are closed.

On Monday the following are closed:

my favorite museum Musee D’Orsay
Petite Palais (a fantastic free museum),
Rodin Museum
Notre Damfivere Crypt
Museum of Victor Hugo.

On Tuesday the following are closed:

Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais
Pompidou Centre ,
Musee L’Orangerie

a girl sitting in front of the iconic Louvre Museum in Paris

Is 2 days enough to see Paris?

YES! 48 hours in Paris, is enough time to experience all that Paris offers! Paris can seem like a large city but it is more than doable in this time. We have created the perfect itinerary for a first-time trip to Paris!

This 2-day Paris trip itinerary is perfect whether it is your first trip to Paris or if you are just looking to explore new areas on your next trip to Paris! Don’t let only having two days to explore stop you from traveling to Paris!

Next, you might ask how much money I need to take for this 2 days in Paris itinerary. That depends on your budget!

Budget Trip: Opt for an apartment or budget hotel. Instead of fancy meals out, head to the Paris grocery stores to pick up items for a picnic at some of Paris’s most iconic sites! Don’t forget to take advantage of free museum days, best to plan on the first Sunday of the month for your 2 days in Paris itinerary to save on museum costs.
Mid Range – A budget can be customized to you. Stay at mid-range 3 or 4-star hotel, and alternate between picnics for lunch, and splurge on dinners and drinks out!
High End: If you want to do a high-end 2-day trip in Paris, you will find plenty of 5-star hotels, and Michelin restaurants to dine at! Book private tours, and skip-the-line tours at museums.

a girl sitting on the steps of the Trocadero Plaza overlooking the Eiffle Tower in Paris needs to be on your list of things to do with 2 days in Paris Itinerary

Where To Stay on your Paris itinerary

The peninsula paris.

19 Avenue Kléber, Paris

The Peninsula Paris is a great option if looking at luxury hotels in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower. It is located just steps from the Arc De Triomphe. It sells out quickly so book in advance!

The Peninsula Paris is home to the largest spa in Paris and 6 restaurants. Truly everything is at your fingertips for a relaxing stay.

This is the best-known luxury hotel in Paris and a perfect choice for an unforgettable Paris vacation.

To Book Peninsula Paris : Click here

one of the 5 star hotels in Paris with rich colors of the bedroom

The Asotel brand in Paris is known for being some of the top-rated properties in the city! Choose from 17 hotels spread through the city’s different neighborhoods all of which are 3- and 4-star!

The rooms are always modern and include Wi-Fi and a free mini bar with drinks in the room! Stop by any of the 17 properties for free non-alcoholic drinks and snacks from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Hotel Joke is a great option for where to stay in Paris! I recommend any of their hotels, depending on your price point and the location you choose!

To Book Hotel Joke: Click here

Hotel Astra Opera

29 Rue de Caumartin, 75009 Paris, France

The Asotel brand is known for being the top-rated hotel in Paris! There are 17 hotels spread through the city’s different neighborhoods all of which are 3- and 4-star! Hotel Astra Opera is centrally located in the 9th.

Hotel Astra Opera is another great option when visiting Paris! I recommend any of their hotels, depending on your price point and the location you choose!

To Book Hotel Astra Opera: Click here

The executive room at hotel Astra with black floors and domed ceilings

Where to Eat During Your 2 Days In Paris

Le relais de l’entrecote.

Le Relais De L’Entrecote is one restaurant I constantly recommend to friends and‌ family visiting Paris for years. Steak, fries, and salad are the only thing on the menu!

Once you taste the melt-in-your-mouth steak, perfectly crispy fries, and that walnut-covered salad the line outside makes sense! Did I mention a second helping is free?

Breziah Cafe

If you are only spending 2 days in Paris, you MUST try Breizh Cafe. They offer galettes (savory) and crepes (sweet) along with local ciders and beers. Breizh Cafe specializes in galettes and crepes made with buckwheat perfect for those who are gluten-free! Check out their website to see the full menu!

It is one of my favorite restaurants, and I highly recommend you visit during your trip!

Le Train Bleu

In the Gare de Lyon train station, you will find the social-media hotspot Le Train Bleu . Not only do diners come here for the food, they come for the atmosphere with the ornate golden ceiling. Open daily from 11:30 to 2:30 pm and again for dinner service from 7 pm to 11 pm. BOOK EARLY as reservations fill up quickly. This is a must if you are looking for trendy restaurants during your visit to Paris!

Choose from vegetarian options, set menus, as well as children’s menu ( something that is rare in Paris!)

Beef tartar is one of the dishes you must try while 2 days in Paris Itinerary

Getting To And Around Paris

First, you will most likely arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport if traveling Internationally.

However, for those flying into another European city and connecting to Paris, there are two other airports Orly, and Paris Beauvais Airport . For those on a budget, BVA might seem like a great option for cheaper flights, but please note it is NOT connected to Paris by any public transportation!

Although, if arriving from other European cities, you might also arrive at one of the several train stations in Paris!

Of course, Paris is quite a large city that is separated by a river, but don’t get intimidated!

They lay the city out in a spiral going clockwise from 1 to 20, starting on the left bank of the river!
Right Bank is north of the River
Left Bank is south of the River
You can purchase a “carnet” or 10 packs of tickets for Metro/Bus rides
Two Major Airports – Charles De Gaulle and Orly
Taxis, Uber, and the French equivalent Le Cab are all readily available.

My favorite way to get around the city is to walk. The French have a saying, “Flâneur” which means to wander! It will amaze you at the sights and neighborhoods you come across if you just wander around the city!

a map of the Paris subway system wit colored lines familiarize yourself with this map on your 2 days in Paris Itinerary

Insider Tips For Your First Trip To Paris

Keep change for public restrooms.

YES, you have PAY to use the public restrooms in Paris! So keep some spare coins with you!

One of the Public Restrooms that re located arund Paris someting to keep an eye out on your 2 days in Paris Itinerary

Navigo Decouverte Pass

The cost is $5 to purchase , and you MUST bring a small photo (1 x 1.25 inches) of yourself. The card is good for 10 years!
Tickets purchased Thursday before midnight can be used until Sunday. Tickets purchased starting Friday begin on Monday the following week !!
Valid for zones 1-5, CDG airport included
Bring a reusable water bottle there are dark green cast iron sculptures, that double as free water fountains around the city. Some of the best advice when visiting Paris!

One of the free water fountains located around Paris

Beware of pickpockets

Be aware of your surroundings in tourist locations. Especially on the metro or in metro stations. Don’t make these mistakes!

Free Museum Days

For those on a budget, taking advantage of free museums, and free museum days will save you a ton of money on your trip! It just takes some planning on your part when making your 2-day itinerary for Paris!

First Sunday of the month from October through March museums are free!!
Check museum websites; the Louvre is free on Friday evenings after 6 p.m.
Take a free walking tour in the city just be sure to bring cash for a tip!
The following museums are ALWAYS FREE: Le Petite Palais, Musee Carnavalet, Musee de la Vie Romantique, Musee de la Liberation de Paris, Musee Bourdelle, and Maison de Victor Hugo

Paris Pass vs the Museum Pass

If your budget allows it during your 2 days in Paris France, I suggest purchasing either the Paris Pass or the Museum Pass

Paris Museum Pass is perfect for exploring the fabulous museums Paris offers.
Paris Pass is for experiences. Visit the Eiffel Tower, hop on bus tours, boat ride on the Seine River, wine tastings, and cooking classes. Make sure to get the 2-day Paris Pass!
The BEST thing about purchasing these passes is you can make advanced reservations which is super-helpful with limited time in Paris!

To Purchase your Museum Pass: Click Here

To Purchase your Paris Pass: Click Here

The Musee D'Orsay is one the museums in Paris you must visit with the Museum Pass to use during your 2 days in Paris Itinerary

Learn a Few Phrases

One of the biggest tips, I give who are checking off a Paris bucket list trip is to learn a few words or phrases in the local language!! Start with “Bonjour” instead of Hi, or Merci instead Thank you!

Tuscan castle with brown stone perched on a cliff with wine fields below and green mountains in the background

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2 days in Paris

From the Louvre to the Musée d’Orsay, Eiffel Tower and the Tour Montparnasse, discover a 2-day itinerary in Paris that’ll help you make the most of your trip.

Who hasn’t dreamt of taking a trip to Paris ? The City of Light is a sought-after destination brimming with attractions and things to do to suit every taste. World-class museums, modern architecture, panoramic towers and bohemian neighborhoods are just the tip of the iceberg.

If you’re in Paris this summer for the Olympic Games , but also want to see as much of the city as possible, we’ve put together the ideal itinerary for you. A classic and intense two-day plan , it covers all those iconic attractions and a little bit more.

While it’s designed to be covered entirely on foot, we’ve also included the nearest subway stations or bus stops in case you prefer to use public transport. Keep reading to discover the full itinerary and save the maps below to better organize your trip.

Paris itinerary: Day 1

9:00 AM: Admire the architecture of the Centre Pompidou

Estimated visit time: 30 minutes

Subway station: Rambuteau (approx. 3 minutes on foot)

Start your trip in the center of Paris, admiring the architecture of the famous Centre Pompidou. One of Renzo Piano’s most famous international works, it was built in the 1970s. Lovers of contemporary art we’ll want to see the collection at this incredible museum, but with only two days available, admiring this wonderfully inventive building from the outside might be enough for most people.

10:00 AM: Visit the Louvre Museum

Estimated visit time: 2.5 hours

Subway station: Louvre-Rivoli (approx. 2 minutes on foot)

It’s hard to think of a more famous European museum than the Louvre. With an extensive collection ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Renaissance masterpieces, a visit to the Louvre Museum could last up to a week! That’s why it’s a good idea to plan your visit in advance or join a guided tour that covers all the highlights and gives you those behind-the-scenes insights.

Among the most famous works are Leonardo da Vinci’s enigmatic Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, a sculpture from classical Greece, and Canova’s romantic Cupid and Psyche. But the section on ancient Egypt and oriental antiquities is also particularly impressive, with treasures such as the Code of Hammurabi and the Great Sphinx of Tanis.

Visualizza questo post su Instagram Un post condiviso da Musée du Louvre (@museelouvre)

12:30 PM: Take a lunch break along the Seine

After a busy morning dedicated to history, art, and culture, it’s time for a short break. As you walk to the next stop along the Seine River, browse the bars and street stalls. This could be the perfect opportunity to stop at a creperie and try this French delicacy, which, in its savory version, is perfect for lunch.

2:00 PM: Explore the attractions of Île de la Cité

Estimated visit time: 2 hours

Subway station: Cité (approx. 6 minutes on foot from Notre-Dame)

This island on the Seine is the oldest settlement in the city and is home to a couple of unmissable attractions. The first is the Notre-Dame Cathedral , an architectural gem in Gothic style that was severely damaged during the 2019 fire. Unfortunately, until the end of 2024, it won’t be possible to visit the interior of the church, and the square in front of it is also inaccessible.

The other two sites worth visiting are Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie , once part of the Palais de la Cité, where French monarchs lived between the 10th and 14th centuries. The first is a marvelous Gothic chapel with high decorated windows that houses works of great historical and artistic value. The Conciergerie, on the other hand, is located inside the Palace of Justice and tells the story of centuries of French history. Visit these two buildings to be amazed by their beauty and to retrace the city’s history up to the French Revolution.

Visualizza questo post su Instagram Un post condiviso da Sainte Chapelle de Paris (@sainte_chapelle)

4:00 PM: Stroll through the Latin Quarter

Subway station: Odéon

One of the most famous and oldest areas of Paris, Odéon has retained its original urban structure over the centuries. Historically considered a cultural district, thanks to the presence of the Sorbonne University, the area has a lively student vibe and is home to many cafes, bookshops, small shops, churches, museums and more.

Take a look at the historic Shakespeare and Company bookstore , a gathering place for intellectuals and writers in the early 20th century, including Ezra Pound and Hemingway. Then make a stop in one of the many cafes buzzing with students, and don’t forget to admire the Grand Mosque of Paris and the beautiful Gothic church of Saint-Séverin.

Visualizza questo post su Instagram Un post condiviso da Simone Massacesi (@simonemassacesi)

5:00 PM: Enter the Pantheon

Estimated visit time: 1 hour

Bus stop: Pantheon

Wrap up your exploration of the Latin Quarter by heading to the Pantheon; but don’t delay too long as the monument closes at 6pm. Initially conceived of as a church, the Pantheon in Paris has become a mausoleum, housing the remains of intellectuals, poets, and famous figures from French history. Here, you can visit the tomb of Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo, and Josephine Baker. The altar dedicated to the Convention signed during the French Revolution is also impressive.

Spend the evening in Montparnasse

Subway station: Raspail

Montparnasse is the bohemian soul of Paris where some of the greatest artists of the time settled between the two World Wars. Today, this area has changed significantly, taking on a more modern appearance, while maintaining its artistic spirit. If, after all your wandering, you still have some energy to burn, visit the Catacombs of Paris, which stay open until 8:30pm.

Otherwise, we suggest getting an evening ticket to access the panoramic observatory of the Tour Montparnasse . Here you can enjoy a unique view of the city and admire the lights illuminating the Eiffel Tower. Finally, the area itself is packed with bars, restaurants, and places to have a drink to finish off your night.

Visualizza questo post su Instagram Un post condiviso da Rooftop Paris tour Montparnasse – Magnicity (@observatoire.tourmontparnasse)

Paris Itinerary: Day 2

9:30 AM: Admire the works of the Musée d’Orsay

Subway station: Solférino (approx. 3 minutes on foot)

For your second day in Paris, this world-famous museum is a must. The Musée d’Orsay has a more modern collection than the Louvre, focusing mainly on art from the second half of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.

Some works not to be missed include Renoir’s Bal du moulin de la Galette , Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône , and Degas’ The Absinthe Drinker . The museum is truly enormous, which is why we recommend joining a tour with a local guide to make sure you get the most out of your visit.

Lastly, the building itself is a masterpiece: the museum is housed in an old railway station with timeless charm. On the fifth floor, near the copper clock, you can also enjoy a fantastic view of the Seine and Paris.

Visualizza questo post su Instagram Un post condiviso da Musée d’Orsay (@museeorsay)

12:00 PM: Take in the views from the Eiffel Tower

Estimated visit time : 1.5 hours

RER station : Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel (approx. 6 minutes on foot)

The Eiffel Tower appears on every classic Paris itinerary, and for good reason. To reach it from the Musée d’Orsay, the most convenient option is to take the RER line C to Champ de Mars. From there walk along the Seine to reach the tower in just 6 minutes.

The tower is approximately 1083ft high and has three floors open to the public at heights of 187ft, 381ft and 905ft. The more athletic can reach the first two floors using the stairs, which are usually less crowded. But to save time and energy, the elevator is always the most comfortable option. Once at the top, you’ll have a spectacular view of the gardens surrounding the Eiffel Tower and the rest of the city.

1:30 PM: Stop for lunch and cruise along the Seine

While the banks of the Seine are perfect for pleasant walks, a cruise on the river is an excellent way to admire some of the city’s attractions from a different perspective. The Eiffel Tower, the Tuileries, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and Notre-Dame are just a few of the iconic attractions you’ll pass by during the tour.

And since it’s lunchtime, how about booking a lunch cruise? Or you can buy some treats on the go at one of the numerous bakeries and have lunch before boarding or while relaxing along the river.

4:00 PM: Relax at the Tuileries Garden

Subway station : Tuileries (approx. 1 minute on foot)

Paris boasts beautiful parks and green spaces where you can rest and recharge. The Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden) is a large urban park located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. A walk along the beautifully maintained paths, among flowerbeds, statues, and ponds, will make you forget about the city’s traffic and bustle. Sit on a bench or, if the weather is nice, lie on the grass like many Parisians.

And if you’re feeling re-energised by your park visit, you can follow it up with the famous Opera Garnier and Galeries Lafayette. Both are easy to reach and offer some high-quality shopping.

Visualizza questo post su Instagram Un post condiviso da L’Esprit Parisien Saint-Germain-des-Prés (@espritparisien_immobilier)

Discover Montmartre and the Moulin Rouge

Subway station: Abbesses (approx. 9 minutes on foot from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart)

Finish your two days in Paris by spending a magical evening in Montmartre. Walking through the city’s most romantic neighborhood is like being in a life-sized postcard. Cross Place du Tertre, a meeting place for street artists, climb up to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and enjoy the illuminated cityscape. Then, take a peek inside the Café des Moulins, where the film Amélie was shot.

Finally, after dining in one of the area’s picturesque restaurants, put on your most eye-catching outfit and head to Pigalle to attend a Moulin Rouge show . A bottle of champagne, the can-can, and an atmosphere from the late 1800s, are the perfect ingredients for an unforgettable night.

Visualizza questo post su Instagram Un post condiviso da Le Moulin Rouge – Officiel (@moulinrougeofficiel)

Looking for unique experiences in Paris?

Take a look at our suggestions: https://www.musement.com/uk/paris/

And if you’re traveling with the kids, we have recommendations for the whole family: https://blog.musement.com/us/visiting-paris-with-the-kids/

2 Days in Paris

If you are staying in Paris for a few days and want to see and visit the city's top tourist attractions and museums , read our itinerary, which includes detailed information on what to see and how to get to the places.

Paris offers an endless number of monuments, museums, cultural events, stores, markets, a surprising nightlife and numerous lively neighborhoods. Organizing such a short itinerary to cater for all tastes is impossible.

However, our 48-hour route includes the main monuments, museums, gardens and most important shopping streets in Paris. Depending on your preferences, you can spend more time discovering the stores in the city, visiting the museums you find most interesting, relaxing in Parisian cafés, or strolling through the gardens during the following circuit. We leave it entirely in your hands.

If you're one of those people who prefers doing guided visits, these are the 2 most complete options we have available in Paris:

Paris City Tour, Seine Cruise & Eiffel Tower
Louvre & Eiffel Tower Tour

Depending on when you land in Paris, you’ll be able to make more or less of your first day in the capital of France. Supposing you arrive mid-afternoon, by the time you get to the center, and leave your suitcases in the hotel, you won’t have much time left to visit many attractions.

If you want to make the best use of your time and avoid any complications getting to your hotel, we recommend booking a transfer from the airport in Paris to your hotel .

We recommend starting your holiday with the Eiffel Tower , Paris’ most representative icon. To catch the best view of this impressive wrought iron lattice tower, get off at Trocadéro metro station, where you’ll be able to appreciate the magnitude of the tower and the Champs de Mars gardens.

Walking down the Trocadéro, you’ll get to the base of the Tower, where you’ll be able to buy admission tickets at the ticket office at the base of the Eiffel Tower. There are different types of tickets depending on the levels you want to go up, but we recommend going to the observation deck on the third floor to get the best views of this breathtaking city.

You can avoid queues to climb the Eiffel Tower by purchasing your tickets in advance:

Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor Ticket
Eiffel Tower 3rd Floor Ticket
Eiffel Tower Climb (all floors)
Eiffel Tower Tickets and Seine Cruise

After climbing down the Eiffel Tower, we suggest you head to the Latin Quarter , Paris’ liveliest neighbourhood and a low-priced area to have dinner. You have to take the RER in Champs de Mars – Tour Eiffel and get off at Saint Michel – Notre Dame. From the moment you get off the express train, just follow the crowd.

After dinner, you can have a drink in the area or go for a walk to see the city lit up. You'll get to Notre Dame Cathedral on the Île de la Cité by walking across any of the bridges on the River Seine from the Latin Quarter. If you cross the island, you'll arrive at the Hôtel de Ville, the city’s Town Hall.

If on the first day, you'd prefer to take a more panoramic tour of the city, we recommend booking this open-top night bus tour .

The itinerary for today is quite tiring, but you’ll be able to visit all the most important areas in Paris. The day begins at 10 am at Les Invalides and finishes at 8 pm in Montmartre and includes a three-hour walk.

We’ll start at 10 am in Les Invalides. The closest metro stations are Invalides, Varennes and La Tour-Maubourg. Inside the church under the central dome is Napoleon’s tombstone .

Adjacent to Les Invalides is the Musée Rodin, which we highly recommend visiting. In the Museum’s garden are the sculptor’s main pieces of art.

Rodin Museum Ticket

Crossing the esplanade of Les Invalides you’ll get to the Pont Alexander III , one of Paris’ most beautiful bridges. If you head straight, you’ll walk bounded by the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais . This last palace is free and its decoration and patio are worth seeing.

Following the itinerary down Avenue Churchill, you’ll get to Champs-Élysées and you’ll be able to see the Arc de Triomphe on your left-hand side. Head towards the arch, while you look at the window displays of all the high-end shops in the city’s most famous avenue or have a coffee in one of its exclusive terraces.

Once you get to the Arc de Triomphe, we recommend climbing to the top. It offers, in our opinion, the best views of Paris, running from the Louvre to the Grande Arche de la Défense.

Arc de Triomphe Ticket

Going back to Avenue Champs-Élysées and walking half an hour, you'll come to Place de la Concorde , where the Obelisk of Luxor is located. From the center of the square you have views of Champs-Élysées to the west, Tuileries Garden to the east, the National Assembly and Madeleine Church to the north.

Wandering towards the church, you’ll go down Rue Royale, one of the most famous shopping streets in Paris. You can access l’église de la Madeleine, and then going back from where you came from, take Rue Saint Honoré to the left.

Take this street and to the left-hand side, you’ll come upon the Place Vendôme , presided over by the famous triumphal column, which is a copy of the Trajan’s in Rome .

Leaving the square by the same route and going straight ahead is the Tuileries Garden. Wander across the park until you arrive at the Louvre Museum. If you want to make it to Montmartre before dinner, we suggest choosing the exhibitions carefully and being selective.

Louvre Museum Guided Tour

Leave the Museum on the north side and take Avenue de l’Opéra until you get to the aforementioned. The important shopping street was built by Napoleon III to connect the Louvre with the Garnier Palace, built for the Paris Opera by the Emperor.

Opera Garnier Ticket

Circling the building you’ll get to Haussmann Boulevard, where Lafayette Galeries and Printemps are located, two large high-end department stores. We recommend visiting Lafayette, at least to see its dome.

If you want to discover this area a little more, walk east to the Grands Boulevards metro. Here is the Hard Rock Café and the Grévin Wax Museum .

The next stop is Montmartre . To get here take the metro (Blanche) or wander up Rue Montmartre until you get to Place Blanche. In this square is located the legendary Moulin Rouge.

Clichy Boulevard is a bohemian area with an important nightlife and red-light district type of shops.

Head east on Clichy Boulevard and you'll get to Anvers metro, where you’ll see the Montmartre cable car . You can either use this type of transport or walk up the 200 steps.

Once in Montmartre, we recommend visiting the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and wandering its streets following the flow of tourists to Place du Tertre (known as the painter’s square), one of the best places in Paris to have a nice and relaxing dinner.

Sacred Heart Basilica Guided Tour

After supper, we recommend attending the Moulin Rouge show at 11 pm. If you prefer something a little less pricey, the neighbourhood is full of places to have a drink.

If you want to see an amazing live show, be sure to buy tickets for the Moulin Rouge from the following link: Moulin Rouge Official Tickets .

On the second day, we’ll visit Notre Dame Cathedral in the morning. We recommend climbing the towers. However, we suggest getting up early to avoid the queues and getting there at 9:45 am (Notre Dame opens at 10 am).

After taking photos of the imposing gargoyles, step inside the cathedral as it doesn’t take long to visit. It's free and a must-see.

When you leave Notre Dame, cross the square, turn on the Rue de la Cité, and head to Place Louis Lépine, where a flower market is open every day of the week. If you visit this square on Sunday, the market also includes bird stands.

Take the Boulevard du Palais and cross the medieval Saint-Michel bridge to get to the Quartier Latin, the same area where you had dinner the first night. Traverse Boulevard Saint-Michel until you get to Rue Soufflot and the Panthéon , another of our essential attractions in Paris.

Paris Pantheon Ticket

Walking back to Rue Soufflot, you’ll arrive at the Jardin du Luxembourg , one of the most beautiful gardens in the city. We suggest going for a stroll, having an ice cream or sunbathing if the weather is good.

After a relaxing promenade, walk back to Boulevard Saint-Michel to the livelier streets on the Seine. This is a good area to have lunch.

One of the most magical ways to enjoy Paris is by taking a cruise on the Seine. Here are some of the best boat rides in Paris:

Seine River Cruise
Paris Hop-On-Hop-Off Boat
Gourmet Dinner Cruise on the Seine
Seine River Cruise from the Eiffel Tower + Lunch
Lunch Cruise on the Seine

If you still have time, you can spend the afternoon in the Musée d’Orsay . To get to the building, walk west on the Left Bank of the Seine.

Staying in Paris for over two days?

If you have more than two days in Paris, there are plenty of places to visit in the city. We also recommend taking a look at the best day trips from Paris:

Disneyland Paris Ticket
Palace of Versailles Ticket
Palace of Versailles Day Trip + Train
Mont Saint Michel Day Trip
Day Trip to Bruges

Amazing 2 Days In Paris Itinerary

Chic, cultured, and chock full of iconic landmarks and museums — that’s the City of Light — Paris!

Paris is the most visited city in the world, and rightfully so. Its fame is attributed to its rich history, impressive historic monuments, and world-renowned museums.

Although your two days in Paris may not be the most restful, there is so much to see and do that you won’t want to waste any time.

This 2 days in Paris itinerary will allow you to experience the classic sites and make the most of your time before moving on to other parts of France. I’ve been to Paris 7x now (and counting!), so I know my way around the city well.

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SnapshotOf 2 Days In Paris Itinerary

Here’s a quick glance at what you’ll see with 2 days in Paris:

Île de la Cité

Sainte-Chapelle

Conciergerie.

Musee d’Orsay

Eiffel Tower or Food Tour
Louvre or Montmartre

Latin Quarter

Champs Elysses
Arc de Triomphe at twilight

You will have to book tickets to star attractions in advance. But it will save you many hours of standing in line once you are in Paris. Links to book your tickets are included in this post.

I also suggest you check the opening times and days for each attraction, to make sure you don’t show up and get disappointed.

2 Days In Paris Itinerary

What better way to start you day than on Île de la Cité, Paris’ historic center. Victor Hugo once called this central island on the Seine “the very head, heart, and marrow of Paris.”

Your first stop is Notre Dame, the world’s most famous cathedral. Its western facade is considered a “symphony of stone.”

The cathedral is a survivor. It’s still the symbol of Paris despite past neglect, pillaging, and the great fire of 2019. The cathedral is still closed for restoration, but is expected to re-open in 2024.

After admiring this Flamboyant Gothic wonder, take a stroll through Place Louis-Lepine where the colorful Marche aux Fleures, or Flower Market, is located.

The square is right next to two of Paris’ superstar attractions, Saint-Chapelle and La Conciergerie. You can visit them both with a combined skip the line ticket that you should definitely pre-book in advance. At Saint-Chapelle, you will have a wait even in winter.

Built by Louis IX, Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel that’s considered a jewel of Gothic art. It was built to house the crown of thorns, which was placed on Jesus’ head during the crucifixion.

The chapel is divided into two levels. So, don’t forget to take the staircase up to the upper chapel!

The lower chapel is richly decorated in red and blue. The upper chapel will absolutely take your breath away.

15 dramatic stained glass windows depict 1,000 bible stories. (You may need binoculars to really “read” them.) Most of the windows date from the 13th century. When the light streams through them, it’s visual brilliance.

The Conciergerie is a great attraction for history buffs. It’s a beautiful medieval building with turreted towers built in the 12th century.

The Salle des Gens d’Armes is a UNESCO site. The Conciergerie is infamous for being a judicial tribunal during the French Revolution. People, including Marie Antoinette, were incarcerated there before heading to the guillotine on the Place de la Concorde.

When you’re finished here, stroll to Place Dauphine, just ahead on the tip of the island. It’s a beautiful square and a great place to break for lunch.

You may want to grab an espresso or lunch at the cutest coffee shop in Paris, Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole, before moving on.

After lunch, head to Paris’ most beloved museum, the iconic Musee d’Orsay.

This is where you come to see the French Impressionists — Manet, Monet, Pissaro, and Renoir. There’s also a raft of Post-Impressionism paintings, even some Van Goghs.

You really must pre-book a ticket in advance. You may even want to book a guided tour to make sure you see all the highlights.

To help you plan your visit, check out my guide to the masterpieces of the Orsay and my tips for visiting the Orsay .

Already been to the Orsay? If so, try a more off the beaten path museum.

You can opt for the Rodin Museum (sculpture), the Maillol Museum (sculpture), or the Cluny Museum (Museum of the Middle Ages).

They’re all on the Left Bank and the Cluny is in your next destination, in the Latin Quarter. Personally, I love the Rodin Museum, which is an homage to the Auguste Rodin, the greatest sculptor in French history.

Before you dive in to that neighborhood, take a walk along the quays of the Seine and rifle through the offerings of the bouquinistes, the open air street vendors along the Seine.

After your museum visit stroll to the Latin Quarter . This area encompasses the neighborhoods around St. Severin, Ste. Genevieve, and Place St. Michel. Try to avoid the touristy areas on the Boulevard St. Michel and the Rue de la Huchette.

You can bypass them by taking the Petit Pont bridge across from Notre Dame to the Left Bank. That deposits you in the pretty Square Viviani.

From there, you pop into Shakespeare & Co bookstore and visit the churches of St. Julian-le-Pauvre and Saint-Severin.

You may encounter a long line at the bookstore. But it’s an enchanting shop, filled with creaky stairs, secret nooks and overflowing bookshelves.

The Romanesque Le Pauvre is ancient, one of Paris’ oldest churches and is currently being renovated.

Saint-Severin is one of my favorite churches in Paris. It’s a flamboyant Gothic fantastia with spiraling vaults and beautiful stained glass in the apse. It also hosts evening concerts.

The Latin Quarter will delight you. It’s the opposite of all the Haussman architecture you typically see in Paris — a delightful tangle of medieval streets.

Moreover, the Latin Quarter is chock full of attractions. It’s home to interesting museums, gorgeous churches, and other historic period pieces.

The Latin Quarter is also the hub of academic life in Paris. You’ll see students galore at the Sorbonne and Ecole des Beaux Arts.

History buffs can visit Paris’ oldest cafe, Cafe Procope, on a quaint cobbled lane. Ruin Lusters can visit an ancient Roman arena, the Arenes de Lutece.

You should also visit the churches of St. Etienne-du-Mont and the Pantheon.

St. Etienne-du-Mont is a stylish church with the last surviving rood screen in Paris. There are beautiful stained glass windows and a chapel housing the relics of Saint Genevieve herself.

The Pantheon is Paris’ academy of the dead, the burial place of famous citizens like Victor Hugo, Voltaire, and Alexandre Dumas. It’s a grand Neo-Classical basilica with a dome that resembles the Pantheon in Rome .

You can admire the ornate frescoed interior, visit the crypt to pay homage to France’s heroes, and climb to the rooftop for some of the best views in Paris.

Just south of the Pantheon is the picturesque Rue Mouffetard. It’s the oldest street in Paris and its street market dates to the Middle Ages. You’ll find food stalls, crepe shops, boulangeries, and some unique boutiques.

At one end is the Place Contrescarpe where you’ll find cute cafes to plop down for an espresso or glass wine.

When you’re done exploring there, take a stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens. They are strewn with famous sculptures and you’ll find can admire the magnificent Medici Fountain.

You can’t leave the Latin Quarter without visiting the fabulous Cluny Museum , the Museum of the Middle Ages. It’s really two museums in one.

One part is the medieval building, the Hotel de Cluny, which houses the medieval collections. The other part are ancient Gallo-Roman baths, where you can see the caladarium, frigidarium, and tepidarium.

The museum has two absolute must see highlights. The King’s Gallery displays 21 of the 28 heads that once adorned the statues on the facade of Notre Dame. The magnificent Lady and the Unicorn tapestries, woven in 1500, have their own dedicated room.

Food Tour Or Eiffel Tower Summit

In the evening, either plan on taking a food tour or summiting the Eiffel Tower.

A food tour is both delicious and a great way to connect with French culture. There are many tours to use from:

classic 3.5 hour Le Marais food and wine tour
3 hour Montmartre food and wine tour
10 tasting of Paris food tour
3 hour Saint-Germain food tour
3 hour Christmas food tour

Of these, my favorite was the Saint-Germain tour. It’s probably Paris’ most gastronomically gifted neighborhood. The tour is small and you will sample cheese, meats, pastries, and chocolate.

Eiffel Tower

You can’t spend 2 days in Paris and not stop to admire the Iron Lady, the Eiffel Tower, on the Champs de Mar.

You’ll need to take the metro to the Champs de Mar station or taxi there from the Maris. The Eiffel Tower can be a bit of an over-crowded tourist trap with vendors harassing you every moment.

Yet, it’s Europe’s most famous landmark and a cherished national symbol. Built in 1887, it was once the world’s tallest building

It’s absolutely essential to pre-book a timed entry skip the line ticket where elevators swoosh you to the top. Ticket prices vary depending on how high you want to go and if you want to use the elevator.

Try to plan your visit to coincide with the sparkly show — when 20,000 fairy lights illuminate the tower for 5 minutes at the top of the hour.

Look carefully to see whether your ticket includes access to the summit. Some tickets only take you to the second floor. In December, I booked a guided tour + ticket to ensure skip the line access to the summit.

You can also walk up the second platform instead of waiting for the elevator. But it’s 700 steps to the top, so you’ll need to be fairly fit.

If you want to eat at the Eiffel Tower, the one Michelin star Jules Verne restaurant is one the second floor. You’ll need to make reservations way in advance.

view of the Eiffel Tower from Avenue Camoens

If you can’t score an Eiffel Tower ticket (or don’t like the price), you can enjoy the views from afar at the Champs de Mar Park. It spreads out like a green carpet at the base of the tower.

Another great option for dinner afterward is the fairly new Les Ombres restaurant atop the Musée du Quai Branly (specializing in non-Western art). It’s right next door to the Eiffel Tower.

The eatery is an avant-garde, glass-roofed dining room serving French classics. But the restaurant’s main attraction is its incredible view of the Eiffel Tower through its floor to ceiling windows.

If you’ve already experienced the Eiffel Tower, you might want to take a Seine River cruise. There are plenty of options: sunset cruise , champagne cruise , dinner cruise , or nighttime illuminations cruise .

Start day 2 with a bang by braving the Louvre, the world’s most famous and most visited museum. It opens at 9:00 am. Going early will cut down on the crowds somewhat.

There are 3 ways to skip the line at the Louvre: the Paris Museum Pass , a timed entry skip the line ticket , or a guided tour .

The Louvre is home to iconic masterpieces like Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa , Delacroix’ Liberty Leading the People , Venus de Milo , and Michelangelo’s Slaves .

You can also admire ancient Greek sculptures, Roman antiquities, Medieval ruins, Dutch Golden Age art, Renaissance paintings, and Baroque art.

You won’t find any modern art. That’s at the Pompidou Center in the Les Halles neighborhood on the Right Bank.

If you’re a modern and contemporary art aficionado, you could substitute that for the Louvre. There are some eye popping masterpieces.

Back to the Louvre. Because it’s so stuffed with masterpieces, the Louvre can be intimidating to visit.

In fact, it’s really best visited in bite size chunks over several days. But with only 2 days in Paris, you don’t have that luxury. So, with limited time, you should pick one or two wings to focus on.

The Denon wing is by far the most popular. To help you decide what to visit, you can check out my virtual tour of the Louvre .

Maison Rose on Rue de l'Abreuvoir, a must visit with 2 Des in Paris

Montmartre Alternative

If you’re not a museum person or the Louvre seems too overwhelming, instead head to charming Montmartre district in the north of Paris.

Steeped in history and immortalized in art, Montmartre is one of Paris’ most historic districts. Normally, I would say Montmartre is a must visit. But it’s rather far afield and takes a bit of effort to get to, if you only have 2 days in Paris.

Montmartre has a village-y baguette-on-the-way-from-the-market vibe. A stroll around its romantic streets will take you back a hundred years to when it was a renowned quarter for bohemian artists who would go on to change the art world.

Like the Louvre, Montmartre is best visited in the morning before all the tourists arrive. You may want to book a guided walking tour .

Start you visit to Montmartre at Sacre Coeur , the gleaming white basilica on the hill. You can climb the steps up Rue Steinkerque or take the funicular. Or metro to the Abbesses stop and walk 10 minutes from there.

Enjoy the views over Paris from the Sacre Coeur terrace. The interior isn’t that impressive and I wouldn’t bother, although climbing the dome is fun.

If you opt to do the climb, you’ll have some fantastic 360 views. Be forewarned, it’s 300 steps up and back done. There’s no elevator.

From Sacre Coeur, take a stroll through the (very touristy) Place du Tertre. It’s lined with souvenir shops and filled with artists vying to draw your caricature. I’d speed through it myself, though it is fun to see them painting en plein air .

Then, head to the Musee de Montmartre , just behind the Place du Tertre. In this charming museum, you can discover the history of Montmartre and the artists who once lived there.

It’s an underrated hidden gem in Paris that comes complete with a permanent collection, nice exhibition space, gift shop, and cafe. The best part are the Toulouse-Laurtrec cabaret posters from the Belle Epoque.

From the museum on Rue Corot, turn right on Rue des Saules to see Montmartre’s last remaining vineyard. Straight ahead is the legendary Lapin Agile, a cabaret once frequented by Picasso.

Then, take a stroll down Rue de l’Abreuvoir, one of Paris’ prettiest and most photogenic streets. The pink house, Maison Rose, was immortalized by the artist Maurice Utrillo and is now a cafe.

If you want to have lunch in Montmartre, there are many beautiful cafes — Cafe Consulat, Cafe Poutbot, and Cafe Marlette.

Just south of Montmartre, in Pigalle, is another interesting museum you might visit if you have time, the Gustave Moreau Museum . It contains the art of Symbolist painter Gustave Moreau, who was a precursor of the Surrealists and the teacher of Henri Matisse.

The museum is housed in his former house. It’s charming and clutterly, with paintings stacked chock-a-block on top of each other.

If you want to grab some lunch near this museum, there are plenty of cafes on the Rue de Martyres. Or try Strereo Wine Bar, which is good for vegheads and has a Bangladesh flair.

After the Louvre or Montmartre, it’s time to explore the Right Bank.

First, shake off your museum fatigue with a stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries. Head north down the very fancy Rue Royale. This is where you’ll find Laduree tea salon, Lalique, and Maxim’s restaurant.

Be sure to visit the Madeleine Church , whose facade is currently under restoration. It’s a colossal Greek temple-type church with Corinthian columns.

It’s quite different than most churches in Paris. This is also an excellent place to attend a classical concert in the evening.

Tears of Joy art installation in the Madeleine Church

If you are a shopper, you can check out two of the world’s most famous departments stores Galleries Lafayette and Printemps on Boulevard Haussmann.

Both stores have some fabulous places to eat, ranging from casual to posh. The Galeries Lafayette has a rooftop viewing platform.

Take a stroll by the over-the-top Opera Garnier and check out Galerie Vivienne, Paris’ most beautiful covered passages on Rue des Petits Champs.

You can also stop by the beautiful Place Vendome, with even posher shops. It was a square designed by Louis XIV and intended to rival the Place des Vosges in the Marais.

Marais District

Then, head east to the Marais district to explore and have lunch. It’s less than a mile from Galerie Vivienne. There’s so much to see that you may want to book a guided walking tour .

The Marais is a historic quarter full of chic boutiques and grand architecture. It escaped the Hausmann redo of Paris, so you’ll see remnants of medieval Paris.

The must visit streets are Rue Sevigny, Rue Vielle de Temple, Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, and Rue de Rosiers.

The latter is where you can grab some delicious falafel for lunch or another snack like crepes. The best falafel place, where you’ll always find a line, is L’As Falafel.

Aside from being photogenic, the Marais is home to a slew of fantastic museums — the Picasso Museum , the Musee Carnavalet (newly renovated), the National Archives , and the Victor Hugo Museum .

I’ve been to all of the museums. But I have a special affection for the Picasso Museum. You must pre-book a ticket to the Picasso Museum because it’s immensely popular.

Housed in the stunningly renovated Hotel de Sale, the museum takes you on a visual tour of Picasso’s life and his many loves. You’ll see how his style evolves from his formative years to his mature years.

The Marais has some beautiful squares, including the Place des Vosges, Square George Cain, and Place Saint-Gervais.

Place des Vosges is surely one of the most beautiful places in Paris. It’s the oldest royally planned development in Paris with 36 row houses boasting vaulted arcades and gracious balconies.

Be sure to stroll around the entire square to get the full effect. A passageway leads to the courtyard of the magnificent mansion Hotel de Sully (closed to the public).

Another stunning medieval mansion you can’t miss is the Hotel de Sens. It’s a rare monument from medieval Paris. You should go inside to see the beautiful Bibliothèque Forney , a public library specializing in decorative arts.

Arc de Triomphe

When you’re done in the Marais, head to the iconic Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees. This is a must see French landmark and is open until 11:00 pm.

You can get there by strolling down the Champs Elysees.

I don’t think it’s the best place to shop myself, but it’s glittery and the shops are open quite late. You can also take the metro or taxi there from the Marais.

To make the most of your 2 days in Paris, you’ll want to book a skip the line rooftop ticket for the arch. It’s worth it. The views are better than the Eiffel Tower and you actually have a fantastic view of the tower itself.

Eiffel Tower as seen from the Arc de Triomphe

You’ll have to climb a long spiraling staircase for views — 284 steps up and then down.

After taking in the views, polish off your 2 days in Paris with a visit to the eerie Paris Catacombs . If you’re taking the metro, the Denfert-Rochereau metro station is located right at the entrance. It’s open until 8:30 pm.

The Catacombs are Paris’ “city of the dead” on the Left Bank. It’s one of Paris’ most popular attractions and part of the city’s network of underground quarries.

The Catacombs are an ossuary containing the bones of over 6 million Parisians. They were originally buried in church cemeteries. But when they became unsanitary, a public health crisis ensued. In response, the bones were transferred to the underground catacombs beginning in 1785.

On a visit, you can walk through the labyrinthian dark corridors of the quarries and the ossuary. Except in winter, you’ll definitely need to book a skip the line ticket to visit.

If you book a guided tour, which I recommend, you can see some extra secret spots, including carved stone sculptures, the quarry workers’ atelier , and altars. I took this 2 hour tour and had an excellent storytelling guide (Victoire).

Tips For Spending 2 Days In Paris

1. planning a trip to paris.

If you’re in the early stages of organizing your Paris visit, you should check out my tips for planning a trip to Paris . It gives you a step by step guide for organizing your visit, with everything you need to know to visit Paris.

2. How To Get To Paris

Charles de Gaulle is a super busy airport. There may be long lines for taxis in high season. The rates vary quite a bit depending on traffic and where you’re going in Paris. (The Right bank is closer to the airport.)

If there’s no traffic, you may get by with a 55 euro charge. I just got stuck in traffic and had an 85 euros bill … in the winter of all things!

Also, many taxis in Paris still don’t take credit cards. So, to be on the safe side, be sure to get some euros before leaving the airport.

If you anticipate jet lag and don’t want to sort out a taxi, you should book a private transfer to your hotel or Air Bnb.

Palais-Royal metro stop, designed by Jean-Michel Othoniel in a controversial style

3. How To Get Around Paris

Paris has an excellent metro system. You should definitely plan on using it. Paris is a very big city and some attractions are just too far apart.

You can purchase a “carnet” of 10 tickets. Or, if you plan to use the metro frequently, buy a multi-day pass online before arriving.

Tickets are available at all stations, from ticket windows or vending machines. Note that non-smart chip credit cards are not accepted at vending machines.

You can also get around Paris by taking:

a Segway tour
take the hop on hop off bus
take a 3 hour electric bike tour
take a night tour in a vintage car
take a hop on hop off Seine cruise tour

You won’t want a car in Paris. The traffic is crazy and parking very limited.

Naturally, there are plenty of walking tours that can help you maximize your sightseeing in a given neighborhood. Here are some you might consider:

2 hour walking tour of the Marais
2.5 hour walking tour of the Latin Quarter
2.5 hour walking tour of Montmartre
2 hour Ile de la Cite walking tour (with Notre Dame)

4. Paris Museum Pass

If you plan on hitting as many museums and cultural attractions as possible during your 2 days in Paris, you may want to invest in the Paris Museum Pass .

You can purchase it for 2, 4, or 6 days. It gives you skip the line access. If you’re museum pass runs out, you can head to one of Paris’ free museums like the Petit Palais .

5. When To Visit Paris

By now, I’ve visited Paris in every season. I don’t advise visiting in the summer months. It will be hot and crowed with long lines everywhere. Try the shoulder season, spring or fall.

Paris is covered with cherry blossoms in spring and lit up with striking foliage in the fall. It can still be crowded, but with schools open, the families are gone. The weather is good and it’s much more manageable than summer.

Even winter is a great time to visit Paris. The crowds dissipate, prices are lower, and you may have some attractions completely to yourself. And of course there are the Christmas markets and illuminations.

I’ve visited in December and February. Aside from a bit of rain, I enjoyed both my visits though February can be very gray. Winter is a good time to up your museum game.

6. Where To Stay In Paris

My personal favorite is the Relais Christine in Saint Germain. The rooms are beautifully appointed and the location is ideal for visit the Left Bank.

If, like me, you like boutique hotels, there are excellent options. You can check out the unique Cour des Vosges , the elgant La Planque Hotel , Cheval Blanc in the newly renovated Samaritan complex, or the La Roch Hotel & Spa .

There are also the upscale classics on the Right Bank like the Four Seasons George V , Hotel San Regis , or the fabulous Hotel le Crillon on the Place de la Concorde.

For the hipsters among you, Hotel Paradiso is a new and reasonably priced hotel owned by the MK2 movie-theater chain. Near Place de la Nation, the hotel features 36 rooms with high tech video screens, a library of films, and a rooftop bar.

If you don’t mind being a bit further afield (near the Arc de Triomphe), you’ll find the newly renovated Saint James Paris . It’s an elegant hotel with a romantic Neo-classical soul.

Finally, I’ll put in a plug for the magnificent Air Bnb I stayed in last time.

Odette, a famous pastry shop in the Latin Quarter

7. Alternatives To The Louvre and Orsay

If you’re a repeat visitor to Paris or prefer a smaller and more off the beaten path museum experience, I have several to recommend (as a true museum geek).

The Rodin Museum is housed in the Hotel Biron and houses the most famous sculptures of Rodin, the modern master of sculpture.

The Bourse de Commerce just opened in May 2021 and I saw it on my last visit. In a stunningly renovated building, it houses the private (and ever-rotating) contemporary art collection of François Pinault.

The Louis Vuitton Foundation is housed in a spectacular Frank Gehry designed building. It mostly hosts special exhibitions in a stunning high ceiling space. You’ll need to book a timed entry ticket to visit.

The Musee Quai Branly is a unique museum focusing on non-Western tribal art from around the world. It houses a vast collection of over 3.500 objects. You’ll find textiles, masks, African art, musical instruments, sculptures, and other artifacts.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 2 days in Paris itinerary. You may enjoy these other Paris travel guides and resources:

3 day art weekend in Paris
5 days in Paris itinerary
Top attractions in Montmartre
Hidden gems in Paris
Best churches in Paris
Best museums in Pari s
Small museums in Paris
Guide to the 9th Arrondissement
Louvre survival Tips

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Walking in Paris — 5 perfect walks through Paris with maps

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: November 27, 2023

The quaint cobblestone streets, winding alleys and Haussman buildings — the ones with the stone facades and wrought iron railings — that you picture when you think of a Paris postcard are all very much real. Walking through Paris is definitely the best way to explore those scenes.

While Paris is incredibly walkable, it’s also quite big. To help narrow the scope, we’ve put put together a few walking routes that will guide you through some of the best parts of Paris. In this guide, we’ll explore Paris on foot with the help of five detailed maps.

These walking routes are designed with first-time visitors it mind. They offer a self-guided walking tour through some of the most beautiful neighborhoods, most popular tourist attractions and most charming streets in Paris.

Wander … but within reason

The French have a term — Flâner — which means to wander aimlessly through a city. There’s no similar word in English, and I would argue that’s because we’re bad at it. And by “we,” I guess I mean Americans.

I recently moved to New York and there is no wandering here. Even in Central Park, everyone has somewhere to be. And they’re not just trying to get there , they’re usually working out the next five places they need to be, too.

Neither is inherently better. Simply a difference in speed and lifestyles from two sides of the pond.

But what happens when a New Yorker goes to Paris and all the tips say to wander aimlessly but their Type A brain simply cannot do that? What about the people who want to wander, but within reason?

Enter this post. We’re here for the people who need a little direction more than “Just explore!”

On these maps, we’ve plotted the city’s top attractions, noted some of the most beautiful streets and flagged our favorite stops along the way. But from there, you can amble through nearby alleys, pop into hidden cafes and discover your own favorite spots to really make the journey your own.

We’ve drawn the box but you can color inside and outside the lines however you choose.

Paris walking routes explored in this post

Arc de Triomphe to Pont de Arts — A must-do for first time visitors
Latin Quarter & the isles — A balance of city energy and quiet streets
Le Marais — A trendy neighborhood in a historic setting
Montmartre — A beloved and beautiful art district on a hill with great views
Eiffel Tower & the Seine — A charming walk through a Paris postcard

Arc de Triomphe to Pont de Arts Walking Guide

This is my favorite way to start a trip to Paris. Whether this is your first time in Paris or you’re a repeat visitor, this walk is a great way see many of Paris’ iconic sights in one long stretch. It features the city’s most famous boulevard, a beautiful park, iconic views and shopping galore.

This walking route in full is about 3 miles. If you were walking straight through, it would take about an hour. We don’t recommend that, though. There are so many things you can see and do along this walk that you could easily fill an entire day if you wanted.

Arc de Triomphe

Champs-élysées.

Tuileries Gardens
Pont de Arts

A few quick tips for using this map.

To view the map in Google Maps, click the expand icon on the top right corner.
Click the star icon to save the map to your Google account for later.
To access the map next time, open Google Maps > click the Saved tab > click Maps.

Tips for this walk

Don’t start too early. Most of the stores at the start of this walk don’t open until 10 or 11 AM. Take some time to enjoy breakfast and coffee before you head out for the day.
Book tickets in advance. If you want to visit the top of the Arc de Triomphe or go inside the Louvre , it’s best to book a timed ticket in advance. Popular dates and times can book up days in advance.
The Louvre deserves an entire day . That said, if you’d like to go inside the Louvre we’d recommend doing it on a different day and arrive when they open if possible. It’s a huge museum and it gets very crowded, especially in the afternoon. On this walk, we recommend just stopping by the pyramid and maybe the shops below.
Eat along the way. There are plenty of cafes and street food vendors along this route. I don’t specifically call out many throughout this post because there are options everywhere. I’d personally recommend picking up small bites everytime you pass something yummy, like a crepe from a street vendor in Champs-Élysées Gardens, an appetizer at a bar off Saint-Honoré and ice cream in Tuileries Garden.

The view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe

Self-guided walk from Arc de Triomphe to Pont de Arts

This walk begins at Arc de Triomphe. The best way to get there will usually be by train, but it may vary based on your exact hotel location. The nearest Metro strops are Kléber station which serves the 6 train and George V or Argentine which serves the 1 train.

Arc de Triomphe is located in the center of a busy traffic circle. Do not attempt to walk to the monument from street level. There is a pedestrian tunnel with access points (marked in yellow below) on Champs-Élysées and Grande Armée streets that will lead you to the base of the Arc de Triomphe. This is where the entrance to the monument is located, but you can also visit the base at street level for free.

You can go inside and to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Timed entry tickets are required and cost €13 for adults. Everyone under 18 is free. The views from the top are incredible and it’s a great alternative to going to the top of the Eiffel Tower .

Even if you aren’t going inside the moment, it’s still worth seeing it from the street. The best views are on Champs-Élysées, which is convenient because that’s where we’re heading next.

One of the most famous, most filmed and most beautiful streets in Paris is Champs-Élysées. It’s akin to Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Oxford Street in London and Fifth Avenue in New York.

The street is lined with trees, which are stunning all the time but even more so in autumn and Christmastime. There’s tons of shops and stores, ranging from Zara to Louis Vuitton. Whether you’re shopping or window shopping, you are likely to be dazzled along the way.

Some of my favorite shops along Champs-Élysées are:

Disney Store: They have always have a line up of Paris-specific Disney merchandise and lots of toys that kids will love to look at (and ask for).
Galeries Lafayette: This is a great indoor mall to warm up in the winter or cool off in the summer.
Nike House of Innovation: This store is a fusion of Nike Store and science museum. It’s a fun stop for the athlete and/or toddlers in your family.
Ladurée : This pastry shop is famous for their macarons. They have many locations all over Paris (and the world). This location has a full sit-down restaurant (reservations recommended), but they also have a separate line to get treats to go.

Champs-Élysées Gardens

At the south-east end of Champs-Élysées, the shops give way to a garden. It’s lovely to walk thought, but it’s not the best for siting and staying awhile. (We’ve got an even more beautiful garden coming up in a bit.)

There are several theaters throughout the gardens. Along the way, you’ll also pass the Grand Palais and Petit Palais (museums) and Élysée Palace (official residence of the French president).

At the end of the garden you’ll run into Place de la Concorde. The plaza is basically a really busy traffic intersection with an Egyptian obelisk in the center. My recommendation? Skip it. Instead, turn left on Rue Royale and walk a block to Rue Saint-Honoré.

Rue Saint-Honoré

This street is your high-end fashion street. Designer brands like Hermès, Versace, Fendi and Christian Louboutin all have storefronts on Rue Saint-Honoré between Avenue de Marigny and where the street ends near the Louvre.

Even if $1,500 shoes are out of your budget, the window shopping alone is worth even a short stroll down this street. Plus, like I said, a detour down this street is better than crossing the traffic puzzle at Place de la Concorde.

If you’re looking to wander, this is a good area to do it. There are lots of side streets in this area that lead to unique shops, fancy hotels and swanky cafes and bars.

One of the most famous stops around here is Angelina, which is famous for their decadent hot chocolate. It’s a high-end, sit-down restaurant though, so dress accordingly. Because it’s so famous, reservations are recommend because they get very crowded. (Be sure to book early, too. They book up well over a month in advance.)

There’s also several places for fancy cocktails in cozy, immaculately decorated bars. Some of the most popular picks in the area are Bar Hemingway (inside the Ritz Paris), Bar 8 (inside the Mandarin Oriental) and Harry’s New York.

I buy designer things so infrequently that I take photos marking it as a life event

Tuileries Garden

After some shopping and maybe some light day-drinking, cut back to Tuileries Garden. This is one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris. If you were looking for a green space to relax, maybe have a picnic or let the kids play for a bit, this is the spot. (By the way, if you’re visiting Paris with kids be sure to check out this post for all our best tips.)

You don’t have to walk down every pathway in the park, but try a few different ones! You’ll find outdoor cafes, several ponds and fountains, and interesting sculptures. The grounds are immaculately landscaped with beautiful trees, flowers and bushes which really shine in the spring and fall. There’s also a great playground, which the kids will love.

At the southeastern end of the garden, you’ll run into what looks like the Arc de Triomphe. Don’t worry. You didn’t find a wormhole and travel back two miles to where you started your day. This is a second and slightly smaller monument called Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, and it was designed at the same time as the Arc de Triomphe.

Louvre Museum

Just beyond Tuileries Gardens is the world famous Louvre art museum. The iconic glass pyramid is in an open plaza above the entrance to the museum. The plaza is a popular place for photos, souvenir shopping from street vendors, and just general relaxing with a view.

Below the plaza is Carrousel du Louvre, which is an indoor shopping mall with a food court. To get down there, look for one of the stairways around the edge of the plaza. A lot of people don’t know is that there’s also an inverted glass pyramid below ground, and this is where you’ll find it. Pretty cool!

Now, if you’re planning to visit the museum, you could certainly do that in the afternoon after making this walk. Alternatively, you could flip this walk and start at the Louvre and do the rest in reverse order. However, we don’t think it’s worth trying to smoosh the Louvre into an otherwise busy day.

The Louvre is gigantic and it’s hard to see everything even with a full day. If you want to go inside, we recommend getting the earliest entry time you can and spending a relaxing, long day there.

Pont des Arts

Exit the Louvre and head towards the Seine. Look for the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge. It’s between Pont du Carrousel (a car traffic bridge) and Île de la Cité (an island in the middle of the river).

The bridge offers excellent views all around. You can see the Eiffel Tower in one direction and Pont Neuf on the either. There are benches along the way to relax after a long day.

If you’re heading home after Pont des Arts, the nearest Metro stop is Pont Neuf, which serves the 7 train.

View of Pont Neuf from Pont des Arts

Continue your Journey

Peruse used books and art prints at the bouquinistes, the iconic green box stalls along the Seine
Enjoy a meal or a coffee at a classic cafe in Saint Germain, maybe Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots
Start your next walk through Latin Quarter & the isles

Latin Quarter & the isles Walking Tour

The Latin Quarter is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris, dating back more than 2,000 years. It has winding streets and tiny alleys that are filled with lively cafes, very old buildings and bookshops galore. It’s a mesh of tourist traps and authentic history, dotted with museums and gardens for good measure. The district is home to Sorbonne University, and the student population keeps the area young.

The isles refer to Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis, which are literal islands in the middle of the Siene. They comprise quaint shopping streets, famous churches and maybe the best ice cream in Paris. It’s a bit quieter than the banks on either side, but they’re delightful neighborhoods for a stroll.

This walk isn’t short and clocks in at just under 4 miles. But with breaks for meals and coffee along the way, it actually fills a day quite nicely.

Shakespeare & Company

Île Saint-Louis

Rue Mouffetard

Luxembourg Gardens

As a reminder, here are some quick tips for using this map.

Plan this walk on a Saturday . In order to feel the energy of this area, you want to visit when it’s got some life to it and that’s typically the weekend. The Rue Mouffetard market closes on Sunday afternoon, which is why we suggest Saturday specifically. Do note that many places are closed on Mondays.
Bring cash (Euros) . Most restaurants and cafes in this area will take credit cards, but most street vendors don’t. Cash will be helpful for other odds and end purchases too, like renting a tiny sail boat to float around the pond in Luxembourg Gardens.
The gardens are best in the summer. During the summer months, the gardens in Paris are alive . Not only are they the most beautiful during that time, but they’re also a social hub for tourists and locals alike. In the later fall and winter months, they can feel quite desolate.
If you have little ones, split this walk over two days. This is a long walk and will wipe out most adults. I originally planned this walk with our toddler, but they totally crashed half way through. If you’re co-travellers have little legs, make this one a two-day journey.
Skip Jardin des Plantes if you have to. If this walk is too long or you’re short on time and have to cut something, cut Jardin des Plantes. It’s out of the way and not a must see, so it’s a good way to shorten this day up a bit. That might mean skipping Rue Mouffetard, too.

Self-guided walk through Latin Quarter & the isles

This walk begins at at Pont Neuf, which is a famous bridge that passes through Île de la Cité. Ideally you would take the 7 train and get off at Pont Neuf. However, depending on where you’re staying, you could also take the 4 or 10 trains to Odéon. From there you could walk back to Pont Neuf or just skip the bridge and head straight to Fontaine Saint-Michel.

If you walked across Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge as part of the previous walking route, you’ll have already gotten a great view of Pont Neuf.

This stone bridge was first opened for use in 1604 and is the oldest bridge over the Seine that’s still in use today. There are 381 stone masks, or mascarons, carved into the bridge which represent mythical divinities. There’s also a large statue of Henry IV where the bridge crosses Île de la Cité.

After crossing the bridge to the Left Bank, walk along the south side of the Seine. Peek at the many bouquinistes, which are the little shop stalls in the green boxes. They sell art prints, books, little souvenirs and other odds and ends. It’s hard to believe something so cute and notoriously French actually exists in real life.

Fontaine Saint-Michel

In a couple blocks you’ll come to a second bridge, Pont Saint-Michel. Turn right (away from the Seine) and you’ll run into Fontaine Saint-Michele.

This is a stone fountain in a square, which was constructed in 1860. The square around it is often bustling with tourists passing through. There’s not much seating, so people will sit along the base of the fountain itself. You can usually see a street musician or dance troupe performing in front of it.

You don’t need to stay long here, but it’s a great entry point to the Latin Quarter.

Rue de la Huchette

Just across Boulevard Saint-Michele from the fountain is Rue de la Huchette. This two block street is one of the oldest in Paris. It’s famous for having the highest concentration of restaurants in the city — none of them particularly good.

The tiny pedestrian street is cramped with souvenir shops, pubs and creperies. Lining the street are many old buildings with their own stories to tell. One dates back to the 1600s. Another is said to have been a residence of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The street is very touristy, but that’s okay! Most people reading this are tourists and you shouldn’t feel bad about doing popular things. Get a Nutella crepe and let yourself go.

While you’re in this area, it’s a good time explore some of the side streets. I’d recommend popping south a few blocks to the The Abbey Bookshop.

Shakespeare and Company

Just past the end of Rue de la Huchette is Shakespeare and Company. The bookstore opened in 1951 and quickly became a literary beacon for English writers in Paris. Today, there’s often a line out the door to get into the cramped bookshop.

Fun story. The owner, inspired by his own experience with the kindness of strangers, always allowed creatives to sleep for free in the book shop. The invitation was open to writers, artists and other intellectuals, and there were three rules. Each guest had to read a book a day, help the shopkeep for a couple hours, and write a one-page autobiography. Today, thousands of biographies have been collected and archived in the shop.

You should actually read the history of the founder and the bookshop, which is told much more eloquently here .

Attached to the bookstore is a cafe by the same name. I can’t come to Paris and not stop here for a cappuccino and this Paris institution.

Right across the river from Shakespeare & Company is Notre Dame cathedral.

I have been to almost 50 countries and have visited houses of worship in all of them. Nothing hit me quite like walking into Notre Dame on my first visit in 2017. I know that’s probably the most cliche favorite church to have, but it’s mine.

Unfortunately, the inside of Notre Dame is still closed after a fire in 2019 burned much of the cathedral. You can still access the courtyard in front of it and see the church and the famous gargoyles from the outside.

Pass around the back of Notre Dame and cross over Pont Saint-Louis onto Île Saint-Louis. Step onto the island and you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time and maybe teleported to a small French village. It’s quaint and quiet, but don’t read that as boring. There are darling boutiques, amazing restaurants and somehow less crowds than the rest of Paris.

Focus your attention on Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, the main street that runs through the heart of the island. In a few blocks you’ll hit Berthillon ice cream shop. People argue it’s the best ice cream in all of Paris. The shop’s been around and run by the same family since the 1950s. I must confess, we haven’t actually tried it! The timing just didn’t work out for us, but it’s on our bucket list for sure.

When you’re done exploring the island, cross back to the Left Bank via Pont de la Tournelle or Pont de Sully.

Tino Rossi Garden & Jardin des Plantes

Now it’s time to relax with a bit of nature. The next part of this walk starts at Tino Rossi Garden. It’s a wonderful transition from the bustle of the city to the serenity of Jardin des Plantes.

Jardin des Plantes is a huge botanical garden. About half the garden space is a ticked zoo, which costs €10-13 per person. For the sake of time during this busy day though, we’d suggest skipping the zoo. Instead, follow the paths that cuts straight through the southern portion of the gardens.

Now we’re back to shopping and eating. After Jardin des Plantes, head toward Square Saint-Médard. There are a few ways to get there and any will work. This square has an open air market which is open most days except Sunday afternoon and Monday.

After the market, head north on Rue Mouffetard. The street is so charming and beautiful, from the shops to the buildings themselves. It’s another one of the oldest streets in Paris and its said to have been the main inspiration for Victor Hugo when he wrote Les Miserables.

When Rue Mouffetard hits Rue Clovis, turn left and head to Luxembourg Gardens. Be sure to take note of the Pantheon as you pass by. This is also a popular attraction to visit, but this long walk doesn’t leave time to go inside.

Luxembourg Gardens is my favorite park in all of Paris. In the summer, the flowers are stunning, while in the fall the changing leaves steal the show. Take some time wandering through the gardens, but be sure to take some time to sit near the pond in front of Luxembourg Palace.

In the summer, there’s a small stand near the pond where you can rent wooden boats to sail on the pond in the summer. Theres a great story about the boats, which you can read here .

Visit the observation deck at Montparnasse Tower and enjoy a cocktail on the roof with views of the entire city at sunset
Continuing your shopping spree on Boulevard Saint-Germain
Get a glass of wine at a charming local bar like Chez Georges or Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
Start your next walk through Le Marais

Le Marais Walking Guide

The Marais has so much personality. It’s historic but trendy. Religious but LGBT friendly. Urban but quaint.

My desire to explore Le Marais is what inspired me to write this entire post. Everything I read about the neighborhood said “just go and walk around” or “it’s a great place to get lost.” I do not do well with these types of directions. I always end up on the wrong streets and wasting time in places that honestly aren’t that great.

So if you also want to explore Le Marais, but want to know just where to explore, I’ve got you covered. This route passes through some of the main shopping streets, landmarks and squares in the heart of Le Marais. With some basic landmarks flagged, you’ll feel empowered to take a few extra turns along the way as you Flâner .

Saint-Jacques Tower

Rue de rivoli, place des vosges, jewish quarter, marché des enfants rouges, square du temple.

Get coffee first. Not far from start of this walk is Motors Coffee. It’s a great coffee shop with killer banana Nutella bread. Start here.
Start in the afternoon . This neighborhood is slow to wake up. Come in the afternoon for the best energy. It’s also a good place to be in the evening, as there’s a wide array of bars and restaurants.
Consider a guided tour . There’s a lot of really deep and interesting history in Le Marais. If you’re into that sort of thing, there are several free walking tours through the area, like this one .
Wander within reason . I’ve noted the high streets and notable sights on this map, but I’ve also noted a larger general area that represents the heart of Le Marais. If you have time and interest, wandering down any of these streets will serve you well.

Self-guided walk through Le Marais

This walking tour begins at Saint-Jacques Tower. To get there by train, take the 1, 4, 7, 11 or 14 trains to Châtelet station.

The tower you see today is all that remains of a 16th century church that was destroyed during the French Revolution. For €12, you can climb 300 steps to the top of the tower. It’s usually not too crowded. The tower is only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM – 6 PM.

Even if you don’t go inside, the tower is beautiful to look at and surrounded by a lovely and quaint garden. There’s a small playground on one side for children, too.

Continue east down Rue de Rivoli. This is a one of the mail thoroughfares that cut through Le Marais and it’s lined with lots of big-box and thrift stores and also restaurants. There are lots of cool buildings along the way, including one you literally can’t miss, Hôtel de Ville. This massive building primarily serves as a government building, but they do occasionally have public exhibitions and guided tours.

Consider a detour off this main street to see Saint-Gervais church, Rue des Barres or Mémorial de la Shoah holocaust memorial. There are cute boutiques and some really interesting, really old buildings in this area.

Try to make it back to Rue de Rivoli by Saint Paul Station. If you have little ones, there’s a small carousel ride that might quickly become their favorite thing about their Paris trip.

Next up is the main square in Les Marais, Place des Vosges. It’s a perfectly square park that even has square trees! It’s a popular square that’s great people watching and relaxing.

Many reviews I read said that Place des Vosges was too crowded and to seek out less popular squares like Place Sainte-Catherine. I disagree. I think the energy at Place des Vosges is why you should go there.

Exit the park onto Rue des Francs Bourgeois, which another main shopping street. This one is features more high end designers and boutiques like Maje and Ted Baker.

Turn left onto Rue Pavée and then right on Rue des Rosiers and you’ll have found the soul of the Jewish Quarter. This short street is filled with jewish restaurants, bookshops and synagogues. There is so much history in this area if you know where to look. I’d highly recommend this article which talks about the history in much more depth.

If you’re hungry, this is a good place to pick up some falafel. L’As du Fallafel is the most popular pick.

Rue Vieille du Temple

Rue des Rosiers and the Jewish quarter ends at Rue Vieille du Temple. This is another photogenic shopping street with high-end boutiques and charming cafes.

Some of the cutest portions of this street are actually to the left between the Jewish Quarter and Rue de Rivoli. If you have time, walk a few blocks out of your way through that section. Alternatively, you can just turn right and head north right off the bat for an abridged version of this street.

When you run into a large 6-way interchange, turn left onto Rue de Bretagne. This street will lead you to Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest food market in Paris.

This market has vendors selling fresh produce and meats, but also full restaurants with bar and table service. It’s a popular place to get a meal in a unique setting.

Personally, this market didn’t do it for me. It was smaller than I expected (much smaller than Borough Market , which is what I was picturing) and nothing really stood out to me to try (granted, I’m a vegetarian). Instead of waiting for a table at the cramped restaurants, we walked a bit up the road and got pizza at a cafe. (Also uninspired, I know, but at least we were comfortable.)

Round out your time in Le Marais with a visit to Square du Temple. It’s a beautiful garden with a memorial to Elie Wlesel, playground and pond.

We actually had to cut our day a little short and didn’t make it all the way here, but I’d prioritize it next time.

Visit a museum such as the National Archives Museum, Picasso Museum or the Museum of the Art and History of Judaism.
Get cocktails! This area is known for it’s nightlife, but even an early drink in the area is fun. Try Candelaria (speakeasy) or read this list for best bars in the area.
Head over La Coulée Verte Paris, an elevated garden on an old train line (similar in concept to the High Line in New York City)
Start your next walk through Montmartre

Montmartre Walking Guide

Montmartre is often people’s favorite place in Paris and with good reason. It has winding cobble stone streets, artists painting portraits, views over most of Paris, and it’s literally topped off with a breathtaking basilica.

This is another area that can get a bad rap for being “too touristy,” but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go. This walking route will guide you through the main areas of the neighborhood, which yes, includes the tourist attractions along the way.

Montmartre isn’t just about the attractions, though. The best way to enjoy the area is simply to spend time there. By that I mean sit on the steps for awhile. Plan to get a meal at a street-side cafe. Go into the shops and stores. If you’re just checking off sights, the neighborhood will just pass you by.

For that reason, this walk is much shorter in distance than the first three. It’s just over a mile. The neighborhood isn’t that big, so even if you wander off the path, which is encouraged, you still won’t be covering too much distance. This walk can be covered in about half a day.

Montmartre Funicular

Sacré-cœur, place du tertre, rue de l’abreuvoir, le bateau-lavoir, moulin rouge.

Dine at a charming cafe. Montmartre is dripping with Instagrammable cafes. Le Consulat, La Maison Rose, La Taverne de Montmartre and Le Potager are all highly rated and beautiful restaurants in the area.
Take a mini Picasso tour . The renowned painter Pueblo Picasso lived and painted in Montmartre for many years. You can see his house, studio and favorite spots in the neighborhood. Here’s a great guide that details the history and exact locations of all things Picasso in Montmartre.
Come during different times on different trips . During your first trip to Paris, I’d suggest visiting in the early afternoon when it’s the most busy, but then try different times during subsequent visits. Come in the evening and watch the sunset from the steps of Square Louise Michel. If you want to get a portrait, come around 11 when they set up for the best pick of artists.
Plan your route wisely. If you look at Google maps, it’s easy to feel like you can move around the district pretty quickly. Be warned! The neighborhood of Montmartre has a huge hill in the middle, which is what Sacré-Cœur sits atop. I’d suggest taking the funicular up, seeing everything at the top at once, then working your way down as you explore the rest of the neighborhood.

Self-guided walk through Montmartre

This route begins in the center of the Montmartre neighborhood at the Abbesses subway station, which serves the 12 train. Alternatively, you could take the 2 train to Pigalle station and walk up Rue des Martyrs to Rue Yvonne le Tac.

Walk along Rue Yvonne le Tac and then Rue Tardieu till you reach the base of Square Louise Michel. Just about everyone will be making the same walk between Abbesses and the square, so the street is always lively.

A funicular is a type of cable-based train that is usually used on very steep hills, and Montmartre has one. There are several different stair cases that lead up the hill, including the notable steps up Square Louise Michel, but the funicular is the easiest way to get to the top.

The base of the Montmartre funicular is located here in the southwest corner of Square Louise Michel. You can use a Paris Metro travel card or single ride ticket to ride the funicular. There is a ticket kiosk near the entrance to the funicular where you can purchase a ticket if you don’t already have one. You cannot tap to pay with a credit card on Paris Metro transportation, including the funicular.

It’s a short trip to the top and a car departs every few minutes. The funicular just makes one stop, which is at the top of the hill here . When you exit, turn right and you’re just steps away from Sacré-Cœur.

Sacré-Cœur is the basilica at the top of Montmartre. The church was consecrated in 1919. It was initially proposed as a way for France to seek religious redemption for kidnapping the pope under Napoleon. (You can read about that wild story here .)

Sacré-Cœur is free to enter and is open daily from 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM. Inside there are several statues, stained glass windows, and an immaculate pipe organ built by the same person who built the organ for Notre Dame. The organ is played on Sundays during mass and evening prayer at 4PM. For a small fee — for which they accept credit cards or cash — you can light a prayer candle inside the church.

You can also go to the top of the dome at Sacré-Cœur. The dome is open everyday from 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM and costs €7 for adults. There is no elevator to the top, so you’ll need to be able to climb 300 steps. I’ve never actually been to the top of the dome because the views from the ground are so good.

Square Louise Michel

The basilica sits at the top of Square Louise Michel. Before you continue with this walk, take a short break on the steps here and enjoy the view.

The square is lined with steps which are always filled with people enjoying the sweeping views of Paris. There’s often street performers and hawkers selling beers right from the cardboard case. The cops will always come and shut them down, but they always come right back. It’s a fun dance.

This is one of my favorite views in Paris. It’s also a great place to see the sun set if you’re here in the evening.

Pass the church and make your way to Place du Tertre. The small streets along the way have lots of souvenir shops, food vendors like creperies and ice cream shops, and a couple small art galleries. I’d suggest walking, but there’s also a cute little train that you can take.

Place du Tertre has capitalized on the artsy past of this neighborhood. Today it’s filled with artist painting portraits and selling their work. The outside of the square is all open-air cafes filled with people sipping wine and people watching.

If you’re looking to get a portrait drawn, come around 11 when they’re setting up. The best artists can get lines quickly. If you’re just coming to observe, come in the afternoon when it’s the most crowded.

Leave (some of) the crowds behind and make your way down to Rue de l’Abreuvoir. This means taking a steep walk down the hill on Rue des Saules until you see the unmissable pink and green La Maison Rose restaurant.

If you go straight past it, you’ll actually see Clos Montmartre. It’s the oldest operating vineyard in Paris; not something you’d expect to find in the middle of a city. It is not typically open to the public (minus a few special tours throughout the year), but you can see the vines from the street.

Back at our pink restaurant, though, turn onto Rue de l’Abreuvoir.

This street is beautiful. There are stone walls dripping with ivy, charming Parisian buildings and cobblestone sidewalks. It’s a delightful stroll and photographer’s dream. It’s a short street and it ends at the statue of the boobs (aka Buste de Dalida).

Just around the corner you’ll hit Square Suzanne Buisson. If you need a break and/or if the kids want to play, make a pit stop here. It’s a small square, but it’s a good respite.

Next, make your way toward Place Émile Goudeau. The route in my map above will take you down a tiny alley, which may feel like the wrong way but isn’t. Just keep going and you’ll soon hit the cobblestone square.

The square looks out onto Le Bateau-Lavoir, which was the studio rented by Picasso when he moved to Paris. The original studio was destroyed, and the building today is the the renovated version. To this day, the building serves as an artists’ residence. It is not open for tours.

Even if you are not interested in art history, it’s still a cool place to say you’ve been. And at the very least, it’s a good signpost on your journey through the neighborhood.

Rue des Abbesses

As your Montmartre walking tour comes to an end, make your way back to the main street of Rue des Abbesses. You should arrive on the street not far from where you started at the train station. This time you’re going to go the other way. This section of the street has — you guessed it — shops and restaurants.

This stretch feels a bit less touristy than the other direction and is more practical stores versus souvenir shops. It’s a good place to get an ice cream or a glass of wine. Otherwise, this walk can probably be done briskly as you’re out of the more classical Montmartre area at this point.

While you’re in the area, it’s worth it to finish your day at Moulin Rouge. Yes, that Moulin Rouge.

The venue has been hosting shows and performances since 1889, and today operates as a dinner theater. For about €200 a person, you can enjoy a full meal and performance at this iconic theater.

Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth it to see the marquee and legendary red windmill. There is a median in the middle of street where you can safely stand and take photos.

Continue exploring Clichy Street, which is famous for its countless sex shops
Walk over the suspension bridge at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. To get there, take the 2 train from Blanche station across from Moulin Rouge to Colonel Fabien and then walk about 10 minutes to the park.
Get cocktails at Lulu White, voted one of the best cocktail bars on Paris .
Start your next walk around the Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower & the Seine Walking Guide

We’ve made it to the Eiffel Tower, and this walk is truly all about the Iron Lady. This section focuses on getting to the Eiffel Tower and enjoying all the best views of it. It’s a good idea to pair this walk with your visit to the Eiffel Tower, otherwise you may find portions of this walk redundant.

Technically, this walk in full is about 4 miles. That said, you can certainly make it much shorter by cutting down the portions on Rue Saint-Dominique and/or along the Seine.

Rue Saint-Dominique

Champ de mars, eiffel tower, trocadéro gardens, pont alexandre iii.

Have a plan for getting Eiffel Tower tickets . If you’d like to go up into the Eiffel Tower in the afternoon or evening, be sure to book your ticket in advance. Tickets go on sale 60 days in advance and book up quick, especially for the summit. Otherwise, plan to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before the tower opens in the morning to beat the crowns.
Start at Bleu Olive . This coffee shop is conveniently located near the start of Rue Cler. It’s a good option for breakfast to begin your day or for a coffee to take with you. Note: they’re closed on Sundays and don’t open till 10 AM on Saturday.
Avoid Mondays. Many stores are closed on Mondays, which will make parts of this walk less fun.
Take this walk in reverse . The walk along the Right Bank (north side) of the Seine offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. If you flip this route, you’ll be approaching the Eiffel tower and can enjoy the view the whole time.
Bring a blanket. If you have a small packable picnic blanket , bring it on this walk. It’ll be nice to have if you spend time sitting on the grass at Trocadéro Gardens.
Enjoy this walk in the evening . If you start around 2 or 3 PM (Tuesday – Saturday), you’ll enjoy a bustling market on Rue Cler and a lovely early evening at the Eiffel Tower. Watch the sun set from Trocadéro Gardens and then enjoy the City of Light by night as you walk along the Seine. Perfection.

Self-guided walk around the Eiffel Tower

The best place to start this walk is the La Tour-Maubourg station which serves the 8 train. If that’s not convenient, you can also take the 13 train to Varenne station. Head west on Rue de Grenelle until you reach Rue Cler.

Rue Cler is often said to be the most beautiful street in Paris. The market street is only one block long, but it’s jam packed with shops selling the freshest produce, local meat, French cheese, wine, pastries and more. It’s like it was made to build the perfect picnic basket to take to Champ de Mars.

Tuesday through Saturday the shops are open from 8 or 9 AM till about 7 PM. The market is only open until 2 PM on Sundays and nearly all the shops are closed on Mondays.

At the end of Rue Cler you’ll hit Rue Saint-Dominique. This street is lined with traditional Hausmann buildings, which is probably what you picture when you think of Paris. It’s a popular shopping street with Eiffel Tower views.

Most of the shopping is to your right, but the Eiffel tower is to your left. If you really are not interested in shopping or are pressed for time, you can turn left after Rue Cler and enjoy a smaller segment of this beautiful street. But if you have extra time, I’d recommend turning right so you get a bit more out of it. Continue walking until you hit Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg. Then turn around and head back down Rue Saint-Dominique until you hit Champ de Mars.

Champ de Mars is iconic, but to be honest, it’s never what I want it to be. I always pictured it to be an open, flat park when you can have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower. However, there’s actually lots of trees and I feel like there’s always construction. I’d suggest walking through it, but if you’re looking for a place to sit I’d argue Trocadéro Gardens is better.

What Champ de Mars does offer, though, is a great approach to the Eiffel Tower. She looms large from this angle and you will be itching to visit the summit.

Ah yes. We’ve made it 7,000 words into this post before finally making it to the Eiffel Tower.

If you’re planning to go inside, be sure to check out my complete visitor guide to the Eiffel Tower . It has tips for where to enter, how to avoid lines, best floor order to visit the tower and more.

If you’re not planning to go to the top of the tower, you can still technically walk underneath it. To get there, you will need to pass through the security. Follow the signs for visitors who do not yet have tickets. After security, you’ll have access to the plaza at the base of the tower and can see it right up close. If you’re not going up, just skip the lines for the ticket office and proceed to an exit.

If you aren’t interested in passing underneath the Eiffel tower, you can simply walk around the outer perimeter and carry on to Pont d’Iéna. There’s also a carousel right by bridge, which is a highlight for children and Instagrammers alike.

If you ask me, the best views of the Eiffel Tower are from Trocadéro Gardens. This is the garden I picture when I think of picnics in front of the Eiffel Tower. From this hill, you’re treated to the best views of the tower, plus the Seine and its bridges. It has a great view of the tower any time, but one of my favorite times to come here is in the early evening when the sun sets and the tower starts to light up.

There’s lots of grass space to sit, so it’s nice to have a blanket. There’s also food vendors at the base of the gardens, so pick up a crepes or drink before you head up the hill. You’ll also usually find hawkers unofficially selling Champagne and beer, which can actually be quite nice. It’s technically illegal to drink in Paris parks, but police are generally very lenient with beer and wine.

NOTE: In the provided map, Google does not think you can cross Avenue de New York at near the Eiffel Tower, but you can. There is a pedestrian walk sign at the street light here. So you can ignore that detour.

Walk along the Seine

After you’ve enjoyed a good long sit at Trocadéro Gardens, continue your walk along the Seine for even more beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower. I like to the follow the north side of the river, which eventually becomes Jardin d’Erivan. This riverside garden is lined with trees which become truly stunning in the fall.

At each bridge you pass, turn around to get another epic view of the Eiffel Tower. You’ll pass three, counting Debilly Footbridge, before you get to Pont Alexandre III.

This decorative bridge was built in the late 1800s. It’s a lovely bridge, but mostly I note it here as one final amazing view of the Eiffel Tower. You can still see it from the next bridge too, but it really starts to hide at that point.

If you cross this bridge, you’ll head into Esplanade des Invalides which leads right back to where this walk began. Alternatively, if you turn left and head away from the river, you’ll pass between the Petit and Grand Palais and on to Champs-Élysées. And just like that, our walks have come full circle.

Continue walking along the Seine, passing Tuileries Garden and onward toward the isles
Take a boat cruise along the Seine and see Paris from a new perspective
For a family dinner, get pizza at the hip and delicious Mokus l’Écureuil near Trocadéro Gardens

2 days in Paris: Your ideal itinerary unveiled

December 15, 2023

Hi, I'm Sofia, your friendly Parisian guide, and I'm here to answer a burning question: Is spending just 2 days in Paris really worth it? Well, I'm here to tell you that with the right plan and a dash of local charm, it absolutely is!

Join me as we unveil your ideal 2-day itinerary for a whirlwind adventure through the enchanting streets of the City of Light.

We'll dive into the nitty-gritty of crafting your perfect 2-day Paris experience, sharing planning tips and essentials that will ensure your trip is smooth.

But before we embark on our journey, let's take a moment to draw inspiration from the silver screen.

Have you seen the movie "2 Days in Paris"? It's not only a delightful film but also a prelude to your real-life adventure. We'll explore how cinema has captured the essence of this beautiful city and how you can live your own Parisian story.

Now, you might be wondering, "How many days do I really need for Paris?" It's a fair question. Paris is a city with an abundance of treasures, and while two days may seem short, it's enough to create lasting memories and fall in love with its charms.

I'm here to help you set realistic expectations for your Parisian escapade and make every moment count.

So, whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, get ready to be captivated by the allure of Paris. It's time to unveil your perfect 2-day itinerary, and I promise, it's going to be an adventure you will remember.

Let's embark on a journey through the heart of Paris, one that's filled with enthusiasm, cheerfulness, and the vibrant spirit of this remarkable city.

Book private experiences in Paris

Day 1: parisian landmarks & river charm, day 2: art, history, and culture, exploring parisian neighborhoods, hidden gems & local experiences, savoring parisian culinary delights, practical tips for your 2 days in paris, mid-morning at the eiffel tower.

As you start your first day in Paris, there's no better way to kick off your adventure than with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. This towering structure is not just a landmark; it's the beating heart of Parisian pride.

Arrive early to beat the crowds, especially those from tourists on Paris tours , and enjoy the tranquility of the morning. If you're here during the high season, trust me, it's worth it.

You have two options for ascending this iron giant: the elevator or the stairs. If you're up for a bit of exercise, climb the stairs to the second level. It's manageable, and you'll be rewarded with fantastic views and a sense of accomplishment.

From the top, Paris unfolds beneath you like a living postcard. The city's beauty is breathtaking, with its avenues and landmarks spread out like a carefully crafted masterpiece. Take your time, snap some photos, and savor the moment.

Spending about an hour at the Eiffel Tower is ideal. It allows you to soak in the views, learn about its history, and still have plenty of time for the rest of your day.

With the Eiffel Tower behind you, your day is just beginning. Next up, we'll explore more of Paris's most famous landmarks and discover the charm of the city's riverbanks.

Late morning: Champs de Mars: Picnic and panoramas

A picnic on Champs de Mars is a must on during your 2 d

As you continue your exploration of the wonders of Paris, your next destination beckons—a tranquil oasis known as Champ de Mars.

This serene park stands as a well-kept secret, offering not only a peaceful escape but also serving as the perfect vantage point to marvel at the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Champ de Mars proves to be an ideal locale for indulging in a leisurely picnic.

Picture this: a selection of freshly baked baguettes, an assortment of fine cheeses, and your preferred French wine—all expertly curated the way the locals do it.

Find a cozy spot on the verdant grass, and let the Eiffel Tower provide a breathtaking backdrop that elevates your meal to an unforgettable experience.

If you're fortunate, you may even chance upon some friendly locals who are more than eager to share their anecdotes and wisdom about this cherished place.

Parisians often frequent this park to unwind and rejuvenate, offering you a unique opportunity to connect with the city's rich culture.

Dedicating a few hours to Champ de Mars provides the perfect opportunity to absorb the surrounding beauty and take respite from the bustling city streets. What's even more delightful is that this oasis remains relatively uncrowded, affording you the luxury of savoring the splendor of Paris at your own pace.

Early afternoon: A scenic Seine River cruise

The Seine is walking distance from the Eiffel Tower

Continue your Parisian adventure with a scenic Seine River cruise – an essential experience that promises enchantment and lasting memories.

To start this captivating journey, head to one of the many departure points along the Seine. You'll find numerous options, ensuring convenience and flexibility.

The Seine River gracefully winds its way through the heart of Paris, offering a unique perspective to admire the city's iconic landmarks.

During your cruise, you'll be treated to captivating vistas of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and more, as if witnessing a living canvas of Parisian history and culture.

Choose between a daytime cruise to appreciate the architectural intricacies of these landmarks or an evening voyage that bathes them in romantic illumination.

For an elevated experience, consider a dinner cruise. Delight in gourmet cuisine while you glide past Paris' illuminated treasures, blending exquisite food with breathtaking views.

Typically lasting about an hour, a Seine River cruise offers a leisurely pace, allowing you to fully absorb the magic of Paris from the comfort of your boat without feeling rushed.

Late afternoon: Arc de Triomphe: Tribute to heroes

Enjoy a visit to the impressive Arc de Triomphe.

Continue your Parisian exploration with a visit to the impressive Arc de Triomphe.

This monumental arch serves as a profound tribute to the courage and valor of the French people. Situated proudly at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, it greets visitors with its grandeur.

Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 to celebrate the triumphs of the French army, the Arc de Triomphe remains a symbol of victory to this day.

For those seeking a bit of physical activity, ascend the arch's stairs. Your effort will be rewarded with panoramic views of Paris that are truly breathtaking.

Notable landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Sacré-Cœur come into sight.

Additionally, the Arc de Triomphe houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made during World War I. The daily rekindling of the eternal flame here serves as a touching tribute to those who gave their lives for France.

Allocate approximately an hour to explore the Arc de Triomphe, including the climb and the opportunity to absorb the sweeping views.

It's a memorable experience that deepens your understanding of French history and the indomitable spirit of Paris.

Evening: Place de la Concorde: History & elegance

While exploring Paris, one unmissable destination is the Place de la Concorde. This square is not just picturesque but also a living testament to Paris's rich history and elegance.

Place de la Concorde has played a pivotal role in French history, including the turbulent days of the French Revolution when the guillotine claimed Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI. Today, it stands as a symbol of France's resilience and transformation.

At its heart stands the Luxor Obelisk, a 3,300-year-old monument gifted to France by Egypt, bridging European and Egyptian history.

Surrounding the square, you'll find splendid examples of Parisian architecture, such as the Hôtel de Crillon and the French Naval Ministry, blending history with modern luxury.

Take advantage of the two exquisite fountains at each end of the square, enhancing Place de la Concorde's charm and splendor as a serene oasis within the bustling city.

Take your time to wander through the square, pausing to appreciate the historical plaques and statues that adorn it, offering a serene spot for reflection on Parisian history's rich tapestry.

Late evening: Night markets: Evening exploration

Discover local culture and unique Parisian delights.

As the sun sets in the City of Light, your Parisian adventure takes a new turn with a visit to the lively night markets, offering a glimpse into local culture and unique Parisian delights.

Paris comes alive at night, and one of the best ways to immerse yourself in this nocturnal magic is by exploring its vibrant night markets scattered across different neighborhoods, each a treasure trove of delights.

These markets feature diverse stalls, each offering something special, from handcrafted jewelry and art to vintage clothing and antiques – perfect for finding a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of the night markets as well. Vendors serve up mouthwatering crepes, freshly baked pastries, and local specialties.

Take advantage of the crowd-pleasing warm Nutella crepe.

Beyond shopping and dining, night markets often host street performers and live music, adding to the festive atmosphere and providing a chance to mingle with locals and fellow travelers.

Typically starting in the late afternoon and extending into the evening, check the schedule for the specific market you plan to visit, as locations and operating days may vary.

Exploring these markets is a fantastic way to spend your evening in Paris. Whether you're hunting for souvenirs or simply soaking up the lively atmosphere, it offers an authentic and vibrant Parisian experience.

Mid-morning: Starting at Notre Dame Cathedral

Start your second day in Paris with a visit to the awe-inspiring Notre Dame Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that encapsulates centuries of art, history, and culture.

As you approach, the intricate facade is breathtaking, with sculptures that tell stories dating back to the Middle Ages.

Inside, the cathedral's grand nave, exquisite stained glass windows, and serene chapels make it a must-see for art and history enthusiasts.

For adventurers, consider climbing Notre Dame's towers. It's a workout, but the panoramic Paris views and a close-up look at the famous gargoyles are rewarding.

Listen for the resonance of Emmanuel, the cathedral's massive bell, a sound echoing through the city for centuries.

Please note that Notre Dame is closed for restoration and plans to reopen in December 2024.

Late morning: Île de la Cité: Heart of Paris

Welcome to Île de la Cité, the historical heart of Paris, where art, history, and culture come to life. Stepping onto this enchanting island is like traveling back in time and immersing yourself in the essence of Paris.

While we've paid our respects to Notre Dame Cathedral, Île de la Cité deserves special mention. The cathedral symbolizes resilience and renewal, set to reopen its doors in December 2024 after restoration, a testament to Paris' enduring spirit.

Take a leisurely stroll through the medieval streets, where cobblestone paths lead to charming cafes and boutique shops, inviting you to savor Paris' ambiance at your own pace.

Don't miss Sainte-Chapelle, a Gothic masterpiece with breathtaking stained glass windows depicting vivid biblical stories—a true jewel of Paris.

Explore the historical significance of La Conciergerie, once a palace and later a prison during the French Revolution, and discover the stories of its former inmates.

Continue your journey through Île de la Cité, finding serenity at Place Dauphine, a charming square surrounded by elegant buildings—a hidden gem offering respite from the bustling city.

Exploring Île de la Cité is a journey through time, where art, history, and culture are woven into the very fabric of this island, a testament to Paris' enduring allure.

Early afternoon: Sainte Chapelle: Stained glass wonder

Prepare to be captivated by one of Paris' most radiant Gothic gems – Sainte Chapelle.

Nestled within Île de la Cité, this chapel is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of its era.

Sainte Chapelle is celebrated for its breathtaking stained glass windows. Upon entering, you'll be bathed in a mesmerizing array of colors as sunlight filters through these intricate masterpieces. It's akin to stepping into a living, breathing work of art.

The stained glass at Sainte Chapelle vividly portrays biblical stories, with each panel contributing to a captivating narrative. Visitors can embark on a journey through these tales as they wander the chapel, an experience both enchanting and educational.

The chapel is composed of both upper and lower chapels. The upper chapel steals the spotlight with its most magnificent stained glass, while the lower chapel, though simpler in design, possesses its own tranquil beauty.

Beyond its stained glass, Sainte Chapelle boasts stunning architecture, complete with intricate stone carvings, ribbed vaults, and lofty ceilings. Every corner hides a visual delight waiting to be uncovered.

Take your time to explore Sainte Chapelle, immersing yourself in its splendid stained glass and architectural details. For lovers of art and history, this Parisian destination is an absolute must-visit.

Mid-afternoon: Louvre Museum: Art lovers' paradise

The Louvre Museum needs to included in your day Paris i

Prepare to delve into the world's most renowned art museum – the Louvre. For art enthusiasts, this is a dream come true. Here's your guide to navigating this treasure trove of creativity and culture.

The Louvre is not just a museum; it's a palace, a historical monument, and a work of art in itself. As you approach the iconic glass pyramid entrance, you'll feel the magnitude of what awaits you.

To maximize your visit, consider purchasing tickets in advance or utilizing the Paris Pass if you have one, saving you time by bypassing long ticket lines.

Given the Louvre's vastness, create a list of must-see artworks or sections before your visit. While a plan is helpful, allow yourself to get lost in the museum's labyrinthine halls; delightful discoveries often occur when least expected.

A trip to the Louvre is a journey through time and artistic expression, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of human creativity and history.

Mid-afternoon: Must-see artifacts: Mona Lisa & Venus de Milo

Gaze at the world's most famous painting

Now, within the Louvre's artistic wonderland, let's explore two iconic treasures, each with its unique allure.

Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, arguably the world's most famous painting, captivates with her enigmatic smile and penetrating gaze. Though small in size, her impact is immeasurable.

Expect a crowd; admirers flock from across the globe. Arriving early or during quieter times is the best way to appreciate her in a serene setting.

The Venus de Milo, an ancient Greek sculpture, is another essential visit. Her graceful pose and timeless beauty reflect the artistry of antiquity. Marvel at the intricate details and the sense of motion captured in stone.

While admiring these masterpieces, ponder their intriguing histories, including the painting's theft and recovery and the mystery of the sculpture's missing arms.

These wonders transcend art; they embody human creativity and the enduring power of artistic expression. Witnessing them in person is an unforgettable experience.

With these iconic artifacts explored, your Parisian journey through art, history, and culture continues.

Evening: The Royal Palace: French monarch's legacy

The Royal Palace, also known as the Palais Royal.

Your exploration of Paris' art, history, and culture would only be complete with a glimpse into the world of French kings at the Royal Palace, also known as the Palais Royal.

This magnificent edifice offers insight into the opulent realm of monarchy. Its elegant architecture and tranquil surrounding gardens captivate as you approach.

Begin your exploration in the Cour d'Honneur, an inner courtyard with striking black and white columns that speak to the palace's grandeur.

Stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, featuring modern art installations and sculptures that blend contemporary and historical elements.

For theater and art enthusiasts, seize the opportunity to attend a show at the renowned Comédie-Française, a chance to immerse yourself in French culture.

As you wander, reflect on the palace's historical significance, from Louis XIV's opulent court to the tumultuous days of the French Revolution.

While the palace's interior is not usually open to the public, its surroundings provide an ideal space to unwind and contemplate the rich tapestry of French history.

Late morning: Saint Germain des Prés: Bohemian vibes

Get ready to immerse yourself in the bohemian atmosphere of Saint Germain des Prés, one of Paris' most enchanting neighborhoods.

This district is steeped in artistic and literary history, making it a must-visit for those eager to explore the city's cultural soul.

Saint Germain des Prés has been a haven for artists, writers, and intellectuals for decades. It was once frequented by literary giants like Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus.

As you wander through its charming streets, you'll be retracing the footsteps of these literary legends.

The neighborhood is synonymous with the café culture that flourished in the 20th century. Iconic establishments like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots offer the perfect setting to sip coffee and imagine the spirited debates of the intellectual elite.

Saint Germain des Prés boasts numerous art galleries showcasing both contemporary and classic works, providing a glimpse into the neighborhood's artistic spirit.

Book lovers will find delight in the many bookshops in the area, with Shakespeare and Company, an English-language bookstore, standing as a beloved institution stocked with literary treasures.

Stroll at your own pace through the narrow, winding streets of the neighborhood. Discover quaint boutiques, historic buildings, and hidden courtyards, all exuding timeless Parisian charm.

At the heart of it all is Place Saint-Germain des Prés, a vibrant square where locals and visitors gather to savor a meal or simply soak in the ambiance.

This neighborhood beautifully blends the past and present, inviting you to slow down, relish the moment, and appreciate the creative vitality that has thrived here for generations.

Mid-afternoon: Latin Quarter: Student life & vibrant streets

Nestled on the Seine's left bank, catch a glimpse of th

Welcome to the Latin Quarter, a district where the streets brim with energy, unveiling different facets of Paris' lively atmosphere at every corner. Nestled on the Seine's left bank, it's a vibrant hub of student life and culture.

The Latin Quarter's name harks back to the Middle Ages when Latin was spoken here. Today, history mingles with youthful exuberance, as students call it home.

Prestigious universities like the Sorbonne grace the neighborhood, and students often fill cafes or hurry to class, creating a unique blend of academia and artistry.

Winding streets are adorned with both new and used bookshops, a paradise for book lovers offering potential rare finds.

Take advantage of the Pantheon, a neoclassical mausoleum where notable French figures, including Voltaire and Marie Curie, rest. Its interior is a marvel of art and architecture.

Beyond its bookish and academic aura, the Latin Quarter exudes an artistic ambiance. Art museums, small theaters, and impromptu street performances enhance its charm.

Wander through vibrant streets to discover hidden courtyards, charming squares, and historic churches, each narrating a piece of this captivating neighborhood's story.

Late- afternoon: Le Marais: Trendy shops & historic charm

Get ready to explore Le Marais, where historic charm merges with trendy shops in a delightful fusion of old and new. Nestled in the heart of Paris, this neighborhood is a treasure trove of experiences awaiting discovery.

Le Marais boasts a rich medieval history, with labyrinthine streets lined by centuries-old buildings, some splendidly preserved with timber frames and cobblestone courtyards.

Today, Le Marais is synonymous with fashion and shopping, featuring boutiques, concept stores, and vintage shops that fashionistas adore for unique finds.

The neighborhood hosts a thriving artistic community, with numerous galleries showcasing contemporary works. Art enthusiasts must visit the Picasso Museum, dedicated to the renowned artist Pablo Picasso.

Explore charming squares like Place des Vosges, a beautifully manicured park surrounded by elegant townhouses—a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.

During your wanderings, pause at cozy cafes and bakeries. Sip coffee or savor pastries while savoring the quintessential Parisian experience of watching the world go by.

Le Marais also boasts a rich Jewish heritage, with synagogues and kosher restaurants nestled among its streets, intertwined with the neighborhood's history and the Parisian Jewish community.

What sets Le Marais apart is its seamless blend of the old and new. Here, you can transition from a historic square to a cutting-edge boutique, experiencing the best of both worlds.

Late evening: La Defense: Modern contrasts

Prepare to be captivated by the modern face of Paris as we explore La Défense, a district that stands in stark contrast to the city's historic charm. This urban landscape is a testament to Paris's ability to evolve while preserving its unique identity.

La Défense boasts some of Europe's most impressive skyscrapers, creating a futuristic skyline that beautifully contrasts with the city's traditional architecture. The Grand Arche, a massive arch-shaped building, is a standout feature.

This district serves as the bustling heart of Paris's business world, with international corporations, banks, and headquarters contributing to the city's economic vitality.

La Défense isn't solely about business; it's also an open-air art gallery. Striking sculptures and art installations are scattered throughout the district, blending commerce with culture.

Despite its corporate image, La Défense offers excellent shopping and dining options. The Les Quatre Temps shopping center is a retail paradise, featuring a variety of cuisines at its numerous restaurants.

For a unique experience, visit La Défense at night when the skyscrapers light up, creating a mesmerizing display against the dark sky—a different kind of Parisian magic.

Architecture enthusiasts will marvel at the innovative building designs in La Défense—a place where the future meets the present, with each structure telling a unique story.

While La Défense may differ starkly from the Paris you've encountered so far, it reminds us that this city is a tapestry of diverse neighborhoods, each contributing to its multifaceted beauty.

Early afternoon: La Maison Rose: A picturesque café

La Maison Rose, nestled in Montmartre, is a picturesque café that embodies Parisian charm in a delightful way. It's a must-visit for those seeking whimsy and a taste of local life.

The café's distinctive pink façade is the first enchanting sight as you approach. It seems like a scene plucked from a storybook and placed in the heart of Montmartre.

Montmartre boasts a rich artistic legacy, having been frequented by painters like Pablo Picasso and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The restaurant, with its ivy-covered walls and rustic allure, pays homage to the neighborhood's creative spirit.

The outdoor seating, adorned with pink tables and chairs, offers an ideal setting for a leisurely meal or coffee break. It's a perfect spot for people-watching and soaking in the neighborhood's ambiance.

La Maison Rose serves delightful French cuisine, from classic croissants to savory quiches. Pair your meal with wine or a café au lait for the ultimate Parisian experience.

While tourists do visit, La Maison Rose is also beloved by locals. It's where the everyday rhythm of Montmartre unfolds, making you feel like part of the community.

Late- afternoon: Rue de l'Abreuvoir: Cobblestone charms

Enter the enchanting world of Rue de l'Abreuvoir, a cobblestone street embodying the romantic allure of Montmartre. This gem offers a glimpse into the Paris of yesteryears.

Rue de l'Abreuvoir is a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Here, you can stroll at your own pace and savor the moment.

As you wander along this picturesque street, charming buildings adorned with cascading ivy and flower boxes surround you—a visual feast that transports you to a bygone era.

At the street's end, a breathtaking view of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica atop Montmartre's hill awaits, encapsulating the neighborhood's magic.

Cozy cafés and bistros line the way, offering opportunities for drinks or meals and the perfect setting to savor French cuisine.

This street has inspired countless artists, evident in the play of light and shadow on the cobblestones and the charming architecture—a canvas waiting to be explored.

Within walking distance of popular Montmartre attractions like the Moulin Rouge and Place du Tertre, where artists display their work, the street is a beautiful addition to your Montmartre exploration.

Whether you're a photography enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates beauty, this avenue offers a moment of serenity and charm that will linger in your memory.

Evening: La Pagode: The hidden cinema

Enter the enchanting world of La Pagode, an extraordinary cinema in the heart of Paris that brings a touch of Japan to the city.

This is no ordinary movie theater; it's a captivating experience waiting to be discovered.

Nestled in the 7th arrondissement, La Pagode is unlike any other cinema. Its exterior replicates a traditional Japanese pagoda, surrounded by a serene garden that sets the stage for an unforgettable cinematic journey.

La Pagode has a storied history dating back to the 19th century when it was a private mansion. Its transformation into a cinema has preserved its architectural splendor while adding a unique layer of cultural richness.

Known for its selection of art house films and independent productions, La Pagode is the perfect place to discover hidden cinematic gems and immerse yourself in thought-provoking storytelling.

After the film, meander through La Pagode's lush garden—an oasis in the city—where you can unwind and reflect on your cinematic journey.

The cinema's intimate screening rooms create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere where film enthusiasts gather to share their passion for storytelling.

La Pagode beautifully blends Japanese aesthetics with French elegance, a testament to the cultural fusion that defines Paris.

While it may not be as famous as some of the city's other attractions, La Pagode is a hidden delight that promises a memorable and culturally rich experience.

Mid-morning: Cafes and bakeries: Savoring Parisian flavors

If there's one thing that should be on your Paris itinerary, it's savoring Parisian flavors at charming cafes and bakeries.

As you explore art galleries, museums, and the enchanting Left Bank, indulge in delicious pastries and coffee, just as I do when I wander through this vibrant city.

Start your day the Parisian way at a local café. Order a café crème or a café au lait and pair it with a freshly baked croissant or a pain au chocolat for morning bliss.

While visiting Paris' art galleries and museums, pause for a coffee break at their cafés, letting the creative ambiance inspire you.

The Left Bank, with its historic streets and intellectual legacy, is perfect for a leisurely café visit. Enjoy an outdoor terrace, people-watch, and savor the moment with a café gourmand, a selection of mini desserts served with your coffee.

Visit Angelina on Rue de Rivoli for a taste of history. This famous tearoom once delighted Marie Antoinette with its hot chocolate. Try their signature hot chocolate and pair it with their iconic Mont-Blanc pastry.

The cafe culture in Paris has long inspired artists and writers. Find your muse in charming establishments, just as Picasso and Hemingway did in Montmartre's cafes.

Parisian bakeries are renowned for their delectable creations: sample tarts, éclairs, and macarons for sweet discoveries.

While strolling during your 2 days in Paris, look for local cafes and bakeries. These hidden gems often offer unique specialties and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy the culinary delights as you immerse yourself in the city's flavors.

Early afternoon: An early lunch at a local bistro

Foodie adventures to make your 2 days in Paris even mor

Ah, the bustling streets of Paris! As you immerse yourself in this enchanting city's culture and art, hunger is sure to strike.

What better way to satisfy it and truly savor Parisian culinary delights than at a local bistro?

Parisian bistros blend history, culture, and gastronomy, offering a cozy ambiance and the essence of French cuisine.

Lunchtime, when locals take a break to enjoy a leisurely meal, is perfect for savoring classics like coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon, or a simple but delicious croque-monsieur.

These dishes embody tradition, making your 2 days in Paris even more memorable.

An authentic Parisian meal is only complete with a glass of wine. Let your waiter recommend a local wine that perfectly complements your choice.

As you sip and savor, striking up a conversation with fellow diners is all part of the bistro experience.

Paris is dotted with charming bistros catering to various tastes and budgets. Whether near Gare du Nord or in central Paris, you'll find a welcoming bistro with delectable aromas.

Some bistros are nestled within beautifully restored old train stations, offering not only a unique dining experience but also a chance to appreciate the city's architectural heritage.

Many Parisian bistros showcase local art on their walls, creating a cozy, gallery-like atmosphere. You might even dine in a space that once inspired artists like Renoir or Monet.

Afternoon: French cuisine in Paris: A culinary adventure

Enhance your Paris itinerary with a visit to some of th

Embarking on a culinary adventure in Paris is like savoring the essence of this iconic European city through its delectable dishes.

Let's explore how to make the most of your 2 days in Paris, incorporating visits to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe into your culinary journey.

While exploring Paris's renowned landmarks, visit the city's vibrant food markets, such as Marché Bastille or Marché des Enfants Rouges. Sample fresh produce, cheese, charcuterie, and other local delights while absorbing the bustling atmosphere of Parisian life.

Enhance your Paris itinerary with a visit to one of the city's Michelin-starred restaurants. Indulge in exquisite French cuisine, either before or after exploring iconic sites like Hôtel de Ville or the River Seine. These restaurants offer extraordinary dining experiences that blend tradition and innovation.

Paris' proximity to world-renowned wine regions like Bordeaux and Burgundy makes it an ideal destination for wine enthusiasts. After a day of Paris sightseeing, unwind at a wine bar or cellar, sampling exquisite French wines that complement your adventures.

Paris is synonymous with cheese, and a visit to a fromagerie is a must during your two-day Paris itinerary. Explore the vast selection of artisanal cheeses, each with its unique flavor profile, and pair them with a baguette for a delightful snack.

Conclude your day of visiting Paris's iconic landmarks with a sweet treat. Try classics like crème brûlée, mille-feuille, or a decadent chocolate fondant at a local patisserie.

Consider taking a cooking class for a hands-on Parisian experience. Learn to prepare iconic French dishes, and bring the flavors of Paris back home with you as cherished memories.

Don't hesitate to ask locals for dining recommendations, which may lead you to hidden gems and neighborhood eateries where you can enjoy authentic French hospitality, enriching your 2 days in Paris with delicious and memorable experiences.

Paris after dark: Nightlife & culture

Early evening: rue de rivoli: shopping & evening strolls.

As the stars twinkle above the City of Light, there's a special place where you can enjoy retail therapy and a leisurely evening stroll.

Welcome to Rue de Rivoli, a famous shopping street where shopping and promenades are a perfect pair.

Rue de Rivoli is a shopper's paradise, with boutiques and stores catering to every taste, from high-end fashion to unique souvenirs and chic accessories.

Many shops stay open late, allowing you to browse and find a unique memento of your Paris visit.

While strolling along this historic street, you'll pass iconic landmarks like the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Gardens, all beautifully illuminated, creating a picturesque backdrop for your evening walk.

Take a break at one of the charming cafes, ideal for people-watching and soaking up the Parisian ambiance.

The street's central location makes it a fantastic starting or ending point for an evening walking tour of Paris.

Whether you're shopping, strolling, or simply savoring the atmosphere, this location promises a memorable night in the heart of Paris.

Evening: Paris Opera: World-class performances

As night falls in Paris, the city's cultural scene comes alive in spectacular fashion.

One of its crown jewels is the legendary Paris Opera, also known as the Palais Garnier. Exploring this opulent venue is a must for anyone seeking a taste of Parisian culture.

The Palais Garnier isn't just a venue; it's an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of artistic grandeur. Inside, you'll be captivated by ornate decor, including a stunning chandelier that inspired "The Phantom of the Opera."

Renowned for hosting world-class ballet and opera performances, it appeals to both seasoned art lovers and newcomers. The quality of productions is bound to leave you in awe.

Attending a performance here is an exceptional experience, offering unique journeys into the world of art, from ballet's ethereal elegance to opera's powerful emotions.

This experience provides a perfect excuse to dress up, allowing you to don your finest attire and immerse yourself in high-society culture.

During intermission, join fellow patrons in the Grand Foyer for champagne and conversations about the performance.

If you're not attending a performance, consider taking a daytime guided tour to explore the venue's history, architecture, and behind-the-scenes secrets.

Evening: Grand Palais: Cultural events & exhibitions

At night the Grand Palais comes alive with vibrant cult

As the sun sets in Paris, the Grand Palais comes alive with vibrant cultural events and exhibitions, offering a dazzling nighttime experience.

This architectural masterpiece, with its glass dome and Beaux-Arts design, adds an extra layer of grandeur to any event you attend, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

The venue hosts world-class exhibitions, showcasing classic art and contemporary masterpieces, ensuring there's something to captivate every interest.

What sets it apart is its nighttime opening hours during special exhibitions, allowing you to explore Parisian cultural treasures after dark.

Its central location, near other landmarks, makes it easily accessible and a convenient addition to your Paris itinerary.

The Grand Palais represents Paris's dedication to the arts and its enduring status as a cultural powerhouse, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

Please note - it is currently closed for renovations and is due to reopen in 2024.

Late evening: Moulin Rouge: Unforgettable cabaret show

Prepare for an unforgettable Parisian night at the iconic Moulin Rouge, the world's most famous cabaret show and a symbol of the city's glamorous nightlife.

With its century-long history and distinctive windmill, the Moulin Rouge is where the modern can-can dance was born, and it remains a Parisian landmark.

The cabaret show is a sensory delight featuring extravagant costumes, infectious music, and the famous can-can dance, a whirlwind of feathers, sequins, and high kicks that will leave you breathless.

For an opulent experience, consider dining at the Moulin Rouge before the show. Indulge in sumptuous French cuisine and champagne to set the stage for a night of luxury and entertainment.

This cabaret is more than a performance; it's a representation of Paris' lively nightlife and artistic legacy, having hosted famous artists, writers, and celebrities.

An evening at the Moulin Rouge is one of the best things to do in Paris . It combines art, music, and celebration into a single dazzling spectacle.

Toward morning: Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur: Views & vibrant nights

As the sun sets over Paris, the City of Light transforms into a playground for night owls and culture enthusiasts.

One of the most magical places to experience Paris after dark is Montmartre. Here, the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica perches atop the hill, and the neighborhood's bohemian spirit remains vibrant.

Wandering its cobblestone streets at night, you'll encounter bustling cafes, street performers, and the enticing aroma of French cuisine.

Start your evening with a visit to the beautifully illuminated Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Climbing its steps to the dome offers a breathtaking panoramic vista of Paris that will leave you spellbound.

Montmartre's rich artistic history lives on in its many art museums and studios. You might stumble upon an art exhibition or performance that captures your heart.

The neighborhood's cafes are perfect for a leisurely evening. Sit on an outdoor terrace, order a glass of wine, and soak in the vibrant Parisian nightlife.

For live music enthusiasts, Montmartre offers jazz and cabaret performances that are sure to make your night unforgettable.

Explore hidden gems like charming boutiques, bookshops, and antique stores as you wander through the neighborhood's nooks and crannies.

Whether you're at the Place du Tertre watching artists at work or sipping coffee at a vintage café, Montmartre promises cherished nighttime memories as part of your 2 days in Paris itinerary.

Mid-morning: Expedited access: Skip the line tickets

Unlock the secret to maximizing your 2 days in Paris – skip-the-line tickets!

In a city filled with renowned sites like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre, time is precious, and queueing can eat it away.

First, plan your visit. List your desired attractions from your Paris itinerary, and check if they offer these tickets or if they're part of a Paris Pass.

If you intend to explore multiple sites and museums in just two days, the Paris Pass could be your best companion, often granting skip-the-line privileges for a smoother experience.

Don't let lines hinder your adventure. Be a savvy traveler and secure a skip-the-line ticket to savor more of Paris' enchantment.

Early afternoon: Paris Metro and transportation

Efficient transportation is vital to maximizing your 2-day Paris adventure, and the Paris Metro system is your trusty companion.

The Paris Metro stations are more than just transit points; they're immersive experiences, showcasing the city's history and culture through their art nouveau entrances and station designs.

Navigating the Paris Metro is a breeze, thanks to its extensive network that conveniently connects all major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe.

Don't forget to explore the artistic Left Bank along the Seine River, where you'll find galleries, iconic paintings, and charming sites like the Pont des Arts, famous as the "Love Lock Bridge."

For a seamless journey, use a Google Maps account to plan your Metro routes; it offers real-time updates to ensure you make the most of your time in Paris.

Afternoon: Walking tours and exploring on foot

Enjoy an authentic 2 days in Paris experience

Discovering Paris is a step-by-step journey, and for an authentic 2 days in Paris experience, lace up your comfy shoes, grab a map, and prepare for memorable walks.

Paris hides treasures in its streets and alleys that walking alone can unveil better than any other mode of transport.

Begin your day with a plan. Use a map or Google Maps to mark your destinations and plot your course.

Walking Paris is akin to sipping fine wine; it's about the journey. Pause in parks, savor café au lait at a bistro and let the winding streets lead you astray.

Walking tours are the key to comprehending and falling in love with Paris. Immerse yourself, capture moments, and create enduring memories. Paris is ready to be explored, one step at a time!

In just 48 hours, Paris reveals its enchantment, where famous landmarks intertwine with hidden gems.

From the iconic Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame to the artistic wonders of the Louvre and the serene streets of Le Marais, every corner narrates a story, offers a delight, and creates a memory.

Remember, 2 days in Paris is but a glimpse of its splendor. There's always more to explore, pastries to savor, art to admire, and that unmistakable Parisian joie de vivre to absorb.

As we say goodbye to the City of Light, a final tip: wherever your travels lead, embrace each moment with the same enthusiasm and curiosity you brought to Paris.

Hello, curious traveler! Embark on a unique experience with Hello, curious traveler! Embark on a unique experience with City Unscripted Paris. Our personalized, private tours, led by local hosts, make you feel like you’re exploring the city with a knowledgeable friend. We’ll take you to well-known sights and reveal Paris’s hidden gems, unveiling stories typically missed by traditional tours. So unscript your journey, and see Paris through the eyes of our local hosts!

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Raconteur Paris Walking Tours: 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour

Raconteur’s guided walking tour of Paris offers visitors a captivating exploration of the city’s storied past. Led by the enthusiastic Ben, a native English speaker, this 2-hour adventure takes participants on a journey through iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre. Along the way, the tour delves into the city’s rich art, architecture , and pivotal moments in history, including the French Revolution. Rated 5/5 for its engaging storytelling , the tour is wheelchair-accessible and promises a memorable experience for all ages. With flexible booking options and a hassle-free cancellation policy, this tour is a must-consider for those seeking to uncover the vibrant culture and history of the City of Light.

A 2-hour guided walking tour in Paris that explores iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, Tuileries Garden, and the Louvre.
Led by an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, English-speaking guide, Ben, who provides engaging historical insights and recommendations for local attractions.
Wheelchair accessible tour with a comprehensive introduction to Paris’s cultural and historical legacy, covering topics such as art, architecture, literature, and more.
Flexible booking options, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and consistent 5-star ratings from participants.
Tour meeting point at the Arc de Triomphe, with the guide easily identifiable by a red umbrella.

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Tour Overview

The Raconteur Paris Walking Tours offer a 2-hour guided walking experience through the heart of the French capital.

Priced from €0.00 per person, this tour is wheelchair accessible and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Led by native English-speaking guide Ben, the tour starts at the iconic Arc de Triomphe, where you will meet their guide holding a red umbrella.

Over the course of the two hours, the group will explore significant landmarks like Place de la Concorde, Tuileries Garden, and the Louvre, while learning about the city’s rich history, culture, and iconic institutions like the Tour de France.

The tour concludes at the Louvre, providing participants with a comprehensive introduction to the City of Light.

Tour Highlights

Throughout the Raconteur Paris Walking Tour , participants explore an intriguing tapestry of art, architecture, literature, cinema, history, science, sport, cuisine, and fashion that define the City of Light.

The tour delves into key episodes of the French Revolution , offering an immersive experience. Participants also learn about the Louvre’s captivating history and the origins of the iconic Tour de France .

The route starts at the Arc de Triomphe and winds through significant locations like Place de la Concorde, Tuileries Garden, and Musée d’Orsay, culminating at the Louvre.

This tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Paris’s rich cultural and historical legacy .

Guide Experience

Typically, the Raconteur Paris Walking Tours are led by native English-speaking guide Ben , who’s renowned for his boundless enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of Paris.

Ben engages participants with a wealth of fun facts, captivating anecdotes , and historical insights, making the tour an enjoyable experience for all ages. He also provides personalized recommendations for restaurants and other local attractions, and even offers portable phone chargers to ensure participants stay connected throughout the tour.

Travelers consistently praise Ben’s ability to connect with the group and bring the city’s rich history and culture to life in an engaging and entertaining manner.

Participant Feedback

Travelers who’ve experienced the Raconteur Paris Walking Tours consistently rate the tour 5/5 based on 36 reviews .

Participants particularly appreciate guide Ben’s enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of Paris. They note his ability to engage the group with fun facts, anecdotes, and historical context, making the tour enjoyable for all ages.

Many recommend experiencing the tour early in one’s trip, as Ben provides personalized restaurant recommendations and assistance, including portable phone chargers, that enhance the overall Paris experience.

The feedback highlights Ben’s talent for connecting with participants and bringing the city’s rich history to life in a captivating manner.

Booking Information

Visitors can reserve the Raconteur Paris Walking Tours and pay later. The tour has flexible booking options , allowing participants to select their preferred date and the number of attendees.

After booking, a confirmation email will be sent prior to the tour. Travelers are advised to check their spam folder if they don’t receive the confirmation.

The tour is subject to availability, so visitors should check the tour’s calendar for start times that suit their schedule.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The Raconteur Paris Walking Tours meet at the Arc de Triomphe, located on the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées. The guide holds a red umbrella to help participants easily identify them.

The tour is wheelchair accessible , allowing everyone to participate and explore the city’s rich history and landmarks. Participants can enjoy the 2-hour walking tour in the comfort of an English-speaking guide ‘s company, learning about the art, architecture, and significant moments that shaped Paris.

The tour starts at the iconic Arc de Triomphe and ends at the renowned Louvre museum, covering iconic locations like Place de la Concorde and Tuileries Garden along the way.

Cancellation Policy

Participants can cancel their Raconteur Paris Walking Tour reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund .

This flexible cancellation policy ensures travelers can plan their trip without worrying about unexpected changes .

If participants need to cancel within 24 hours of the tour, they’ll receive a full refund, allowing them to rebook or make other arrangements.

The tour operator understands that travel plans can be unpredictable , and this policy reflects their commitment to providing a hassle-free experience .

Booking the Raconteur Paris Walking Tour with confidence, knowing a full refund is available if needed, allows participants to focus on enjoying the tour to the fullest.

Tour Duration and Language

The Raconteur Paris Walking Tour is a 2-hour guided experience conducted in English.

Offering an immersive exploration of the city, the tour covers a range of topics, from art and architecture to literature, cinema, history, science, sport, cuisine, and fashion.

The duration provides ample time for participants to engage with the guide, Ben, known for his enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of Paris.

Regardless of age or background, travelers can expect an enjoyable and informative journey , as Ben skillfully weaves in fun facts, anecdotes, and historical insights to bring the city’s rich tapestry to life.

The tour’s accessibility and flexible scheduling make it an attractive option for visitors seeking a comprehensive introduction to the wonders of Paris.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if it rains during the tour.

If it rains during the tour, the guide has rain ponchos available for participants. The tour will continue as scheduled, with the guide adapting the route to ensure the group stays comfortable and dry throughout the experience.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Participants are encouraged to take photos during the walking tour. The guide actively facilitates photo opportunities and provides insights to capture the best shots of Paris’ landmarks and scenery along the route.

How Much Walking Is Involved in the Tour?

The tour involves a moderate amount of walking, covering approximately 2-3 miles over the course of 2 hours. Participants can expect to walk at a leisurely pace through significant locations in central Paris. Rest stops may be available as needed.

Are There Any Stops to Rest or Use the Restroom?

The tour includes stops along the way where participants can rest and use the restroom. The walking pace is relaxed, and the guide is attentive to the group’s needs, ensuring everyone is comfortable throughout the 2-hour experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though the guide doesn’t provide time for breaks to consume them. It’s recommended to eat and hydrate beforehand so one can fully engage with the tour experience.

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Raconteur’s 2-hour guided walking tour of Paris offers a captivating exploration of the city’s vibrant history and culture. Led by the enthusiastic native English speaker Ben, the tour takes visitors through iconic landmarks , delving into art, architecture, and pivotal moments. With engaging storytelling, flexible booking, and hassle-free cancellation, this wheelchair-accessible adventure promises an immersive experience for all ages, earning a 5/5 rating from participants.

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COMMENTS

2 Days In Paris Itinerary (Walking Tour + Maps and Tips)
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2 Days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary
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Here's an overview of the perfect Paris itinerary 2 days. Day 1 in Paris - Ile de la Cié and Right Bank with Montmartre. Day 2 in Paris - Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Près, Trocadéro, and the Eiffel Tower. We decided to split this two days in Paris itinerary into Paris Right Bank and Paris Left Bank.
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Our 2-day Paris, France itinerary takes you to the most popular things to do in the City of Light, and provides an enjoyable and efficient walking tour through most of the iconic districts. Included are the best art museums, historical monuments, and a few places with great views of Paris. Note that it's physically impossible to see all of ...
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2 Days in Paris Itinerary
Watch the sunset at Tour Montparnasse Observation Deck. At 210 metres tall, the Tour Montparnasse is the perfect place to finish off your day. It will cost you 13 Euro, but the views over Paris from up here are well worth it. The tower makes for the perfect place to watch the sunset over Paris.
The Perfect 2 Days in Paris Itinerary
Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower is, without a doubt, Paris's most iconic landmark, so there's no way I'd have you spend two days in the city without swinging by. I'd never do that to you. Built in 1889 to commemorate the French Revolution's centenary, the tower soon became one of the most iconic structures on earth.
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11:00 - Seine River Cruise. Cost: Starting at €13 for a standalone ticket, here's a pro tip: snag a combo ticket that includes both the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River Cruise. After soaking in the awe-inspiring views from the Eiffel Tower, it's time to see Paris from a different angle —a cruise down the Seine River.
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Estimated visit time: 2 hours. Subway station: Solférino (approx. 3 minutes on foot) For your second day in Paris, this world-famous museum is a must. The Musée d'Orsay has a more modern collection than the Louvre, focusing mainly on art from the second half of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.
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2 hour walking tour of the Marais; 2.5 hour walking tour of the Latin Quarter; 2.5 hour walking tour of Montmartre; 2 hour Ile de la Cite walking tour (with Notre Dame) 4. Paris Museum Pass. If you plan on hitting as many museums and cultural attractions as possible during your 2 days in Paris, you may want to invest in the Paris Museum Pass.
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Paris walking routes explored in this post. Arc de Triomphe to Pont de Arts — A must-do for first time visitors. Latin Quarter & the isles — A balance of city energy and quiet streets. Le Marais — A trendy neighborhood in a historic setting. Montmartre — A beloved and beautiful art district on a hill with great views.
A Local's 2 Days In Paris Itinerary
Discovering Paris is a step-by-step journey, and for an authentic 2 days in Paris experience, lace up your comfy shoes, grab a map, and prepare for memorable walks. Paris hides treasures in its streets and alleys that walking alone can unveil better than any other mode of transport. Begin your day with a plan.
Planning Your Time in Paris: Paris in One to Seven Days
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Raconteur Paris Walking Tours: 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour
Raconteur's guided walking tour of Paris offers visitors a captivating exploration of the city's storied past. Led by the enthusiastic Ben, a native English speaker, this 2-hour adventure takes participants on a journey through iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre. Along the way, the tour delves into the city's rich art, architecture, and pivotal moments in history ...

2 Days In Paris Itinerary (Walking Tour + Maps and Tips)

Palais Garnier

Day 1 of 2 days in Paris itinerary

Day 2 of 2 days in Paris itinerary

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2 Day Paris Itinerary

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris

Wine Tasting

Eiffel Tower

Seine River Cruise

Arc de Triomphe

Paris Itinerary: Day 2

Dalí Museum

Opera Garnier Tour

Musee d’Orsay

Stroll along the Left Bank

Sunset at Tour Montparnasse

Centre Pompidou

2 Days in Paris Itinerary Map

2 Day Paris Itinerary Overview

When to Visit Paris

How to Get Around Paris

How to Save Money on Your Paris trip

Where to Stay in Paris

Practicalities for visiting Paris

Power in Paris

Currency in Paris

Internet Access in Paris

Drinking Water in Paris

Eating in Paris

Walking Tours of Paris

Further Reading for your Paris trip

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Pack your bags

Perfect 2 Days in Paris Itinerary + Budget Guide

Planning Your 2 Days in Paris

Getting Around Paris

Where to Stay

2 Days in Paris Itinerary

2 Days in Paris Itinerary: Day 1

Crepe Break

2 Days in Paris Itinerary: Day 2

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2 Days in Paris: Itinerary & Best Tips by a Local

Paris 2 Day Itinerary – Our Proposal for Two Days in Paris

2 Days in Paris, Day 1: Paris Right Bank

» Notre Dame opening hours: closed to the public until further notice

» The Louvre Museum opens from Wednesday to Monday from 9 am to 6 am. On Wednesdays and Fridays, the Louvre opens until 9.45 pm.

» Click here to buy your tickets to the Moulin Rouge show

» You can reach the Panthéon by metro, from Cardinal Lemoine metro station (line 10). If you want to have a quick look at the Arènes de Lutèce first, then take the metro to Jussieu (lines 7 and 10).

» Book your Eiffel Tower tickets well in advance! With only two days in Paris, it’s important to secure the date and time slot asap.

How to Get from and to the Airports of Paris

Where to Sleep in Paris for 2 Days

About WORLD IN PARIS

2 Days in Paris Itinerary, With a Map

Table of contents

Day 1 – A Walking Tour of Paris Map

Day 2 – A Walking Tour of Paris Map

End Your 2 Days in Paris Tour In the Latin Quarter

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The perfect 2 days in Paris itinerary | How to spend 48 hours in Paris

Why go to Paris?

The ideal 2 days in Paris itinerary

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Travel Insurance for your Paris trip

Day 1 in Paris

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Day 1 in Paris interactive map

Day 2 in Paris

Day 2 Paris itinerary map

How to get around Paris

Getting to Paris

Getting from Paris Airports into town

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