2 Days in Paris: The Ultimate Paris Itinerary
Paris is such a magical place, a city that truly has something amazing for every kind of traveler. No matter how many times you have read about it or how often you have visited, there’s always something exciting to do, a new discovery to make, and a great novel part of the city to fall in love with.
Paris, as we all know, is the capital city of France and a major European center for all things fashion, arts, culture, food and immigration. The river Seine separates the main part of the city into two areas: Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité. The city is further arranged into 20 clockwise-spiraling arrondissements (municipal boroughs or neighborhoods). This can make it easy to stay organized when looking at a map, but it also means that less experienced visitors can become very mixed up with all of the different numbers and regions!
Some of the most famous neighborhoods include: Montmartre, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Latin Quarter, Pigalle, and Le Marais. Things can be a bit confusing at first, but the important thing to keep in mind is that with so many different neighborhoods to explore there will definitely be plenty of fun and exciting things to do in Paris and its surrounding areas for every kind of traveler. Plus, everyone will be able to find an amazing street-cafe, museum, or restaurant they’ll fall in love with.
Travelers who have a short amount of time to visit the city very often will have questions like: Is 2 days enough time in Paris? How to see Paris in 2 days? or What’s the best 2 days in Paris itinerary?
Exploring Paris in two days can seem very intimidating, since there’s so much to do in such a short span of time. A quick google search will return pages and pages with seemingly hundreds of suggestions, so it might seem impossible to visit for a short time. Nonetheless, a quick trip can absolutely be enjoyable for all kinds of travelers (both first timers and returning travelers). I have actually found that many of my most memorable and fun trips have been the shorter ones!
Sometimes, the condensed format can actually help you to prioritize and plan a cohesive trip that lets you focus on what’s important to you and your traveling companions at the time.
If you are interested in knowing how to experience Paris in a short amount of time, read on as we share some tips on where to go and how to find those unique Parisian vibes.
This “2 days in Paris Itinerary” is full of awe-inspiring places and great adventures. You‘ll definitely be constantly on the move, but everything is carefully curated for travelers to have the best time!
How To Spend 2 Days in Paris
Day 1: Seine, Sainte Chapelle, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Montmartre, Moulin Rouge
Stop1:Sunrise in the river Seine
The Seine River is one the most well-known Paris destinations. Dividing the city in two, much of the French capital's history, culture and important landmarks has always been attached to the famous river. As such, you’ll spend a lot of time walking by or driving along the banks of the Seine during your trip while heading to places like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. Whether you’re going to walk over one of the fabulous bridges or to see a legendary bookseller in their small shop, you’ll frequently find yourself alongside the river. Regardless of how long you’re in the city and how much time you decide to spend near the Seine during your trip, one experience we always recommend is heading there to watch the sunrise during your first day! They say that the early bird catches the worm, and in Paris those who wake up early will definitely get to see the city through a different light. Literally, as the rising sun and relative calmness magically create a very relaxing and romantic Parisian atmosphere!
Stop 2: Palais de la Cité: Sainte Chapelle
Palais de la Cité is among the most history-rich places in Paris. The complex of Palais de la Cité served as the main residence of the Kings of France from the 6th century until the 14th, and it houses one of my favorite destinations in Paris: The Royal Chapel, Sainte Chapelle. Looking up from the medieval streets of Île de la Cité, you can’t miss the visually impressive Gothic style chapel! And if you think the Rayonnant architecture of the exterior is dramatic, just wait until you see the inside of the Royal Chapel. The Chapel and the Shrine feature hundreds of meters of stained glass, and every single one of those stained glass panels is a true masterpiece of colors, light, and detail. All together, the glass plus the art pieces found on the interior make Sainte Chapelle a destination you won’t want to miss on your 1st day in Paris. Exploring the grounds and learning a bit about French culture and history is also always a great idea in Sainte Chapelle.
The Chapel offers guided and self-guided tours, as well as different ticket options. It opens everyday from April through September from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and the rest of the year from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Just be mindful that Sainte Chapelle is a very popular destination in Paris and the lines can be quite long when visiting in the middle of the day. That’s why we recommend heading there during early morning hours, especially if you are spending your 2 days in Paris during the weekend or the peak season (spring and summer months). You’ll have a better chance to beat the crowds with an earlier start!
Once you have been amazed at Sainte Chappelle, it’s time to enjoy some Parisian breakfast before moving on to another of the major Parisian destinations on your first day in the city. And there’s no better cafe to do so than...
Stop 3: Brasserie Les Deux Palais
Brasserie Les Deux Palais is right on the corner of Sainte Chapelle and Palais de la Cité, making it the perfect little Parisian Cafe stop to grab a morning croissant (if you didn’t already!) and a delicious tea or coffee before heading over to another famous church.
Stop 4: Notre Dame
We all know of or have heard about the iconic Notre Dame! Unfortunately, since the terrible fire in April 2019, the Cathedral is closed for visitors during its restoration process, which is set to last until 2024. Nonetheless, we recommend you don’t leave Paris without at least taking a glance at the famous cathedral. Strolling around the grounds while admiring the exterior architectural work might not be the same as going inside, but you’ll get to experience the vibe of the surrounding streets of Île de la Cité and maybe relax while looking out at La Rive Gauche (left bank of the Seine).
Stop 5: Musee du Louvre
Going across from Île de la Cité, towards the right bank of the Seine, travelers will find the famous Louvre Museum. The streets leading up to the museum have everything you can imagine and more: old fancy Parisian facades, restaurants and cafes, markets with flower displays, bouquinistes, and epic views of the Seine. Once in the Louvre area, you’ll get to see the imposing architecture of the museum and surrounding buildings that beautifully form neat squares around the iconic modern Pyramide du Louvre designed by I.M. Pei. The grounds of the museum are definitely worth a visit, even if you decide to skip the lines and not to go inside! It's honestly quite spectacular even from just standing outside.
A visit to the museum is a quintessential Paris activity and in my opinion a must among the places to explore in Paris in 2 days. Our recommendation: Spend half an hour strolling around and appreciating the uniqueness of this place from the exterior before heading inside to see masterpieces like the famous Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
Note: While I would ideally recommend spending half a day in the Louvre to experience it in its entirety on a longer trip, travelers visiting Paris for less than a weekend should do a bit of research ahead of time. A little planning will make it so you can pop into the museum and see the specific masterpieces you are more interested in without spending too much time. It’s totally doable to explore the museum's main attractions in under an hour, although I would say to budget 2 if you want to do it without feeling rushed or stressed. This also gives some flexibility to explore and see some of the many pieces that catch your eye while walking through the building. If you decide to go inside, make sure to book tickets online beforehand! That way, you’ll save some time by avoiding some of the longest lines at the museum.
Stop 6: Lunch At Ellsworth
Once you have spent your first morning visiting some of the most incredible Paris attractions, it's time to grab some lunch before continuing on with even more exploration. There are many places to eat delicious food in Paris; it’s common knowledge that the French have some of the world’s most incredible food and wine. You can go almost anywhere and have a nice meal, but for lunch on your first day I recommend going to Ellsworth. The little sister of the famous Verjus-Paris, Ellsworth is a Parisian restaurant that’s actually run by Americans serving delicious food. Why am I recommending a restaurant run by Americans when we are in France? Well, the food is simply so delicious, and you will definitely still get to experience that French atmosphere. Plus, the restaurant is just 450m from the Louvre, making it perfect for our quick itinerary! Just make sure to book your table in advance, as the place can definitely get busy and you might not get in otherwise.
Stop 7: Jardin des Tuileries
Straight up from the Louvre Museum and around a 10 minute walk from Ellsworth, visitors will find the Jardin des Tuileries. If you are spending your 2 days in Paris during the spring or fall, you are in luck: the Parisian gardens (Jardins) are at their most beautiful during those months due to the change of color and the beautiful flowers. During the summer, you’ll find tourists and locals alike having picnics, enjoying a good book al fresco, or simply tanning. The Jardin des Tuileries and the Jardin du Luxembourg (more about that one below) are among the most beautiful gardens I have ever visited, so don't miss out on the opportunity to experience them for yourself while visiting Paris!
Stop 8: The Champs-Elysées
After enjoying all the beauty of the Tuileries Gardens, it’s time to explore another of Paris's more liveliest areas: The Champs-Elysées. The avenue and its surrounding streets are as quintessentially Parisian as you can imagine, so take it all in: stopping at Ladurée (the fancy famous bakery), strolling around Place de la Concorde, and admiring the Grand Palais.
The Champs-Elysées will take you without diversions from the Louvre to the Tuilerie Gardens and Place de la Concorde, finally ending up right at the Arche de Triomphe.
Although, I recommend going a bit off route for a moment to check out the next destination in this “2 days in Paris Itinerary”.
Stop 9: Pont Alexander III
There are many bridges along the Seine in Paris, but Pont Alexander III is definitely one of the most beautiful ones. It is well known for its intricate decorations and detailed design. The bridge connects the Right Bank with the Left, bringing together many of Paris' famous landmarks. Spend a few minutes admiring the detailed design of the famous bridge before heading on to another iconic destination in Paris…
Stop 10: Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe Monument is another of those fascinating historical places in Paris. The structure itself is amazing, and the military history tied to it is very interesting. The Arc was completed in 1836 under the mandate of French king, Louis-Philippe, but it was actually commissioned by Napoleon himself in 1806. The Monument is dedicated to the unknown soldier, and visitors can learn about the structure and enjoy some spectacular panoramic city views when visiting the top of the Arch.
Stop 11: Montmartre & Sacré-Coeur
The next stop during these 2 days in Paris Itinerary will be the Montmartre neighborhood. Approximately a 20 minute ride on the train from The Arc de Triomphe will bring you a few steps away from Montmartre and one of the area’s main attractions, Sacré-Cœur.
This famous basilica is perched up on the top of a hill in the middle of the Montmartre neighborhood, almost like it’s watching over the area. To head up to Sacré-Cœur you can either climb the stairs or take the cable car next to the stairs. The entrance of the Basilica is always crowded unless you head there really early in the morning, but the back is definitely less crowded and still a great place to take beautiful pictures and experience the church.
If you want to go inside the Basilica, the entrance is free but the lines will probably be long, especially during the summer.
Once you have explored around Sacré-Cœur, you’ll want to see the rest of the Montmartre neighborhood. Head into the busy streets to experience the many cute coffee shops, vintage markets, boutiques, art galleries, and more. The area is famous worldwide, and has an incredible cultural history. Among Montmartre’s well known former residents are Picasso, Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, Edgar Degas and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.
You can also visit the Dali Museum, or simply head to one of the many street cafes in the area to enjoy a delicious bite and some good wine before heading to your next destination.
Stop 12: Moulin Rouge
Going to see a cabaret show in Moulin Rouge is one of the can’t miss experiences in this 2 days in Paris itinerary. Book a 9 o’clock show and add some dinner and champagne to enjoy while watching the great spectacle of dancing and singing performances during multiple cabaret acts.
Day 2: Eiffel Tower, Musée d'Orsay, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Latin Quarter, Seine Cruise and Paris Opera
Stop 1: Eiffel Tower & Champ de Mars
The Eiffel Tower is most definitely that one place that’s on everyone's Paris itinerary. An early morning walk through the Champ de Mars with a coffee or tea in hand (and a croissant in the other!) would make this first stop on your 2nd day a true Parisian dream. The Eiffel Tower is definitely one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris and the world, meaning that EVERYONE will want to go while in the city. By going there early in the morning, you’ll definitely avoid most of the crowds and be able to experience the tower in a more relaxed atmosphere. If instead of walking around the grounds you prefer to climb up to the top, there are several options and tickets you can purchase. The Tower has several observation points, so you don’t have to go all the way to the top if you don’t like heights or are running short on time. There’s also a really fabulous restaurant inside the tower itself, 58 Tour Eiffel, which has recently been through a renovation process.
Stop 2: Notre Pâtisserie
One of the best ways to discover a city is to walk around the streets. From the ground, you’ll get the full experience of being amongst the locals and walking in the footsteps of the famous current and former residents. Once you have explored the Eiffel Tower and surrounding areas, stroll through some of the Parisian streets and follow the path bringing you to Notre Pâtisserie. Notre Pâtisserie is approximately a 10 minute walk from Champ de Mars and The Eiffel Tower, making it the perfect little stop to grab a morning croissant and a healthy juice or coffee.
Stop 3: Musée d'Orsay
Musée d'Orsay is one of the most beautiful museums in Paris and another great destination on our list of places to visit during your 2 days in Paris. This is another great stop especially for any art lovers visiting the city. The museum is located in an old train station: the main platform is now a unique place to view the works of famous names like Van Gogh, Renoir and Monet, among others.
If this is not your first time in Paris and you have already been here, instead head to another one of my favorite museums, the Rodin Museum. It’s right in the same area, just a few blocks south of the Musée d'Orsay and the Seine River. One of the best parts about Paris is that you’ll never run out of museums to explore and experience!
Stop 4: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The famous St-Germain-des-Prés is in many ways the heart and soul of Paris. And the allure of the quintessential French buildings, patisseries, wine bars, and small shops that are housed in its streets attract and seduce you with its Parisian flair in almost an indescribable way.This is one of the most visited neighborhoods of the city, and it’s definitely an area that we recommend to all 1st time visitors! Always check this neighborhood when looking for a place to stay on airbnb.
There are also many French cafes to sit down in along the tree-lined streets!
Eat a croissant over at Les Deux Magots, or relax with a wine in hand at Cafe di Fiore before walking towards one of the many interesting galleries and museums of the area: Musée National Eugène Delacroix, Applicat-Prazan and Laurence Esnol Gallery.
There’s so much to do and so many restaurants too that sometimes it’s best to just walk around and pop into whichever one catches your eye that day.
Stroll around the small Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge to admire the awe-inspiring views of the Seine River and see the many love locks that at some point visitors and locals were allowed to leave on the bridge rails as a sign of love and romance.
Some other interesting places to visit in St-Germain-des-Prés are: Église Saint-Sulpice and Odéon-Théâtre de l'Europe.
Stop 5: Latin Quarter
Paris is all about lively yet laid-back areas filled with locals, artists, students and tourists all mixed together in one place. The Latin Quarter is the perfect example of this, found right next to Saint-Germain-des-Prés and by many of the city's famous landmarks. The area is renowned for its historical Middle Ages streets and alleyways, nearby universities, and many museums.
There are also plenty of old churches to visit around here, all with their own incredible details and beautiful architecture. Saint Severin, one of the most stunning Parisian churches, is located in the rue Saint-Séverin. It has been a worship center since the 11th century, so it’s an amazing place to feel some history and culture.
I also recommend walking by The Sorbonne while taking all of the scholarly student atmosphere in.
You’ll also find lots of bookshops and the bouquinistes (antique booksellers) all along the first ever Parisian Quay, Quai des Grands Augustins, so everyone will find something they love in the Latin Quarter.
And there are so many other shops to browse around inside the narrow alleyways! The bookstores in the area especially have a great selection of really interesting books, many of which are amazing vintage copies.
To visit one of the most famous English language focused bookstores in Paris, head to 37 Rue de la Bûcherie. Here you’ll find Shakespeare and Company, right on the edge of the district. This bookshop was originally a library, created by George Whitman and frequented by big literary names like Allen Ginsberg, Anaïs Nin, Richard Wright, and Julio Cortázar among others.
Today, the bookstore hosts different events every week and has been portrayed in cool movies like Before Sunset and Midnight in Paris. Take the opportunity to stop by and enjoy a good pastry at their coffee shop, maybe you’ll be lucky enough to catch one of the frequent musical performances as well! It’s a perfect stop to take a quick break and rest your legs before continuing on.
Besides the Shakespeare and Company cafe, there are also lots of food options all along Rue de la Harpe, Rue de la Huchette and Rue Saint-Severin as well. You’ll definitely have many great establishments to stop by and enjoy a delightful meal.
Stop 6: Jardin du Luxembourg
Next on our 2 days in Paris Itinerary will be the Jardin du Luxembourg. This garden is in my opinion the most beautiful jardin in Paris, so you won’t want to leave the city without experiencing it for yourself, even if it’s just a quick tour or while you walk through the gardens to get from one destination to the next. Jardin du Luxembourg is perfectly situated between the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, making it very easy to stop by while you are in the area.
The garden has chairs and benches throughout its grounds, a few courts for those looking to play some tennis, a beautiful palace, and a popular museum. If you want to spend a bit more time here, you’ll definitely have plenty of options!
Stop 7: Cheese and Wine Tasting
Among the last stops on this second day of our Paris in 2 days itinerary is going for a wine and cheese tasting in the city. Wine Tasting In Paris and Secret Wine Door are two of my favorite places in the French capital. Wine Tasting In Paris is right around a 15-minute walk from Jardin du Luxembourg, passing through the Paris Panthéon. Secret Wine Door is a 25 minute walk from the garden, but in the opposite direction. Both are specialty wine experiences offering personalized and intimate group tastings, hosted by some local connoisseurs. You’ll get to try some delicious wine from several different French regions, accompanied in most cases by a small charcuterie board: a cheese platter with some bread and olive oil!
Stop 8: Sunset Cruise in the Seine
Once the evening has arrived, it’s time to discover Paris from the river! And there’s no better way to do so than by taking a sunset cruise on the Seine. There are many options online to book your cruise, from big tourist companies to private tours. This is definitely quite a popular activity in Paris, so many people will be using the larger tour companies to book the cruise. That’s why I recommend going to airbnb and looking for Paris experiences. There, you’ll find the best of both worlds: river cruises that won’t be as crowded as the regular touristy ones, or as expensive as the private ones. You’ll get a semi-private tour for a decent price.
Tip: There are also dinner cruises as well if that's something that interests you. If you are not a boat lover, you can always switch this stop for drinks and dinner at one of the many restaurants located on the Seine River. You’ll still get magnificent views and a fabulous experience!
Stop 9: Opera Garnier Paris
There’s no more grandiose place to finish your Paris trip than the Opera Garnier Paris. Palais Garnier is one of the most well known concert halls and performance institutions in the world, and it hosts shows from the Opera de Paris and the ballet (among other many musical extravaganzas) every year. The Palais was built in the 19th century and exudes grandiose, opulence and elegance. It has a 1900+ seat auditorium, a stunning ceiling mural painted by master Marc Chagall, and an amazing dramatic chandelier. The auditorium, the entrance, the foyer and the exterior are breathtaking and present a very detail oriented design. And even if you don't get tickets to one of the shows, the architecture of Palais Garnier is a sight of its own that is definitely worth visiting!
Travel Information for your 2 Days In Paris Itinerary
With 2 days in Paris, we’ve just shared plenty of cool and interesting places to visit in the city. As a bonus if you have more time, want more logistical information, or wish to swap some of the above destinations, read on and learn about the following extras:
Église Saint-Sulpice: Although this church is not always considered one of Paris's most famous attractions, it’s an incredible building and absolutely worth a visit. If you visit Saint-Sulpice on Sunday, there’s also a farmers market right next to the church!
The Paris Flea Market is actually said to be the largest vintage market in the world! The market opens Saturdays and Sundays all year round, and you can spend hours browsing through the many vendors selling second hand garments, antiques, vintage jewelry, and collectable art.
Montparnasse tower or skyscraper offers fascinating panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower and many other famous Parisian landmarks. Head there to watch the sunset from this tower and witness the French capital become the City of Lights! When planning your 2 days in Paris, just keep in mind that depending on the time of the year you’ll be visiting, the sunset may be earlier or later. To go to the top, there’s a cover charge of approximately 14 euros per person.
Disneyland Paris is a theme park, resort and entertainment complex located just an hour from the city center. It's a popular destination in the city, and a great place to bring your kids! If you have the time, it’s an awesome day trip destination from Paris.
Versaille is another of the greatest Parisian attractions to visit. The palace-museum is just 30 minutes away from the Eiffel Tower, and it's one of the most breathtaking former royal residences in the world. Not only are the interiors of Versailles majestic, but the surrounding gardens make this place a wonder beyond imagination. A picnic on the grounds and some time exploring will make for the perfect afternoon!
Best Time To Visit
Mid Spring and Fall are the ideal times to visit Paris. The city is not as crowded as it tends to be during the Holiday season or the summer months, and the weather is usually nice with temperatures in the low 60’s. Nonetheless, it's true that visiting Paris is always a great idea no matter the season. Visitors will find plenty of fun things to do during the summer: picnic under the Eiffel Tower, bask and relax in one of the famous gardens… In the winter, the Pariasian lights turn festive and even more beautiful, which makes the city a bit more romantic. Just don't forget to pack your coat, as the city can get quite cold!
Transportation Tips
Paris has three major nearby airports: Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais. You can commute from any of the three of them to the city center, although the two closest ones are Charles de Gaulle and Orly. There are several public transportation options that will take you back and forth from the airports to the city, as well as taxis and ubers. Transportation fees vary depending on the option you choose. Taxi fees range anywhere from 40 to 80 euros, while buses and trains usually run around 10 euros one way. While in the city center and surrounding areas transit prices are more reasonable, and travelers can always choose to walk everywhere. The distance between most of the major landmarks is usually doable, and a combination of walking and public transit will definitely get you everywhere you need to go.
Food Recommendations
If you are planning to go out for dinner La Mangerie, Le Chardenoux and L'Ami Jean are a few very popular places among the locals, and the areas are also very lively at night. These are some of my favorite restaurants in Paris for a late dinner!
Hotel Recommendations
There are many different types of accommodation to choose from when visiting Paris. It all depends on your personal preference and which area is more appealing for you to stay. I recommend choosing a centrally located place to stay, even if it's in more of a touristy area. A good location is really important for having the best travel experience, especially when visiting for just 2 days with limited time. Here are some of our favorite places and stays!
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General Travel Tips
For the first time visitors planning to visit more than one attraction or museum in those 2 days in Paris (probably everyone!) you can find options like the Paris Pass to help you save money and skip some of the lines. They have online options to get around the city as well!
Looking to explore some other French cities to visit after Paris? We have written a detailed travel guide for Nice and the South of France, as well as for other European destinations like Madrid, Lisbon and Dublin. Head to our travel guide section to read up on everything you need to know about these capital cities!
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Have you been to Paris before? Leave us a comment below sharing your favorite destinations, experiences, and restaurants in the City of Lights!
Au Revoir from the Eiffel Tower
Besitos,
Laura
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The Ultimate 2 Days in Paris Itinerary. Day 1: Sainte Chapelle, Louvre, Montmatre, Molin Rogue... Day 2: Eiffel Tower, Latin Quarter, Seine, Palais Garnier…