Paris. the luminary city. Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world (in 2017 it was third only to Bangkok and London), and it’s easy to understand why. It is famous for romance, arrogance, fashion, and food.
The centerpiece of Paris’ tourist industry is comprised of stunning architecture, top-notch museums, and a wide selection of Michelin-starred restaurants. Here, we aim to provide you some inspiration for your personal plan by sharing our 2-day Paris itinerary.
On our short list of favorite European cities, Paris easily made the cut. We only stayed there for 2 days, but this schedule has been tried and true. Even though we were exhausted by the end, it was totally worth it. Without a doubt, we’ll be back!
This schedule is ideal for a first-time or repeat traveler on a low to medium budget who is seeking for advice on how to spend two days in Paris and see the majority of the major attractions.
A comfortable quantity to finish in two days has been specified, with bonuses added for those who finish sooner. For the best chance of properly appreciating Paris’ amazing architecture, we advise taking frequent walks.
We’ll quickly discuss the Paris Pass and a few other necessities for city travel in the conclusion.
Itinerary For Two Days In Paris
Day 1
1.typical breakfast in Paris
Let’s get off to a good start. There won’t be time for a hangry mood because you’ll need lots of energy for the day ahead!
There is a thriving café culture in Paris, so we’re sure you can find a lovely place close to your accommodation. After eating bread and drinking coffee, we are now full; let’s start burning some of those calories.
3.Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral
The Cathedrale Notre-Dame De Paris is the first site on the itinerary for two days in Paris. It is strongly advised that you arrive early. After overindulging in our breakfast and people-watching, the wait to enter Notre Dame seemed to go on forever.
Victor Hugo’s book “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” contributed in part to its reputation. The reason for its true fame is that it is one of the best examples of French Gothic architecture. It’s worth going to see it from the outside, even if you don’t get to go inside.
Free admission, however tickets are required to climb to the top. They are located here.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends.
Pass to Paris? Yes, free access and top-floor skip line.
Pro-Tip: The spectacular stained glass windows of Sainte Chapelle church (open at 9.00am) are just a 6-minute walk away on the other side of Ile De La Cite if you choose not to go inside or choose to stay longer in the neighborhood. Less than 30 minutes’ walk away is the Place De La Bastille July monument.
Saint-Michel Notre Dame Metro
4.The renowned Louvre Art Museum
You may reach the Louvre by walking west for 15 to 20 minutes and crossing the Ponts Des Arts bridge.
The Louvre, which opened its doors in 1793, is the world’s biggest museum of art. With 8.1 million visitors, it was the most frequented museum in the world in 2017. The museum is very large! We frequently got lost inside, where you could easily spend days. The Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo, and of course the Mona Lisa, are some of the main draws.
Even if it’s challenging, try to keep your time inside to no more than three hours; the remainder of your itinerary will appreciate it.
Knowledge of the Louvre
Did you realize? If you spent the entire day without a break looking at everything for longer than 30 seconds, you would need 100 days to see everything in the Louvre.
Confession: The Mona Lisa failed us; we advise you to lower your expectations. She only measures 77 cm by 53 cm, so it’s not a massive painting. Although she appears to be of a decent size, she is essentially invisible when surrounded by walls of excited tourists. Be prepared to have selfie sticks thrown in your face, be pushed aside by overexcited tourists, and be led about by security officers if you visit Lisa, who is tucked away in a side gallery.
Entry costs: Adults: €17, minors: €0, and €5 for audio tours.
Open every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Tuesday is closed, with extended hours on Wednesday and Friday.
Pass to Paris? Yes, it includes entry and line-jumping.
Reminder: From October through March, as well as on July 14, the Louvre is free on the first Sunday of each month.
Advice: Reserve your Louvre tickets as early as you can (you can select a specific time period). You will bypass the main line, but be prepared for a potential short security line. An electronic ticket (E-ticket) will do; printing the ticket is not necessary.
The majority of the Louvre’s descriptions are written in French. Again, reserve these online as early as possible (audio guides were all sold out the day we attended; they are not included in the cost of the admission ticket). In order to learn more about the Louvre and save money, we used Rick Steves’ Audio Europe Guide.
Tickets for the Louvre are available here.
5.Take A Walk Along The Seine Riverbank
It will undoubtedly be time for some food by the time you leave the Louvre. For your benefit, you are in Paris, where they are at their best. Near the Louvre, turn west and stay near the river bank to find lunch (and alcohol, perhaps?). Better still, pack a picnic lunch with a bottle of wine and a french baguette and have it by the river.
After you’ve refueled, take a leisurely stroll along the Seine’s banks in the direction of the Eiffel Tower. One of our favorite things about visiting Paris was this.
Walking across the river gives you the chance to admire many of the city’s big structures while passing famous sites like the big Palais and the Musee d’Orsay.
What’s best? It is always available and free!
6.The Eiffel Tower climb
You conveniently arrive at the ideal way to cap off your first day in Paris as you reach the finish of your stroll along the riverbank. Its famous focal point is the Eiffel Tower.
The Eiffel Tower must be climbed if it’s your first time visiting Paris. Even if you’ve been up before, chances are you still have another trip planned. The Eiffel Tower probably comes to mind first when you think of Paris, am I right? The Seine’s banks are the ideal location for a special meal.
Underneath the whole thing lies the entrance to the tower. Looking up and seeing the towering steel from below is very amazing. There are informative boards on the tower’s history and about Gustave Eiffel himself at each floor level as you climb the 700 stairs.
Information on the Eiffel Tower
Entry: The cost varies according to your age and the level you want to visit.
To purchase tickets from the official website, click here. Although it is less expensive, there can be a line.
Alternatively, you can do it here if you want to skip the line and get to the front of the line.
Dates and times: June 21–September 2 9:00–0:45. 9:30 am to 11:45 pm lift the rest of the year; 9:30 am to 6:30 pm stairs.
Pass to Paris? Not included, no.
Notably, vistas are available from both the top floor (276m) and the second floor (116m). Only a lift is required to ascend to the top floor. We chose tickets with stair access to the second story because we had read that the views from the second floor were better (as in, not so high that everything is tiny) and we weren’t disappointed. Adults pay 10 euros. This is the least expensive choice for people on a tight budget, and remember that kids under 4 are admitted free.
It is advised to make reservations in advance because sunset is the busiest time. For those who have already been up, you might choose to observe the tower at night from a distance lit up. Try the Trocadero (just over the river), the Hotel Raphael’s rooftop terrace, or a tower with a view like the Tour Montparnasse, which boasts Paris’ tallest viewing platform.
Pro-Tip: They temporarily suspended entry to the top floor because it was so busy when we were there. At busier times of the day, be cautious of this.
Champ de Mars is closest to the metro. Bir-Hakeim and Ecole Militaire are also close by.
Day 2
7.Sacred Heart
Now that day 2 has arrived, let’s hope you’re not too hungover! After breakfast, take the metro to the Sacre Coeur Basilica, also known as the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, which is located in the 18th arrondissement and is northwest of Gare du Nord.
The Roman Catholic church is incredibly attractive, and because it is situated in Montmartre, it offers another stunning view of Paris.
Unfortunately, due to the heavy rain on our second morning, we were unable to reach Sacre Coeur. This will be first on our list for the following time because it happens! Because we only want to utilize our own images for our website, we haven’t included a picture.
Anvers Metro
8.The Champs-Elysees shopping
If you’re staying in Paris for more than two days, take a 45-minute stroll to the Champs Elysees; otherwise, take the subway to save some time. Continue to be in awe of the architecture that makes Paris the magnificent city that it is as you travel.
Numerous European cities have their own versions of one of the most well-known shopping alleys in the world, but none exactly have the same energy!
This is a good area to have lunch and people-watch from a restaurant with tables spilling out onto the path, despite seeming a little bit like a tourist trap.
Be particularly cautious with your possessions in this area because there are a few con artists. Try not to get sidetracked by any of them.
Take the metro to Concorde and exit to walk the entire length of Champs-Elysees.
9.The Triumphal Arch
The Arc de Triomphe is located at the end of the Champs-Elysees. Once you get there, heed the warning: the rumors about the terrible traffic surrounding the arc are real.
In fact, it’s worthwhile to sit and observe the bloodshed for a while. Nobody knows how to use the roads, and everyone honks their horns as if that will somehow guide them through the maze.
To securely visit the Arc, use the pedestrian tunnel walkway below the ground; do not attempt to cross the road, thank you.
It took 30 years, from 1806 to 1836, to build the arc. It honors those who took part in and lost their lives in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic battles. Under the Arc is the WWI soldier’s unidentified grave.
A ceremony is held annually on Armistice Day in memory of all French troops who lost their lives in World War One. It was interred in 1920.
After climbing 284 worthwhile stairs to reach the viewing deck, which is 50 meters high, take in the views of the dozen avenues and the rest of Paris. Consider including a visit to see the beautiful sunset if it appeals to you while planning your trip.
Entrance fee: €12 for an adult in the standard; other fees may apply.
10 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. (11 p.m. from April 1 to September 30)
Pass to Paris? Yes, cut the queue and go straight to the top.
Here is where you can order your tickets in advance!
Charles De Gaulle – Etoile Metro Station
10.Stunning Architecture
Even while this isn’t precisely a tangible tourist destination, it nonetheless brings visitors to Paris from all over the world. After we departed, it was what we most vividly recalled. It is undeniably a pretty impressive site to wander around.
Paris has experienced many different architectural influences over the years. We were mesmerized by the city’s never-ending rows of residential buildings with six stories. Napoleon III (Napoleon Bonaparte’s nephew), who hired Baron Haussmann to revamp Paris’ urban planning in the 19th century, is credited with creating this particular architectural style.
Admire the several striking bridges that cross the Seine, such as the grandiose Pont Alexander III, which is embellished with statues made of gilt-bronze, or the Louvre, the Pompidou Center, and the Musee d’Orsay. After spending two days in Paris, we can assure you that you will sincerely miss the magnificent structures.
11.Cruise on the Seine
What better way to cap off your two days in Paris than with a sunset Seine river boat after spending hours strolling and learning? Numerous choices are available, including a romantic lunch on board. We decided to take the hour-long cruise with narration.
On the boat, it’s the ideal time of day to unwind. The sun is lowering, and Paris’s lights are starting to shine once again. The finest way to round off your journey must be with breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower!
The boat leaves from Pont D’lena, which is at the base of the Eiffel Tower. Just past the Ile de la Cite, where Notre Dame Cathedral is located, it makes a U-turn. Although it follows the same path as the stroll down the banks on day 1, it is nevertheless worth viewing again because it requires no exertion on your part this time.
Entry: Adults pay €15. Before boarding, purchase your ticket. Search for the orange Bateaux Parisiens signage.
Tours leave every 30 minutes from April to September, and every hour from October to March.
Pass to Paris? Yes, as long as there are still open spots.
Champ de Mars Metro
Time to spare?
Check out these additional recommendations if you’ve already accomplished some of those tasks or if you simply want to do as much as you can. If you have a wet day as we did, museums are a fantastic alternative! In reality, Paris cannot be “done” in just two days, but if you have more time, include some of these on your agenda. They will definitely be on our schedule the next time!
- Catacombs in the 14th arrondissement of Paris
- The Versailles Palace
- The St. Germaine district
- Attend a PSG match.
- Museum of Orsay
Center for Pompidou - Tasting wine
- Opera House in Paris
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Pass to Paris?
Is one worth purchasing? It depends on how many sites you want to visit and how much money you have to spend.
How much can you get done in Paris in the time you have? The Paris Pass can be worthwhile for you if you plan to go around checking off sights and using public transportation or the hop on hop off bus frequently.
It definitely isn’t worth it, though, if you’re like us and only visited a couple of the places that the pass is good for. We decided against getting a pass since we would have felt under pressure to make the most of our money and would not have enjoyed the areas we really saw!
At the time of our visit, the 2 day Paris Pass cost 131 euros. The cost of these passes will increase based on how many days you want to use them. Visit the official website right here.
Keep in mind that the Paris Pass does not cover the entrance price to the Eiffel Tower.
We avoided buying the pass, which cost 95.20 euros apiece.
Since we were on a tight budget and the views from the Eiffel Tower were sufficient, we decided against seeing the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame Cathedral. Nevertheless, paying for admission to both of them would have saved us (35.80€ + Cathedral 10€ + Arc 12€) 73.20€!
You must visit as many places as you can in order to make the most of your Paris Pass investment. The pass has the opportunity to avoid lines, which can be quite helpful for a 2-day vacation in a city that is constantly congested.
The pass may be worthwhile if you are not on a strict budget simply to eliminate all the fuss. Making a list of the sights and museums you want to see will help you figure out whether your trip will be financially feasible.
This schedule for two days in Paris is intended to assist you in making travel plans.
If you have any inquiries about your visit, do let us know.
Travel safely,
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