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.

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.

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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

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 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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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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

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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

Luxury Hotel Choice

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» Le Meurice Dorchester Collection – Luxury at the Tuilieries and an inhouse Michelin Star Restaurant – see prices on booking.com

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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.

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.

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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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