Welcome to the 2 days in Paris itinerary post.
Are you wondering what I should do in Paris to get the maximum out of your 2 days?
Let us guide you!
2 days in Paris itinerary: Summary
Day 1: Classic Paris & landmarks
- Eiffel Tower
- Arc de Triomphe
- Walk down the Champs-Élysées (3.5 km / 2.2 miles, 50 minutes)
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Île de la Cité
- Louvre Museum
- Stroll along the Seine
- Optional: Seine River Cruise
- Dinner at a local bistro
- Nightcap at a rooftop bar
Day 2: Hidden gems & local experiences
- The Catacombs of Paris
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Explore Montmartre
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica
- Place du Tertre
- Montmartre Museum
- “I Love You” Wall
- Pastry break at Du Pain et des Idées
2 days in Paris itinerary: Day 1
Morning at the Eiffel Tower
Start your 2 days in Paris itinerary with one of the most iconic landmarks in the world—the Eiffel Tower.
We recommend arriving early (around 8:30 AM) to beat the crowds, especially if you plan to climb the Eiffel Tower.
Best ways to experience the Eiffel Tower
- View from the top: Tickets for the summit by lift cost $44 (€36) and offer breathtaking views over Paris. If you prefer the second floor by lift, it’s $25 (€21). Taking the stairs is cheaper. Book your time slot in advance on the Eiffel Tower official website.
- Champ de Mars perspective: If you prefer to admire the tower from below, Champ de Mars park is the best spot for photos (it is famous for its Instagram-worthy pictures).
- Trocadéro viewpoint: This is the ultimate sunrise photography spot across the Seine.
Arc de Triomphe
After you visit the Eiffel Tower, the next item on your 2 days in Paris itinerary is the Arc de Triomphe, which is just a 15-minute walk or a short metro ride (Line 6 to Charles de Gaulle-Étoile).
This monument honors those who fought in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars and offers one of the best panoramic views of Paris.
KEEP IN MIND: It’s 284 steps to the top, so be prepared for a physical challenge.
Visitor details
- Opening hours: 10 AM – 11 PM
- Tickets: $19 (€16) via their official website.
- Location: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
- Nearest metro: Charles de Gaulle-Étoile (Lines 1, 2 & 6, RER A)
Why visit the Arc de Triomphe?
- 360° views of Paris: A stunning city perspective, including the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées.
- The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: A tribute to fallen soldiers, with an eternal flame burning since 1923.
- Less crowded than the Eiffel Tower: A better viewpoint to avoid large crowds.
- Close to the beautiful Neuilly Sur Seine quartier
👉 INSIDER TIP: The Paris Museum Pass covers your entrance fee into almost every site in this two-day trip to Paris itinerary and allows you to skip the ticket lines. The 48-hour Museum Pass costs $77 (€70), so the savings are minimal, but it allows you to skip the ticket lines at these attractions.
Avenue des Champs-Élysées
After visiting the Arc de Triomphe, take a 50-minute walk (3.5 km / 2.2 miles) down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous streets in Paris.
This iconic boulevard connects the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre, passing through some of the city’s most luxurious shops, historic landmarks, and cafés before leading into the Jardin des Tuileries. This grand park stretches toward the museum.
What to see along the Champs-Élysées
- 🛍️ Luxury & flagship stores – Browse Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Cartier, and Dior, or check out global brands like Nike and Zara.
- 🍰 Ladurée – Famous for French macarons and pastries, perfect for a quick treat.
- 🏛️ Grand Palais & Petit Palais – Two historic Beaux-Arts buildings hosting art exhibitions and cultural events.
- ⛲ Place de la Concorde – A historic square with the Luxor Obelisk, once the site of royal executions during the French Revolution.
👉 INSIDER TIP: To save time, take Metro Line 1 from Charles de Gaulle-Étoile to Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre (8-minute ride).
See Notre Dame & Île de la Cité
The next thing to do during your two-day trip to Paris is take the metro (Line 1 from Charles de Gaulle-Étoile to Hôtel de Ville, then walk 5 minutes) or a 15-minute taxi ride ($12/€11) to Île de la Cité, the historic heart of Paris and home to the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.
What to do in Île de la Cité
- Notre Dame Cathedral: Now that the cathedral is open again, you can admire (for free) the beautiful interior and stunning Gothic facade and visit the archaeological crypt below ($10/€9.50).
- Sainte-Chapelle: Just a few steps away, this hidden gem features some of the most breathtaking stained glass in the world ($13/€12).
- Pont Neuf & Square du Vert-Galant: Walk across Paris’ oldest bridge and relax in this park surrounded by the Seine.
If you finish these activities earlier, you can always visit the Place de la Concorde, Fontaine des Mers, & Tuileries Garden during your 2 days in Paris itinerary.
If you walk across the river, you can also see the Orsay and Invalides. This is a lovely part of Paris to explore!
Louvre Museum
After a quick lunch at a nearby café (there are so many), head to the Louvre Museum—the world’s most-visited museum and home to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and thousands of masterpieces.
Notre Dame reopened in December 2024 after years of restoration following the 2019 fire. The official website has the latest updates on entry, visiting hours, and ongoing restoration work.
Louvre essentials
- Hours: Open 9 AM – 6 PM, closed Tuesdays.
- Tickets: $26 (€22). You can purchase your tickets in advance on the Louvre’s official website.
- Entry tip: To avoid the long Pyramid queue, enter via the Carrousel du Louvre (99 Rue de Rivoli) (but you’ll have to pay extra for this).
If you visit the Louvre just to see the Mona Lisa, you might not find the experience as impressive as you expected.
The painting itself is quite small, and due to its popularity, it’s displayed behind glass with crowds gathered around it at all times.
Must-see highlights at the Louvre
- Denon Wing: Houses the Mona Lisa, The Wedding at Cana, and Liberty Leading the People.
- Sully Wing: Visit the Venus de Milo and ancient Egyptian artifacts.
- Richelieu Wing: Admire Napoleon’s lavish apartments and sculptures like The Winged Victory of Samothrace.
👉 INSIDER TIP: If you’re short on time, stick to a two-hour route. Grab a map at the entrance and head straight to the Denon Wing for the biggest highlights.
Evening walk along the Seine
After your Louvre visit, take a sunset stroll along the Seine River—one of the most romantic experiences in Paris.
Best Seine walking route
🚶 Start at the Louvre, walk toward Pont des Arts, and continue along the Left Bank toward Pont Alexandre III.
Highlights along the way:
- Pont des Arts: Famous for love locks and famous artists sketching the city skyline.
- Conciergerie: A former royal palace and prison where Marie Antoinette was held.
- Pont Alexandre III: The most beautiful bridge in Paris, offering a postcard-worthy view of the Seine.
👉 INSIDER TIP: Take a Seine river cruise instead for a different perspective. Companies like Bateaux Parisiens or Vedettes du Pont Neuf offer 1-hour sightseeing cruises starting at $18 (€17). You’ll probably spend around 85 USD or 75 EURO for a dinner cruise. They even pass the Pont de L’alma, famous for the accident of Princess Diana.
Diner at a local bistro
Wrap up your first day of your 2 days in Paris itinerary with authentic French cuisine at a charming bistro or brasserie.
Top dinner recommendations
- 🍷 Le Comptoir du Relais (6th Arr.) – Classic French bistro fare in a cozy setting. Expect duck confit and escargots (main courses $30–$45/€28–€42).
- 🥖 Chez Janou (3rd Arr.) – A Provençal-style bistro with a famous chocolate mousse. Dinner for two: $70/€65.
- 🍽️ Bouillon Pigalle (9th Arr.) – Affordable French cuisine with classics like boeuf bourguignon and onion soup (mains from $15/€14).
Rooftop Bar
You can’t leave your 2 days in Paris itinerary without enjoying a rooftop bar with skyline views.
The city lights up at night, and the Eiffel Tower sparkles on the hour, making for an unforgettable experience.
One of the best options is Le Rooftop at Hotel The Peninsula Paris, near the Arc de Triomphe.
This rooftop bar offers panoramic views of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower as the centerpiece.
What to expect at Le Rooftop
- 🌆 Incredible city views – The Eiffel Tower, Seine, and Paris rooftops all in one frame.
- 🍸 High-end cocktails & fine wines – Expect to pay premium prices for the experience.
- 🎶 Chic & intimate atmosphere – Ideal for a romantic nightcap or a stylish evening out.
- 💰 Minimum spend – €30 ($32) per person, so be prepared to splurge.
👉 INSIDER TIP: If Le Rooftop is full, check out Terrass” Hotel in Montmartre for another great rooftop experience!
2 days in Paris itinerary: Day 2
The Catacombs of Paris
Visit one of Paris’ most fascinating and eerie attractions: the Catacombs.
Hidden beneath the city, these tunnels house the remains of over six million people from the 18th century.
They were initially limestone quarries, but as the cemeteries filled up and began to pose health risks, the bones of the deceased were transferred here, creating an ossuary stretching over 200 miles beneath the surface.
What to expect inside
- A 1.5 km (1-mile) underground walk through dimly lit passageways lined with bones and skulls.
- Historical inscriptions and artistic arrangements of human remains.
- A constant underground temperature of 14°C (57°F)—bring a light jacket, even in summer.
Visitor details
- Opening hours: 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM (closed Mondays)
- Tickets: General admission is $14 (€12). If you want to include an audioguide, you can purchase it for $36 or 31€ on the official Catacombs website.
- Location (entrance): 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris
- Nearest metro: Denfert-Rochereau (Lines 4 & 6)
Sainte-Chapelle
Step into one of Paris’ most amazing chapels. It is famous for its 15-meter-high stained-glass windows, which depict over 1,100 biblical scenes.
Built in the 13th century, this Gothic gem is often overlooked but remains one of the city’s most spectacular sights.
Visitor details
- Opening hours: 9 AM – 7 PM in summer, 9 AM – 5 PM in winter
- Tickets: $13 (€12), purchase here
- Location: 8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris
- Nearest metro: Cité (Line 4)
Montmartre
Next up on your 2 days in Paris itinerary, you must go to Montmartre, the artistic heart of Paris, once home to Picasso, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec.
This bohemian neighborhood has charming cobblestone streets, historic cafés, and panoramic city views.
Things to do in Montmartre
- Climb to Sacré-Cœur Basilica: The highest point in Paris, offering stunning panoramic views (free entry, dome access: $7/€6.50).
- Explore Place du Tertre: A lively artist’s square where painters display their work.
- Visit the Montmartre Museum: A hidden gem showcasing the area’s artistic history ($14/€13).
- Find the “I Love You” Wall: a romantic mural featuring “I love you” in 250 languages.
🎭 For a more local experience, avoid the tourist-heavy areas and explore Rue des Abbesses, filled with indie shops and quiet cafés.
How to get to Montmartre
Since Montmartre sits on a hill in northern Paris, the best way to reach it is by metro, as walking from the city center is long.
The closest metro stations depend on what you’d like to see first:
- 🚇 Anvers (Line 2) – Best if you want to start at Square Louise Michel and enjoy the panoramic view of Paris from the steps of Sacré-Cœur Basilica. You can walk up the stairs or take the Montmartre funicular to the top.
- 🚇 Blanche (Line 2) – The best stop if you want to see the Moulin Rouge and get a glimpse of Montmartre’s nightlife scene before heading uphill.
- 🚇 Abbesses (Line 12) – A central stop for exploring Montmartre’s artistic and historic sides.
A Parisian pastry break
After exploring Montmartre, treat yourself to one of Paris’ best bakeries—Du Pain et des Idées.
Founded in 1875, this award-winning boulangerie is famous for its buttery croissants and unique French pastries.
What to try here
- 🥐 Pain des Amis: A crispy, caramelized loaf with a soft interior (signature bread).
- 🍏 Escargot Pistache Chocolat: A swirled pastry with pistachio and dark chocolate filling.
- 🥖 Traditional butter croissant: Flaky, golden perfection.
Visitor details
- Opening hours: 6:45 AM – 7 PM (closed weekends)
- Location: 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris
- Nearest metro: Jacques Bonsergent (Line 5)
What to wear in Paris
There are no set rules about what to wear in Paris, but to fit in with the locals, you must consider what you’re wearing and where.
Paris is incredibly fashionable, so you must be ahead of the curve to fit in with Parisians.
If in doubt, choose simple wardrobe staples that fit fantastically. Even a simple tee-shirt and jeans combo can look timeless if it fits perfectly and is high-quality.
Always finish the look with a jacket or an accessory so you dress like a local.
How to get around in Paris
Paris is one of the most walkable cities in the world, with its stunning architecture, charming streets, and scenic green spaces like the Jardin des Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens.
Walking is often the best way to explore central areas like Le Marais, Saint-Germain, and Montmartre, where you’ll find hidden cafés, boutique shops, and historic landmarks around every corner.
Public transport: Fast and efficient
Paris has an extensive public transport system, making it easy to travel across the city:
- 🚇 Metro – The cheapest and fastest way to get around. A single ticket costs $2.30 (€2.10), or you can buy a day pass for unlimited rides. Most tourist areas are within a 10-minute walk from a metro station.
- 🚌 Buses and trams are ideal for shorter trips or areas not served by the metro. Night buses are available when the metro stops running.
- 🚆 RER trains are used for longer distances, such as to Versailles, Disneyland Paris, or Charles de Gaulle Airport.
👉 INSIDER TIP: Download the Citymapper or RATP app to check metro and bus routes in real-time.
Biking in Paris
- 🚲 VélibVélib bikes: Paris’ bike-sharing service offers electric and regular bikes. A one-day pass costs $5 (€4.50) and has stations all over the city.
- Bike lanes: Cycling is growing in popularity, but some areas still lack proper bike lanes, so be cautious in traffic.
Luggage storage & safety
As in other large cities, be aware of street crime, such as pickpocketing and scams, in Paris. If you’re worried about carrying around your luggage, the Consigne à bagages Paris is a great way to store your bags without leaving them somewhere unsafe.
Enjoy this 2 days in Paris itinerary!
