2 Days in Paris: The Perfect Itinerary
Only have 2 days in Paris? No problem—this itinerary will help you see the highlights of the French capital.
Paris, the City of Lights, is on many travelers’ must-visit lists, and for good reason. The city offers something for everyone, from history buffs and art lovers to foodies and fashionistas.
With just two days, you can still enjoy some of Paris’s iconic sights and neighborhoods. This itinerary focuses on the most famous attractions, including the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame, giving you a taste of what makes this city so special.
Chances are, after your first trip, you’ll be dreaming of returning again and again. Let’s now take a closer look at the suggested itinerary.
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Day 1
When researching my own trip, I often found itineraries suggesting multiple museum visits in one day. While this might work with smaller museums, I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re planning to visit the Louvre.
Certainly, if the goal is to cover as much ground as possible, you could pack more into your itinerary. However, Paris is a city best savoured slowly.
Take your time to enjoy its treasures. After all, it’s impossible to see everything Paris has to offer in just two days.
9.00am – The Louvre Museum
We’ll start the day at the Louvre Museum, the largest art museum in the world, housed in a former palace on the right bank of the Seine. As one of Paris’ most visited landmarks, it showcases vast collections of art and antiquities spanning centuries, including masterpieces like the Mona Lisa.
For first-time visitors, I recommend joining an English-language introductory tour organized by the Louvre. This 1.5-hour tour provides an overview of the museum’s history and its most famous pieces, leaving you ample time afterward to explore further.
Given the museum’s extensive offerings, it’s wise to research beforehand and decide what you want to see. For example, I’m particularly interested in Ancient Egypt, so I made sure not to miss the Louvre’s extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts.
General admission is €22.00 (US $25) per person, and you can book a time slot via the Louvre’s website. The introductory tour costs an additional €12 (US $13) per person and is available every day except Tuesday, when the museum is closed, at 9.45 a.m.
1.00pm – Lunch – Angelina Tearoom at the Louvre
After a morning filled with art and history, it’s time to recharge. For convenience, consider dining at one of the Louvre’s eateries, which cater to various budgets.
On Level 1 of the Richelieu wing, you’ll find Café Richelieu-Angélina, an outpost of the famous Angelina Tearooms known for its hot chocolate and pastries. The café also offers savoury dishes and boasts excellent views of the Louvre and its iconic glass Pyramid.
Alternatively, if you’re finished with the museum visit for the day, you could head to the nearby Tuileries Gardens for al fresco dining at one of its cafes.
2.00pm – Champs-Élysées
After visiting the Louvre, let’s head to another iconic Parisian location, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, just a 30-minute walk away. Your route will take you through the elegant Tuileries Gardens and Place de la Concorde.
As you approach the avenue, you’ll first pass through a park adjacent to the majestic Palais de la Découverte (Science Museum) and Grand Palais (exhibition centre and museum), before reaching the avenue’s commercial section, lined with grand buildings.
The 2-kilometer-long Champs-Élysées hosts designer boutiques, department stores, theatres, and restaurants. However, many brands here, such as Zara and Levi’s, are international and can be found elsewhere. Dining here is pricey, reflecting its tourist-centric location.
Consider stopping at Ladurée for a treat. This luxury pâtisserie, famous for its macarons, offers elegant interiors and is an ideal spot for indulging in delicious pastries and people-watching, despite its higher prices.
3.30pm – Arc de Triomphe
If you keep heading west along Champs-Élysées, you will eventually arrive at the Place Charles de Gaulle where the imposing Arc de Triomphe is located. This famous monument commemorates the soldiers who fought during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.
The architecture of Arc de Triomphe was inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus. It is decorated with sculptures celebrating France’s military successes, as well as the names of generals and battles of the past.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was added to the base of the arch in 1921. Its eternal flame is rekindled at 6.30pm every day.
The Arc de Triomphe also has a panoramic terrace at the top with views over Paris. An adult ticket costs €16 (US $18).
5.00pm – Eiffel Tower
The next stop on this two-day Paris itinerary is the Eiffel Tower, an unmistakable feature of the city’s skyline. From the Arc de Triomphe, it’s a 30-minute walk, though public transport is also available.
Despite being a common sight in films and photos, the Eiffel Tower’s 330-meter-tall structure is even more impressive in person. Constructed in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel, its wrought-iron design was initially criticised but has since become a symbol of the city.
The tower has three accessible levels. The first is 57 meters high, the second at 115 meters, and the summit level at the top. Ticket prices vary depending on whether you visit all three levels or just the first two. Opting for stairs to the second level can save money.
While the summit offers spectacular views and a chance to toast it with champagne, the second level provides the best vantage point for spotting major Paris attractions, which can be hard to distinguish from the top. Having visited all three, I find each offers a unique perspective.
I recommend booking tickets in advance on the Eiffel Tower’s website to avoid queues. Prices are €22.60 (US $25) for a lift to the second level and €35.30 (US $39.30) to the summit. Stair tickets to the second level are slightly cheaper.
From 6.16pm – Dinner Cruise
Complete your first day in Paris with a leisurely cruise along the River Seine, while savouring French specialities. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to admire some of Paris’ most iconic landmarks, beautifully illuminated at night.
Just a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower is the departure point for Bateaux Parisiens cruises. They offer multiple dinner seatings, including 6:15 pm and 8:30 pm.
The earlier cruise lasts just over an hour, while the later one runs for around two and a half hours. Both include a three-course meal. Prices start from €99 per adult and €40 per child.
Upgraded seating with better views and premium drinks packages are available at an additional cost. You can book your spot online.
If your budget allows, I highly recommend a cruise with Ducasse sur Seine, located just across the bridge from Bateaux Parisiens. The menu for this luxurious dining experience was developed by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse.
The cruise departs at 8:30 pm and lasts around two hours. You can choose between a four- or five-course menu, with the option to include wine pairings. There’s no extra charge for better seating.
My husband and I experienced a Ducasse sur Seine cruise, and we loved the relaxed atmosphere – thanks to it not being overcrowded – as well as the excellent cuisine.
Prices start from €170 per person. You can book your table here.
Day 2
The second day of this two-day Paris itinerary begins at the Musée d’Orsay, another iconic art museum. You’ll also visit the historic Île de la Cité, one of the earliest settlements in Paris, located in the heart of the city on the River Seine, where you can admire the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral.
The day will end in one of my personal favourite areas of Paris—Le Marais. It’s known for its historic mansions, winding streets, and a wealth of excellent bars and restaurants.
9.30am – Musée d’Orsay
Start the day at the Musée d’Orsay, an art museum housed in a magnificent former railway station. It is home to a world-famous collection of French and European impressionist and post-impressionist art. The interior of the museum is as impressive as its external appearance.
Musée d’Orsay exhibits around 3,000 pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and decorative arts. Here, you’ll have the chance to see iconic masterpieces by artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Manet, and Cézanne.
Given the vastness of the collection, I recommend using an audio guide, available for €6 (or $7 USD), to ensure you don’t miss any key pieces.
Admission to the museum is €16 ($17 USD) if you purchase your ticket online, or €14 if you purchase it directly at the museum. Tickets can be booked online on the Musée d’Orsay’s website. Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays.
Allow for two – two and half hours to fully enjoy this incredible museum.
12.00pm – Île Saint-Louis and Lunch
The walk to the next stop on this itinerary will take around 35 minutes, giving you a wonderful opportunity to soak up the beauty of historic Paris. As you leave the museum, head east along the riverbank.
This part of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to many of Paris’s most famous landmarks and historic institutions. It’s considered one of the best city walks in the French capital, leading you towards Île Saint-Louis.
Eventually, you’ll reach the Pont de la Tournelle – cross it, and you’ll find yourself on one of the River Seine’s historic islands. Île Saint-Louis, connected by a bridge to the more touristy Île de la Cité, is a charming residential island that feels a world away from its bustling neighbour.
Take your time to wander the cosy streets of Île Saint-Louis and admire its beautiful architecture. The island also features a number of independent shops and inviting eateries worth exploring.
For lunch, consider Le Saint Régis, a traditional French-style bistro with retro interiors. Here, you can enjoy local classics like croque monsieur and beef tartare at reasonable prices, especially for central Paris.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, drop by the nearby Pierre Hermé boutique to try one of his most famous creations – the macaron. With a range of unique flavours not found in most patisseries, it’s a treat worth seeking out. I particularly enjoyed the Ispahan macaron, delicately flavoured with lychee, raspberry, and rose.
After a satisfying lunch, it’s time to head to Île de la Cité to experience one of Paris’s most iconic attractions.
2.30pm – Notre Dame de Paris
The next stop on this two-day Paris itinerary is the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral, located on the eastern side of Île de la Cité. It is one of the most renowned cathedrals in the world, made even more iconic through literature and film.
Notre-Dame is a masterpiece of medieval Gothic architecture. Construction began in 1163 and continued over the next two centuries, with numerous modifications made even after its completion.
Following the 2019 fire, Notre-Dame was closed to visitors for several years. Restoration works were completed in late 2024, and the cathedral is now once again open to the public.
Entry to the cathedral is free, although you may need to queue to get in. While the queue may appear long, it moves quickly. When my husband and I visited, we waited around 30 minutes to enter.
The wait was absolutely worth it as the cathedral is breathtaking. We were also lucky enough to experience the start of mass, and were treated to the sound of the cathedral’s magnificent organ.
While at the cathedral, you can walk around the interior, which won’t take long, but I recommend taking your time. This truly is a special and awe-inspiring place.
4.30pm – Sainte Chapelle
Île de la Cité is also home to another magnificent historic site—Sainte-Chapelle—which you can easily visit on the same trip, as it’s only a 10-minute walk from Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Sainte-Chapelle is a stunning medieval chapel, originally part of the Palais de la Cité, the first royal palace in Paris. Built in the 13th century, it is a remarkable example of the Gothic style that was dominant in France at the time.
The most famous feature of the chapel’s interior is its breathtaking stained-glass windows. Arranged in 15 towering panels, they depict 1,113 scenes from the Bible.
The stained glass at Sainte-Chapelle is considered a masterpiece of Gothic art. While it’s beautiful in any weather, the colours are particularly spectacular on a sunny day.
Admission is €18 (approx. US $20.40) if booked online, and €19 (approx. US $21.50) at the door for adults. From 1 April to 30 September, the chapel is open until 7:00 pm; from 1 October to 31 March, it closes at 5:00 pm.
You can book your tickets in advance on the Sainte-Chapelle website.
7.30pm – Dinner at le Marais
Your second day in Paris will end in Le Marais, a trendy historic neighbourhood buzzing with designer boutiques, stylish bars, and smart restaurants. Full of old-world charm, it’s one of the few areas in central Paris that escaped Baron Haussmann’s sweeping 19th-century renovations.
To get there from Sainte-Chapelle, head back to Île Saint-Louis via the Pont Saint-Louis, continue along Rue Jean du Bellay, and cross the Pont Louis-Philippe over the Seine. Keep walking straight onto Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe, and you’ll find yourself in Le Marais.
Le Marais is perfect for wandering aimlessly and soaking up the beautiful architecture. It also happens to be one of my favourite areas for an excellent dinner.
I recommend booking a table at Les Enfants Rouges, a cosy bistro located next to the historic Marché des Enfants Rouges in the heart of the district. The accomplished chef prepares classic French dishes with inventive twists, and the wine list is equally impressive.
Cost of a Weekend in Paris
If you’re following this itinerary closely, the cost of all the attractions mentioned will come to around €120 per person (approx. US $138), assuming you choose the Louvre tour and a visit to the summit of the Eiffel Tower.
Meals, drinks, and snacks, including a Bateaux Parisiens dinner cruise on the Seine, will cost approximately €300 per person (approx. US $340). If you decide to upgrade to the Alain Ducasse dinner cruise, your budget will increase to at least €370 per person (approx. US $420).
Accommodation costs will vary depending on where you stay. For an affordable hotel, budget at least €150 per night (approx. US $167).
Overall, you should expect to spend a minimum of €600 per person, assuming a stay in a budget hotel for two nights. You can reduce costs by selecting more affordable attractions, dining, and accommodation, or increase your budget if you prefer luxury hotels and fine dining.
When is the Best Time to Go to Paris
Paris is a year-round destination, though I recommend visiting in spring or autumn. April, May, September, and October offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds.
I’ve also visited Paris in early March. While the weather was a bit chilly, it was still enjoyable for walks and spending time in the city’s gardens. Additionally, hotel and flight prices were quite reasonable then.
Summer provides the best weather but also attracts the most visitors. Be prepared for large crowds and high accommodation prices during this peak season.
How to Get to Paris
Many international visitors travel to Paris by plane, arriving at one of two major airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Paris-Orly Airport (ORY). Charles de Gaulle, the larger of the two, is located on the northeast outskirts of the city, while Orly is situated to the south.
From both airports, you can reach the city center by train, bus, or taxi. Notably, Orly now features a direct metro connection via Line 14, which offers direct access to central Paris. This new line was opened as part of the preparations for the Paris Olympics 2024.
If you’re traveling to Paris from another European destination, consider taking a train. For instance, the Eurostar allows you to travel from London to the French capital in just over two hours.
How to Get Around Paris
This two-day itinerary for Paris is best enjoyed on foot, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty and special atmosphere of the city centre.
If walking isn’t feasible, the extensive metro system and city buses are excellent alternatives. For more information on routes and fares, visit the Paris transport website.
Taxis are an option too, but they are pricey. Also, Paris is notorious for its bad traffic. I’d say, public transport is the way to go if you are mainly staying in the city centre.
Where To Stay
With just 2 days in Paris, I suggest staying in the city centre to minimise travel time to key attractions. Thankfully, there are many accommodation options available for any budget.
During our last trip, we stayed at Hotel Le Senat near the Luxembourg Gardens, nestled between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter. The hotel was small and cosy, and its location was ideal—just a 10-minute walk from Île de la Cité and 20 minutes from the Louvre.
Both Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter are beautiful historic areas with plenty to explore, including a lively café, restaurant, and bar scene. I highly recommend staying in either area if you are planning on following this itinerary.
Final Thoughts
It’s likely that two days in Paris will fly by, leaving you feeling that there’s still much more to see. A short visit is really not enough to fully experience everything this city has to offer.
Paris is one of those cities where you could return dozens (if not hundreds) of times and still find something new each visit. Hopefully, this itinerary will serve as a starting point for planning your own adventure.
FAQs: 2 Days in Paris
Generally, 2 days in Paris is sufficient to see the main tourist highlights. If that’s your goal, this duration should work well. However, if you’d like to explore more, you’ll need to allocate additional time to your visit.
In my opinion, you need at least four to five days. Paris boasts layers of history and a wealth of attractions, allowing for a more extensive exploration. This duration also provides an opportunity to include a couple of interesting day trips.
Yes, Paris is a walkable city. Getting around on foot is also a great way to enjoy its beauty and discover cosy cafes, quirky shops and charming architecture.
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