2 Days in Paris Itinerary: What to See & Do

Two days isn’t a lot of time in Paris, but with the right itinerary, you can still hit many of the city’s top attractions. This 2-day Paris itinerary takes you to the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, Musée d’Orsay, Montmartre, and the Arc de Triomphe, along with several of the city’s most beautiful streets and neighborhoods.

We know what it’s like to travel on a tight timeline. Many of our first trips to Europe were quick two- or three-day stops in major cities. Whether you’re fitting Paris into a longer trip or just want a solid introduction to the city, two days is enough to see the highlights. Just come prepared for a busy schedule.

To make the most of your limited time, we’ve grouped the sights geographically to cut down on backtracking. Day 1 moves from the Louvre across central Paris to the Eiffel Tower, and Day 2 combines historic Paris, art, and Montmartre.

Our Paris Experiences

We’ve visited Paris four times, and each trip has given us a different perspective on the city. Our first visit was also our first trip to Europe. We later returned with our kids, then again when they were teenagers, and most recently traveled to Paris as a couple. That most recent trip to Paris changed the way we recommend doing Day 1. We now suggest starting at the Louvre first thing in the morning, using the walking route we tested on that visit, and finishing the day at the Eiffel Tower.

Those visits have helped us fine-tune what is truly worth including when you only have two days. This itinerary focuses on the places we think first-time visitors should prioritize, while keeping the route as efficient and realistic as possible.

Updated September 2026: We revised this itinerary after our fourth trip to Paris. Day 1 now starts at the Louvre, using the morning route we tested on our most recent visit, and finishes at the Eiffel Tower. We also updated museum hours and pricing, Notre-Dame and its towers, transportation and Paris Museum Pass information, and streamlined the itinerary to better fit a two-day visit.

Is 2 Days in Paris Enough?

Yes. Two days in Paris is enough time to see many of the city’s highlights, but expect two busy days. If you have more time, we recommend at least three days, which gives you a little more breathing room and the option to visit Versailles.

Fortunately, many of Paris’s top sights are clustered around the Seine. The Louvre, Champs-Élysées, and Arc de Triomphe sit on the Right Bank, while the Eiffel Tower and Musée d’Orsay are on the Left Bank. Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle are on Île de la Cité, one of two small islands in the Seine. Montmartre sits farther north, but it is easily reached by Metro.

We’ve organized this itinerary around these geographic clusters. Day 1 takes you from the Louvre west through central Paris to the Eiffel Tower, while Day 2 combines Île de la Cité, Musée d’Orsay, and Montmartre. With advance reservations for the major sights, you can see an impressive amount of Paris in just two days.

What to See in Paris in 2 Days: At a Glance

This itinerary covers many of Paris’s must-see sights in two very full days. The route is designed to minimize backtracking while balancing museums, historic landmarks, city views, and time to explore a few of Paris’s most atmospheric neighborhoods.

If you only have two days in Paris, we recommend sticking fairly closely to this itinerary and limiting optional add-ons. With more time, you can slow the pace, add another museum, or take a day trip to Versailles. For more ideas, see our 3 Days in Paris Itinerary, which adds Versailles and another afternoon in Paris.

Museum Closings in Paris

With only two days in Paris, museum closing days matter. Several major sights in this itinerary are closed one day each week, so the exact order of your two days may need to change depending on when you visit.

• Louvre Museum: Closed Tuesday
• Musée d’Orsay: Closed Monday
• Musée de l’Orangerie: Closed Tuesday
• Palace of Versailles: Closed Monday

If one of your two days falls on a Monday, keep the Louvre on that day and visit Musée d’Orsay on the other day. If one of your days is Tuesday, visit Musée d’Orsay that day and move the Louvre to your other day.

Before your trip, confirm current hours and closure dates on the official websites, since special events and holidays can occasionally affect opening times.

Rue de l’Abreuvoir in Montmartre

2 Days in Paris Itinerary

Next is the detailed 2-day Paris itinerary, day by day, complete with maps and helpful tips we’ve picked up during our visits. These days can be done in any order, but I think day 1, which includes the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, is a very nice introduction to Paris.

Paris Itinerary Day 1: The Louvre to the Eiffel Tower

Your first day covers many of Paris’s biggest icons, beginning at the Louvre and ending at the Eiffel Tower. In between, you’ll walk through the Tuileries Garden, cross Place de la Concorde, see the Champs-Élysées, and climb the Arc de Triomphe.

With only two days in Paris, the key is to keep moving without making the day feel rushed. We recommend spending a focused morning in the Louvre rather than trying to see the entire museum, walking the most scenic portion of the route through central Paris, and using the Metro when it saves time and energy.

On our most recent trip to Paris, Tim and I revisited the Louvre first thing in the morning and developed a self-guided route through its must-see works. That experience changed how we recommend doing this day. Starting at the Louvre works extremely well, and finishing at the Eiffel Tower gives you a memorable end to your first day in Paris.

9:00 am: The Louvre

Start your day when the Louvre opens. With only two days in Paris, we don’t recommend trying to see everything. Instead, focus on the museum’s most important works and plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours here.

On our most recent visit, Tim and I tested a walking route that connects many of the Louvre’s must-see works in an efficient order.

In about an hour, you can see the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, and some must-see masterpieces. With 2 to 3 hours, you can go deeper into the museum, visiting the Medieval Louvre and the Egyptian Antiquities, which is one of my favorite parts of the Louvre.

Two-day itinerary tip: Resist the temptation to spend half the day in the Louvre. It is easy to do, but you’ll sacrifice several of Paris’s other must-see sights later today.

View of the Louvre from Hotel Brighton

In our guide How to Visit the Louvre, we cover the essential paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts to see. The walking tour that quickly and efficiently gets you to the highlights and then goes deeper into the Louvre, if you have more time. You can also download an eBook version of the guide to take with you. Learn more here ↓

The Louvre

Self-Guided Walking Tour of the Louvre: Must-See Masterpieces & More

Everything you need to know to see the best of the Louvre and have a great experience.

12:00 pm: Tuileries Garden & Place de la Concorde

After the Louvre, walk west through the Tuileries Garden toward Place de la Concorde. This gives you a welcome break from being indoors and is one of the prettiest connections between major sights in Paris.

Stop for lunch somewhere along this portion of the route. We wouldn’t schedule a long sit-down lunch today unless that is a priority for you; there is still a lot to see this afternoon. It’s a short walk to Angelina (it is located across Rue de Rivoli from Tuileries Garden). Angelina is known for its pastries and hot chocolate, but they also serve salads and sandwiches.

Angelina

At Place de la Concorde, you’ll reach the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées.

2:00 pm: Champs-Élysées

Continue toward the Arc de Triomphe along the Champs-Élysées. This is one of the most famous streets in the world. It’s lined with restaurants and shops, and it has a touristy feel to it, but it’s still worth a quick stroll, for the iconic views of the Arc de Triomphe.

The Champs-Élysées

From Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, it is a 2.3 km (1.4 mile) walk. If your legs are getting tired after the Louvre and Tuileries Garden, it’s easy to shorten the walk by taking line 1 on the metro from Concorde to Franklin D. Roosevelt or George V. From these metro stops, it’s a much shorter walk to the Arc de Triomphe, and you’ll be treated to those iconic views.

With only two days in Paris, we think your time is better spent enjoying the sights at either end of the avenue than walking every block between them.

3:00 pm: Arc de Triomphe

At the western end of the Champs-Élysées, visit the Arc de Triomphe and climb to the rooftop terrace.

This is one of our favorite viewpoints in Paris and we make it a point to visit the Arc on every trip we take to Paris. From the top, the avenues radiate away from the monument, and you get a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower and the Paris skyline.

Arc de Triomphe

View from the Arc de Triomphe 

Allow roughly 45 minutes to one hour here.

4:30 pm: Eiffel Tower

We like saving the Eiffel Tower for late in the day because it gives Day 1 a natural finale. If your ticket time lines up with sunset, even better. Tim and I visited at sunset on our most recent trip and loved it, but we don’t consider sunset essential. An earlier or later reservation is still a great experience, so choose the time that works best with ticket availability.

The Eiffel Tower

When you visit the Eiffel Tower, you have several options on how to do it. There are several levels to visit (the first level, the second level, and the top of the Eiffel Tower aka the summit) and two ways up the Eiffel Tower (by elevator or by stairs).

We have visited the Eiffel Tower multiple times. In our opinion, you get the best experience on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. The views of Paris are spectacular and cheaper and quicker than adding on the summit (the summit adds about €10 and an extra 45 minutes to 2 hours to your visit, depending on how long the line is for the elevator to the third floor).

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Book your tickets in advance. This can literally save you hours of time. I have heard of people waiting up to 3 hours to enter the Eiffel Tower. I also recommend that you book your tickets as soon as you know your dates of travel. During peak season, tickets can sell out almost as soon as they become available (which is 60 days in advance). If tickets are sold out, we recommend this tour, which is one of the cheapest tours of the Eiffel Tower (we took this tour and had a great experience).

We took this photo from the second level of the Eiffel Tower

View of the Tocadero from the Eiffel Tower

We took this photo from the Eiffel Tower Summit

After your visit, you can have dinner at Madame Brasserie or Jules Verne, enjoy a drink on the Eiffel Tower before heading elsewhere for dinner, or simply spend some time admiring the tower from Champ de Mars or Trocadéro.

Evening: Dinner and Drinks

Paris is filled with rooftop bars and restaurants with a view of the city, quaint sidewalk cafes, and fine dining restaurants.

For recommendations on where to eat and drink, check out our guides to the Rooftop Restaurants and Bars in Paris and 10 Foods to Eat in Paris (and where to get them).

Some of our favorite places to eat are Les Ombres (an upscale French restaurant with an incredible view of the Eiffel Tower), Langosteria (an upscale Italian restaurant with a view of Pont Neuf and the Seine River).

Les Ombres

You also have the option to take a Seine River cruise. There are sunset cruises, dinner cruises, and nighttime cruises along the Seine River. These typically last 1 to 2 hours and some cruises include drinks and/or a meal. This evening dinner cruise gets rave reviews.

Pin it for later!

Save this post on Pinterest for when you’re ready to go.

Save to Pinterest Save

Paris Itinerary Day 2: Historic Center of Paris, Musée d’Orsay & Montmartre

Day 2 combines some of Paris’s most historic sights with one of its best art museums and one of its most interesting neighborhoods. Start on Île de la Cité with Sainte-Chapelle and Notre-Dame, spend the afternoon at the Musée d’Orsay, and finish the day in Montmartre.

With only two days in Paris, we recommend keeping the morning focused. Sainte-Chapelle and Notre-Dame are the priorities on Île de la Cité; add the Conciergerie only if it is especially important to you. Later in the day, limit your time at Musée d’Orsay so you still have enough energy to enjoy Montmartre in the evening.

Below is a map of the places to visit today as well as a walking route along the Seine River.

8 am: Île de la Cité

This morning, you will spend your time on Île de la Cité, the historic center of Paris. This is the location of Notre Dame Cathedral.

How to Get to Île de la Cité

For a scenic walk to Île de la Cité, I recommend taking the metro to Louvre-Rivoli, walking towards the Seine, and then walking along the river to Pont Neuf.

Pont Neuf is the stone bridge that crosses the Seine on the western edge of the island. From Pont Neuf, enjoy the view along the Seine, to the next bridge, Pont des Arts, and to the Eiffel Tower off in the distance.

Pont Neuf

This walk, of course, is optional. It takes 20 minutes and is 1.4 km (1 mile) long from Palais Royal Musée de Louvre to Sainte-Chapelle.

Alternatively, you can take the metro to Cité, which is located on Île de la Cité and just a few steps from Sainte-Chapelle.

9:00 am: Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle is one of the most beautiful interiors in Paris. The chapel is famous for its enormous stained-glass windows, which fill the upper chapel with color on sunny days.ained glass.

Sainte-Chapelle

Allow about 30 to 45 minutes here. This is another location that is notorious for having long lines so, for the best experience, purchase your ticket in advance (on the official website, you will book a time slot for your visit). 

The Conciergerie (Optional)

This is optional, but for those with an interest in French history, you can visit the Conciergerie. This is where people were imprisoned before taken to Place de la Concorde to be executed. Marie Antoinette is the most famous prisoner.

The Conciergerie is located next to Sainte-Chapelle.

10:00 am: Notre-Dame Cathedral

From Sainte-Chapelle, walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral.

In front of the cathedral, look for the small plaque that marks Point Zero (Point Zéro des Routes de France), the historic reference point from which road distances from Paris are measured.

Admission to the cathedral is free, and you can see the beautifully restored interior following its reopening in December 2024. A free timed reservation can reduce your wait during busy periods, although walk-in entry is also possible.

Hours of the Cathedral: Monday through Friday, 7:50 am to 7 pm, with extended hours until 10 pm on Thursday; Saturday and Sunday, 8:15 am to 7:30 pm. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Hours can change for Masses, religious celebrations, and special events.

The Towers of Notre-Dame

The Towers of Notre-Dame reopened in September 2025. We’ve climbed the towers twice, both times before the fire, and it is one of our favorite experiences in Paris.

The view from the Notre Dame towers

Are the Towers Worth It? Even with only 2 days in Paris, I think the towers are worth it. The view from the Towers are one of the best in Paris. You’ll get that iconic gargoyle view, looking across the Seine to the Eiffel Tower and up to Montmartre, where you’ll be later today. You also get a view of Notre-Dame’s restored spire and roof. On this itinerary, we’ve accounted for the extra time.

If you plan to climb the Towers of Notre-Dame, a timed reservation is mandatory and only sold online. Allow roughly an additional hour to climb the towers.

Cost: €16; included with the Paris Museum Pass, but pass holders must still reserve a timed entry.
Hours: April 1 through September 30, 9 am to 11 pm; October 1 through March 31, 9 am to 5:30 pm. Last admission is one hour before closing.
What to expect: The tower route takes about 50 minutes and includes 424 steps to reach the top of the South Tower. There is no elevator, and some passages are narrow.

Walk through Île de la Cité and from Notre Dame, it is a quick walk to one of the prettiest storefronts in Paris, Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole. It’s more of a photo stop than lunch spot, as they get mediocre reviews. We list lunch recommendations later in this itinerary.

Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole

12:00 am: Views of Île de la Cité and Notre Dame

From Au Vieux d’Arcole, walk along Rue Chanoinesse to the back side of Notre Dame. This small park is a great spot to take a break, if you need to sit down for a few minutes, and admire this view of the cathedral.

Note: Currently, the back of Notre Dame is covered with elaborate scaffolding. It’s still a sight to see, the amazing amount of work that is going into restoring this landmark.

Paris in April

When you are ready, cross Pont de l’Archeveche to the Left Bank. From here, you get another beautiful view of Notre Dame Cathedral.

View of Notre Dame from Pont de l’Archeveche (photo taken before the Notre Dame fire)

Walk west along the Seine River. As you continue your walk along the river you will notice stands set up selling books. These booksellers, or “bouquinistes” sell used books, magazines, and posters.

You will also pass Shakespeare and Company, the famous English-language bookstore overlooking the Seine. The current bookstore opened here in 1951 and later took the name of Sylvia Beach’s original Shakespeare and Company, the legendary Paris bookstore frequented by writers such as Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

12:30 pm: Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Have lunch at a café in the Latin Quarter or St.-Germain-des-Prés. There are many cafes to choose from as you walk through these neighborhoods but here a few of our recommendations:

Le Petit Bouclerie. This small café serves crepes and is a good option if you don’t want to spend a lot for lunch. It is located on 33 Rue de la Harpe in the Latin Quarter.

Le Procope. Some say that this is the oldest café in Paris. It is located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Rousseau, Diderot, Benjamin Franklin, Napolean, and Marie Antoinette all dined here.

Les Deux Magots. Also located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this is one of the most famous cafes in Paris. Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, Julia Child, James Joyce, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir all dined here.

Les Deux Magots

2:30 pm: Musée d’Orsay

Musée d-Orsay is one of our favorite art museums in the world.

The museum is especially strong for Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, with works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh, Cézanne, and many others. It is also smaller and easier to navigate than the Louvre.

For this 2-day itinerary, plan on about 1½ to 2 hours here rather than trying to see every gallery.

Musée d’Orsay

On the top floor, look for the giant clock windows that give you a very unique view of Paris and make a creative photographic spot.

France Travel Guide

See all of our articles

4:30 pm: Montmartre & the Sacre-Coeur

Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening exploring Montmartre. To get here from Musee d’Orsay, ride metro line 12 from Concorde to Lamarck-Caulaincourt, direction Aubervilliers Front Populaire.

From the Lamarck Cualaincourt station, walk towards the Sacre-Coeur Basilica. This is a very nice walk that takes you past photogenic spots such as La Maison Rose and Le Consulat Restaurant (the walking route is on our map above).

We took this photo from the steps near the Lamarck-Caulaincourt metro station

La Maison Rose

Le Consulat

Before arriving at Sacre-Coeur Basilica, you will walk through Place du Tertre. This small square is filled with artists. Go shopping, grab a drink at a café, or have your portrait drawn.

Place du Tertre

The Sacre-Coeur Basilica sits atop the highest hill in Paris. The steps in front of the Basilica are a popular spot to watch the sunset. You also have the option to climb the 300 steps to the top of the Dome for an even better view.

Sacre-Coeur

Hours: 6:30 am to 10:30 pm; the dome is open from 10 am to 5 pm
For more information, visit the official website.

Evening in Montmartre

Finish your two days in Paris with dinner in Montmartre.

This is one of the reasons we like ending the itinerary here. Instead of finishing with another ticketed attraction, you can slow down, wander the neighborhood, have dinner, and enjoy your final evening in Paris.

Here are a few dinner ideas for tonight.

On our most recent trip to Paris, we dined at Maggie Restaurant, which is located inside of Hotel Rochechouart, within walking distance of the Sacre Coeur basilica. We had a wonderful dinner, dining on roasted turbot and seared scallops and the largest artichoke I’ve ever seen. On top of the hotel is a rooftop bar and terrace with a view of Sacre Coeur and the city skyline.

Le Relais Gascon. We had a wonderful dinner here. This restaurant serves French food and is located in Montmartre.

La Maison Rose. The photogenic café also makes a great spot for dinner. It is located in Montmartre.

Le Moulin Rouge. End the day with a show at the Moulin Rouge. Dinner shows start at 7 pm and includes a 3-course dinner along with the show. The later shows (at 9 pm and 11:30 pm) do not include dinner. Tickets for the Moulin Rouge book up months in advance and if tickets are sold out for your visit, you can also check GetYourGuide.

After dinner, Le Chat Noir is a great spot for drinks, if you aren’t quite ready to end the day. It’s just a short walk from the Moulin Rouge.

From the Sacre-Coeur, you can walk to the Moulin Rouge or ride the metro to Pigalle.

Should You Get the Museum Pass?

For this 2-day Paris itinerary, we recommend the 2-day Paris Museum Pass for most non-EEA adults.

The 2-day pass costs €85 and is valid for 48 consecutive hours from the time you first use it. It includes several of the major sights in this itinerary, including the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Sainte-Chapelle, Musée d’Orsay, Conciergerie, and Towers of Notre-Dame.

The pass does not include the Eiffel Tower.

For a non-EEA adult, purchasing individual tickets for the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Sainte-Chapelle, and Musée d’Orsay currently costs about €92, so the pass already saves a small amount of money. If you also visit the Conciergerie or climb the Towers of Notre-Dame, the savings increase.

Keep in mind that the Museum Pass does not allow you to bypass security lines, and some attractions still require a timed-entry reservation. For this itinerary, reserve your time slots in advance for the Louvre, Sainte-Chapelle, Musée d’Orsay, and Notre-Dame Towers if you plan to climb them.

If you qualify for free or reduced admission at several Paris museums and monuments, purchasing the Museum Pass may not save you money.

Our Recommendation

For this 2-day Paris itinerary, we recommend purchasing the 2-day Paris Museum Pass and paying for public transportation as you go.

Most of this itinerary is done on foot, with just a handful of Metro or RER rides connecting sights that are farther apart. In 2026, a Metro-Train-RER ticket costs €2.55 per trip, so most travelers will spend less buying individual tickets than purchasing an unlimited Paris Visite transportation pass.

If your visit falls within a single Monday-to-Sunday period and you expect to use public transportation frequently, you can also compare the cost of the Navigo Weekly Pass. But for most travelers spending just two days in Paris, the simplest combination is the 2-day Paris Museum Pass + pay-as-you-go transportation.

Paris metro sign

Make Your Reservations in Advance

Here are the attractions where we highly recommend making a reservation in advance, plus the link to the official website and GetYourGuide, just to make things a bit easier for you.

GetYourGuide offers some advantages over the official websites. For some attractions, GetYourGuide tickets and tours can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance and you get a full refund (but it’s good to double check this, because there are exceptions). Any GYG tours and tickets you purchase are stored on their app, making it easier to organize your tickets in one spot. Finally, if you use GetYourGuide for multiple tickets and tours, you will load your credit card information into one website, rather than the long list below. We use GetYourGuide when we travel and have had nothing but positive experiences.

• Eiffel Tower: Official website – GetYourGuide
• The Louvre: Official website – GetYourGuide
• Arc de Triomphe: Official website – GetYourGuide
• Seine River Cruise: GetYourGuide
• Sainte-Chapelle & the Conciergerie: Official website – GetYourGuide
• Notre-Dame Cathedral: Official website
• Towers of Notre-Dame: Official website
• Musée d’Orsay: Official website – GetYourGuide

And of course, don’t forget to make your dinner reservations. Check out our Paris Restaurants and Rooftop Bars for recommendations.

Note: If you have the Museum Pass, you do not need to purchase tickets for the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie, or Musée d’Orsay. However, you will need to reserve a time slot for the Louvre, Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie, Musée d’Orsay, and Notre-Dame Towers.

When is the Best Time to Visit Paris?

The best time to visit Paris is during spring (April and May) and fall (September and October), when the weather is mild, the city is lively but less crowded, and outdoor cafes, gardens, and strolls are most enjoyable. Our favorite months to visit Paris are April and October.

What are the Cheapest Months to Visit Paris?

The most affordable time to visit Paris is in the off-season. January and February see fewer visitors, so prices are lower and crowds are smaller. Early December (before the Christmas holiday) and late November are also cheap times to visit Paris.

What’s the Weather Like in Paris?

Below are weather graphs, which show monthly high and low temperatures and average rainfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to get around Paris in 2 days?

The best way to get around Paris is by walking and using the Metro for longer distances. Many of the sights in this itinerary are grouped close together, so you will do a lot on foot. For most travelers, paying for individual Metro rides is cheaper than purchasing an unlimited transportation pass, especially on a short two-day visit.

What are the must-see sights in Paris if you only have 2 days?

With only two days in Paris, we would prioritize the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, Arc de Triomphe, Musée d’Orsay, and Montmartre. These sights give you a good mix of art, history, city views, and neighborhoods, and they fit naturally into the two-day route in this itinerary.

Can you do this 2-day Paris itinerary with kids?

Yes, but we recommend slowing the pace a little, especially with younger children. We’ve visited Paris with our kids at different ages, and many of the sights in this itinerary work well for families, but two full days of museums, monuments, and walking can be tiring. Consider skipping one museum or optional stop and adding more downtime in places such as the Tuileries Garden, Champ de Mars, or Montmartre.

Should you visit Versailles with only 2 days in Paris?

For a first trip to Paris, we generally recommend skipping Versailles if you only have two days. Versailles takes at least half a day, and with such limited time, we think those hours are better spent in Paris. If Versailles is a top priority, you can certainly fit it in, but you will need to remove several major sights from this itinerary.

Where to Eat in Paris

In our article 10 Foods to Eat in Paris, we cover ten dishes to try in Paris, with recommended restaurants. In our guide to the Rooftop Bars and Restaurants in Paris, we list the best places to eat and drink with a view of the city.

Where is the Best Place to Stay for a Short Trip to Paris?

On a quick visit to Paris, the best location to stay is the city center, ideally the 1st and 2nd arrondissements. We’ve stayed here twice and loved it. It’s centrally located, some rooms have spectacular views of the city, and the Louvre and Champs-Élysées are right on your doorstep. The downside is the price; this is one of the most expensive areas in Paris.

For more recommendations on where to stay, read our guide Where to Stay on Your First Visit to Paris. Learn where to stay for a great view of the Eiffel Tower and get recommendations whether you are looking for a budget hotel, luxury hotel, or if you are traveling as a family.

Paris and the Seine River (view from Notre Dame)

Plan Your Trip to Paris

• Have another day in Paris? → Our 3 Days in Paris Itinerary adds Versailles plus more time to explore the city.
• Looking for the best views? → Our Best Views of Paris guide covers our favorite viewpoints, from the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe to Montmartre and lesser-known spots.
• Want to make the most of your Louvre visit? → Our How to Visit the Louvre guide includes our self-guided route through the museum’s must-see masterpieces, plus ticket and entrance tips.
• Still deciding where to stay? → Our Where to Stay in Paris guide compares the best neighborhoods for first-time visitors and includes hotel recommendations for each area.
• Want more ideas for things to do in Paris? → Our guide Best Things to Do in Paris lists the must-see attractions, hidden gems, and best neighborhoods to visit.

If you have any questions about this 2 days in Paris itinerary, let us know in the comment section below.

Plan Your Trip to France

Read all of our articles about France in our France Travel Guide.

Exactly How to Visit the Eiffel Tower in 2026

Pinterest Facebook Flipboard There are few landmarks in the world that evoke the same sense of awe, wonder, and romance as the Eiffel Tower. For many travelers, a trip to Paris would feel incomplete without seeing it, and it easily ranks among the best things to do in Paris. But visiting the Eiffel Tower takes […]

How to Plan an Amazing Day Trip to Versailles from Paris

Versailles is one of the most popular day trips from Paris, but how you plan your visit can make an enormous difference in your experience. Tim and I have visited the Palace of Versailles twice, and those two visits could not have been more different. On our first visit, we arrived mid-morning on a rainy […]

We Visited Paris at Easter: Here’s What to Expect

Easter in Paris…sounds nice, doesn’t it? Spring flowers, mild temperatures, the view from the Eiffel Tower without a coat on. Sure, that sounds nice, but it’s not always the reality. We found that out firsthand. We spent three days in Paris over Easter weekend in 2018, arriving on Good Friday and staying through Sunday before […]

10 Foods to Eat in Paris and Where to Get Them

What should you eat while in Paris? Since French culture is deeply intertwined with food, the answer to this question is just as important as what you should see and do while visiting Paris. Dining on escargot and freshly baked bread, planning a picnic lunch in front of the Eiffel Tower, and dining at a […]

Rooftop Bars & Restaurants in Paris: Where to Dine with a View

There’s something special about watching the sun set over Paris with a cocktail in hand, the city’s rooftops spreading out below and the skyline glowing gold. As you’re planning your trip to Paris, rooftop bars are one of the best ways to combine three of the city’s biggest draws — food, views, and atmosphere — […]

How to Plan Your First Trip to Europe: Everything You Need to Know

Picture this: you’ve decided you’re finally going to do it. You’re going to Europe. The excitement is real. So is the panic when you open Google and realize there are roughly a million opinions on where to go, what to see, and how to do it all in 10 days. We’ve been traveling to Europe […]

One Perfect Day in Colmar: Things to Know on Your First Visit

Colmar is a picture-perfect town located in the Alsace region of France. This small town, with its colorful, half-timbered houses, overflowing flower pots, and bustling street cafes, looks like it has been plucked right out of a fairy tale. With one day in Colmar, you have just enough time to explore the scenic streets, dine […]

10 Day London Amsterdam Paris Itinerary

A trip to London, Amsterdam, and Paris…sounds nice, right? With 10 days you have just enough time to visit these three cities, although it will be a bit of a whirlwind tour. There is a lot to see and do here, and our London Amsterdam Paris itinerary will help you manage your time so you […]

The Perfect 10 Day Amsterdam Brussels Paris Itinerary

Planning an Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris itinerary? This 10-day route connects three of Western Europe’s most iconic cities entirely by train, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding first trips to Europe you can take. Start with three days in Amsterdam exploring the canals, world-class museums, and charming Jordaan neighborhood. Move on to […]

5 Days in London: The Ultimate London Itinerary

There’s just something about London. With its iconic skyline, trendy neighborhoods, world-class museums, and long list of popular attractions, London is a city that every traveler should visit. We put together this 5-day London itinerary to help you have the best experience here. In general, we grouped sites together based on their location in order […]

Top 10 Things to Do in Amsterdam (for First Timers)

Amsterdam was the very first city Tim and I ever visited in Europe. We landed bleary-eyed and jet-lagged, hauled an enormous suitcase up four flights of stairs to our hotel room (a classic first-timer mistake; pack light!), and stumbled out into the city that afternoon in a wonderful stupor. Everything felt magical and a little […]

30 Popular Tourist Attractions in Europe & How to Visit Them

What’s on your European bucket list? From world class museums and ancient archaeological sites to stunning natural wonders, Europe boasts a diverse array of attractions that attract millions of visitors every year. The Colosseum, the Eiffel Tower, and the Acropolis top the list for many first time visitors to Europe, but you can also explore […]

Pin it for later!

Save this post on Pinterest for when you’re ready to go.

Save to Pinterest Save