Paris is, as everyone knows, always a good idea. One of the largest European capitals, Paris is situated on the shores of the Seine. Paris is a grand city who’s architecture compares to none, and who’s cuisine and lifestyle are unique. If you only have 2 days in Paris, you’ll probably want to make the most of them: visit major attractions, enjoy the great views, and take in the feel of the city. To help make your two days in Paris memorable, I’ve rounded up the most extraordinary things to do in Paris. This list includes tourist favorites such as the Eiffel tower, but also the hidden gems such as a unique Parisian piano bar few tourists will ever visit. Along the way will also discover money and time-saving Paris travel tips. Let’s get started!
Where to stay for 2 days in Paris
In this 2-days in Paris itinerary, we will focus on exploring two major areas of the city.
Day 1: Will explore 1st arrondissement of Paris, the neighborhood where the Louvre is located. The 1st arr. is close to all the other attractions we will be exploring on day 1, and home to Hotel Britannique (my the first hotel recommendation).
Day 2: The 7th arrondissement is home to the Eiffel Tower, Hotel Eiffel Sienne (my second hotel recommendation), and is close to all the other attractions we will be exploring on Day 2.
Which hotel you chose to stay in depends on your preferences and budget, they are both great but Britannique is close to the Louvre and Eiffel Sienne is close to the Eiffel Tower.
- Hotel Britannique – a central Parisian hotel next to the Louvre, the Britannique is a luxurious and glamorous option.
- Hotel Eiffel Sienne – Eiffel Tower views and great service in a reasonably priced boutique hotel.
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Two Days In Paris – an Itinerary
Depending on when you can get tickets/reservations, you might want to switch the days of this itinerary. There is no reason to do them in order unless it’s convenient for you.
Paris 2 day itinerary, Day 1 – An Overview
- The Louvre (free with Paris Pass)
- Lunch at Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie (might have to wait in line)
- Alternative lunch at The Centre Pompidou (free admission with Paris Pass)
- Sainte-Chapelle Church (free with Paris Pass)
- Notre Dame (exterior only)
- Dinner at Le Petit Pontoise
- After dinner drinks at Piano Bar – Le Relais de la Huchette
Two days in Paris, Day 1 – The Details
First Morning in Paris
After breakfast in your hotel, your first day in Paris starts off with a bang and a visit to one of the most famous museums in the world – the Louvre. Many people who visit the Louvre rush in, see the Mona Lisa and run out. This is sort of missing the point. Instead, in this 2 days in Paris itinerary, I suggest taking at least two to three hours to tour the beautiful museum. To save money on Louvre admission and other attractions I recommend, I suggest you get the Paris Pass online in advance.
After exploring the Louvre, proceed to one of the most famous restaurants in Paris, Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie. In fact, this eatery is so famous you are likely to see a line outside. The wait is worth it but if you don’t feel like waiting, keep walking to the Centre Pompidou. On the rooftop of this modern museum, you’ll find Georges restaurant, a great place for lunch with extraordinary views. The museum admission is also free with the Paris Pass. Even if you are eating at Le Comptoir De La Gastronomie, stop by the Centre Pompidou’s rooftop restaurant for an after-lunch drink with great views.
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First Afternoon in Paris
After a delicious lunch and a drink, continue to walk towards the Sienne. Eventually, you’ll reach the water and the world-famous sight of Cathedral of Notre Dame. As you probably know, due to a recent fire, the historic church is closed for renovation. However, you can tour the outside of the church and then walk to the left where you’ll find the stunning Saint Chapelle Cathedral. Admission to Saint Chapelle Cathedral is also free with the Paris Pass. Spend some time inside the church and marvel at the 1,113 Gothic style stained glass windows. Afterward, get back to your hotel for some rest and relaxation before dinner.
First Evening in Paris
Le Petit Pontoise is the kind of quintessential Parisian restaurant many first time visitors will never discover. The restaurant is small and mostly frequented by Parisians in the know. The food here is impeccable, the authenticity is a contrast to the touristic atmosphere of the Louvre. But this “only in Paris” environment is what makes Le Petit Pontoise an ideal place to eat dinner on your first evening in Paris.
For after-dinner drinks, walk along the Seine to Le Relais de la Huchette, a popular piano bar in the first arrondissement. Here, as you listen to live jazz, sipping on a cognac, you just might feel transported to Paris of the 1920s. A perfect way to close out day one of this 2 days in Paris itinerary.
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Paris, Day 2 – An Overview
- The Eiffel Tower
- Lunch at Girafe
- Explore Jardins du Trocadero
- Arc De Triomphe (free with Paris Pass)
- Sunset cruise on the Sienne (free with Paris Pass)
- Lido De Paris for dinner
- Verdee by Yeels for after-dinner drinks
Two days in Paris, Day 2 – The Details
Second morning in Paris
Of course, no first trip to Paris can be complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Lets start day 2 in Paris by exploring this famous landmark. Keep in mind that you should book the Eiffel Tower tickets in advance, its the only way to guarantee you’ll get in. Ideally, book a few weeks before your trip. And don’t forget to download the official visit Eiffel Tower app, it’s a great guide to exploring the structure.
After exploring the Eiffel Tower its time for lunch. Although there are many restaurants around the Tower, most of them are very touristy. This means they are often expensive but the food is mediocre. Instead, walk over to the Jardins du Trocadero and into restaurant Girafe, one of the best cafes in Paris. After lunch, walk around the gardens and admire the tower from this world-famous perspective.
Second afternoon in Paris
After lunch, its time to make your way over to the famous Arc De Triomphe (free with Paris Pass). The Arc is a long walk from the gardens, so you might want to take a cab or an Uber to get there. Spend some time exploring inside the famous arc, where you can learn a lot about the history of Paris and of France. Afterward, make your way back to the hotel. This is a good time to change for an exciting evening.
Second evening in Paris
Your second evening in Paris starts with a sunset cruise of the Sienne (free with Paris Pass). You can catch the boat in many spots along the tourist district, and there are pick up points next to both hotels I recommend. Try to board about 45 minutes before sunrise. This way you can enjoy watching the sunset over the Sienne and the beautiful Parisian evening light.
After the cruise, its time for an exciting dinner. Unlike the restaurant from night one, the restaurant I recommend tonight is a tourist favorite. Lido De Paris is an old school dinner and cabaret experience. While busy and touristy, it is fun and something you should definitely try once. The Moulin Rouge offers a simular cabaret-style dinner. However, because the Moulin is more famous, the food is just ok and the prices are higher.
Whichever cabaret experience you pick for day two in Paris, your night isn’t done yet. To finish off, modern Paris style, head for drinks to the Verde by Yeels. At night, this high-end restaurant transforms into a trendy lounge. After 10 music by world-famous DJs fills the space, as the beautiful people of Paris enjoy innovative drinks and a glamorous atmosphere.
Two Days in Paris Travel Tips
Reserve in advance
Paris is a crowded and busy city. Be sure to reserve as many restaurants as you can in advance. Additionally don’t forget to buy tickets to the Eiffel Tower weeks before you travel. And finally, if you want to skip the line in most major attractions, the Paris Pass is a great investment.
How to get around Paris
To get around Paris you can hail a cab, cab on the metro, take an Uber or, the most romantic option, take a boat. The fastest option between major attractions is the metro. Just like in every major city, watch your valuables carefully. This is a good bag for a trip to Paris because it is secure but does not attract attention.
Paris Packing List
- A secure travel purse
- Comfortable and attractive sneaker
- A stylish sweater for when the weather gets chilly
- A lightweight medium length rain jacket
- Sunglasses for sunny days
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2 Days in Paris Itinerary Map
This map includes all the recommendations and hotels in this article.
A Few More Thoughts About Paris
The Louvre
There are parts of the Louvre that are almost empty, and it is in those rooms, (if you sit very still and listen very closely), you can hear ghosts walk down the hallways. It is here you can almost hear the muted conversations of Louis the XIV court worshipping the Sun King or maybe just scared of his latest whim… Napoleon’s loud steps plotting to take over the world… Marie Antoinette’s large stable of ladies in waiting in the finest garments, the rustling of the skirts bringing with it the faint rumblings of a bloody revolution… you can hear them all at the Louvre. Just take your time and listen.
Are Parisians Rude?
Paris has an undeserved reputation as a rude city. Most Parisians are very kind and will go out of their way to help a lost tourist (and I get lost a lot, so I speak from personal experience). Many French speak English, so a smile and an attempt at a basic “bonjour” is enough to get them to switch to English for your sake.
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One last thing…
