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Paris, the City of Light, is a destination that offers a rich mix of history, culture and romance. To plan your trip to this enchanting city, you’ll need to make some important decisions – from choosing the best time to travel, to where to stay and how to get around. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your 2 day in Paris itinerary.
The best time to experience Paris is spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). During these months, the weather is mild, the flowers are in bloom in spring and the leaves are colourful in autumn – a picturesque time to explore the city’s streets and parks.
A visit in the winter months (December-February), on the other hand, can be a delightful experience. The festive atmosphere of the Christmas season with Christmas markets and twinkling lights combined with fewer tourists makes winter an adorable time to see a different side of Paris.
Thanks to the efficient and affordable public transport system, getting around Paris is a breeze. The Paris Metro, with its 16 lines and over 300 metro stations, is the cornerstone of the city’s transport network. It allows you to reach almost any part of the city quickly and easily. If you plan to make extensive use of public transport, the Paris Visite Pass is a good option, allowing you unlimited travel on the metro, buses and trams for a certain number of days.
Read more here: Guide for Paris Metro System (2024)
The city is divided into 20 arrondissements, each of which has its own character. The Latin Quarter and Saint Germain des Prés are popular neighborhoods for tourists. The Latin Quarter is known for its lively student atmosphere and Saint Germain des Prés, on the other hand, was once the artistic heart of the french capital with the famous Les Deux Magots.
If you want to make your Paris itinerary extra special, opt for a hotel with a view of famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame Cathedral. Waking up to a view like this is simply magical. The Hotel Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel is a recommended mid-range hotel.
Shangri-La Hotel, Paris
We recommend buying a Paris Pass for your 2 days in Paris itinerary. This way you can benefit from savings of up to 50% and visit the city in a flexible and relaxed way. With the City Pass, you already have all the tickets for the most popular attractions in your pocket and can avoid long ticket lines.
There are two different passes, depending on your interests, time and needs: The Paris City Pass and the Paris Essentials Pass.
Paris City Pass:
Comprehensive Experience: Includes access to major attractions like the Louvre Museum, Palace of Versailles, and Arc de Triomphe.
Paris Museum Pass: It offers free entry to over 50 museums and monuments and is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the full variety of museums on their Paris trip.
Flexibility: Eiffel Tower can be booked as an option + ideal for travelers who wish to fully explore Paris and enjoy a variety of experiences.
Paris Essentials Pass:
Focus on Key Landmarks: Covers the must-see attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Sainte-Chapelle, and Versailles.
Convenience: Offers direct access to these popular sites, saving time by skipping lines.
Simplicity: Perfect for those who want to concentrate on the essentials.
Which Pass is Best for You?
If you want a more immersive and varied experience in Paris, with access to a wide range of attractions and cultural activities, the Paris City Pass is the better choice.
If your goal is to see the major landmarks with ease and efficiency without extra activities, the Paris Essentials Pass is perfect for a streamlined, hassle-free visit.
Start your day by hopping on one of Paris’s iconic hop-on-hop-off buses. This is the ideal way to get an overview of the city, especially if it’s your first time. As you glide past landmarks like the Champs Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, and the River Seine, you’ll get a feel for the city’s layout and major attractions. Don’t forget to bring your camera—there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way!
Make your first stop at Île de la Cité, the historic heart of Paris. Here, you’ll find the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Although the cathedral is still under restoration, the grandeur of its exterior and the atmosphere of the surrounding area make it a must-see.
Just a short walk away is Sainte-Chapelle, a hidden gem that often surprises visitors with its beauty. Known for its stunning stained-glass windows that soar up to the ceiling, this former royal chapel is a feast for the eyes. The windows depict biblical scenes in vivid colors, and when the sunlight streams through, the chapel is bathed in a magical glow.
Before leaving the Île de la Cité, don’t miss the Conciergerie, a former royal palace turned prison during the French Revolution. It was here that Marie Antoinette spent her last days before her execution.
After a morning of sightseeing, it’s time to indulge in one of Paris’s greatest pleasures—its café culture. Head to Café Saint-Régis on the nearby Île Saint-Louis, a charming spot. Order a croque-monsieur or a salade niçoise and enjoy a leisurely lunch while people-watching from the terrace. Don’t forget to try a café au lait or a glass of chilled rosé.
Read more: The 10 Best Cafes in Paris (Guide 2024)
Your afternoon is dedicated to one of the world’s most famous art museums—the Louvre. Home to the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and countless other masterpieces, the Louvre is a treasure trove of art and history. To make the most of your visit, consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket and perhaps following a self-guided tour to ensure you see the highlights without feeling overwhelmed.
As the afternoon turns into evening, you should head to the Eiffel Tower, probably the most recognisable symbol of Paris. Visiting the tower during the day is already impressive, but experiencing the sunset from the top is nothing short of magical. The city slowly lights up and the tower itself begins to sparkle on the hour, making for a romantic and unforgettable experience.
Consider to buy tickets to the top to enjoy an unrivalled view. If you prefer things a little quieter, the second floor also offers a fantastic panoramic view.
Get the best view of the Eiffel Tower
End your day in the artists’ quarter of Montmartre, where the streets are bursting with creativity. Stroll through the cobbled alleyways, past street artists who capture the essence of Paris on their canvases at Place du Tertre or take part in a guided walking tour. Montmartre was home to many famous artists, including Picasso and Van Gogh, and the neighbourhood has retained its bohemian atmosphere.
Climb up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, which stands on the highest point in Paris. The white domes of the basilica can be seen from all over the city and the view from the top of the stairs is breathtaking, especially at night.
Cap off your day with a delightful dinner in Montmartre. For an authentic experience, try Le Refuge des Fondues, a quirky spot famous for its cheese and meat fondues. The restaurant serves wine in baby bottles—a fun twist that adds to the cozy, informal atmosphere.
Or how about a show at Moulin Rouge, Paris’s most famous cabaret?
Start your day with a relaxing cruise on the Seine, where you can see some of Paris’ most famous sights from a different angle. As your boat cruises leisurely across the water, you’ll pass famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde and the Musée d’Orsay. The commentary on board offers interesting historical insights and makes the trip not only a visual but also an educational experience.
After your river cruise, you will travel to one of Paris’ landmarks, the Arc de Triomphe. It stands proudly at the top of the Champs Elysees and honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
Climb the 284 steps to the observation deck, where you will be rewarded with a 360-degree panorama of the french capital. The Champs Elysees stretches out before you and takes your gaze all the way to the Louvre. In the distance, you can see the Eiffel Tower, the river Seine and the sprawling urban landscape that is Paris. The view is spectacular both by day and by night, so plan your visit to suit you.
Before you continue your adventures, you should take a lunch break. L’Atelier Étoile de Joël Robuchon near the Arc de Triomphe offers a modern interpretation of French fabulous food.
Immerse yourself in France’s rich culinary tradition with a cheese and wine tasting at Ô Chateau. Set in the historic Les Caves du Louvre, this tasting offers a unique opportunity to sample a selection of France’s finest wines and cheeses in an atmospheric setting. The experienced sommeliers will guide you through each pairing and explain the flavours and history behind the products.
If you are travelling with the family or simply want to experience something different, FlyView Paris offers an exciting end to the day. This virtual reality experience allows you to ‘fly’ over Paris and get a bird’s eye view of the city’s landmarks.
Another fun experience for the whole family is the Paradox Museum. This interactive museum is full of amazing optical illusions and exhibits that challenge your perception.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, a Parisian institution known for its steak-frites and secret sauce. The menu is simple but perfected, and the atmosphere is quintessentially Parisian.
Save time and money and enjoy full flexibility on your Paris city trip!
Be aware of pickpocketing and petty theft in tourist areas.
Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Know the emergency phone number (15) and the location of the nearest hospital.
The Euro is the official currency of France.
Consider exchanging currency at a bank or currency exchange office.
Many businesses accept credit cards, but cash is still king in Paris.
For a picnic in the countryside, a short break from the hustle and bustle of the city, we recommend these beautiful gardens:
Jardin du Luxembourg
Tuileries Garden
Jardin des Plantes
Champs de Mars
Consider taking a day trip to the Palace of Versailles, a former royal residence.
Visit the charming town of Reims, known for its cathedral and champagne production.
Explore the beautiful gardens and chateau of Fontainebleau.
