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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.
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)
When planning your 2-day Paris itinerary, itâs essential to choose a hotel or accommodation thatâs centrally located and easily accessible to the cityâs main attractions. Consider staying in the 1st, 4th, or 5th arrondissement, which offer a range of options from budget-friendly hotels to luxury establishments.
Some popular areas to stay in Paris include:
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When booking your accommodation, consider factors like proximity to metro stations, amenities, and reviews from previous guests. Staying in a central location will make it easier to explore the city and maximize your time during your Paris trip.
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 Parisâs iconic hop-on-hop-off buses. This is the ideal way to get an overview of the city, especially if itâs your first time. As you glide past landmarks like the Champs ĂlysĂ©es, the Arc de Triomphe, and the River Seine, youâll get a feel for the cityâs layout and major attractions. Donât forget to bring your cameraâthere are plenty of photo opportunities along the way!
Make your first stop at Ăle de la CitĂ©, the historic heart of Paris. Here, youâll 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 Ăle de la CitĂ©, donât 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, itâs time to indulge in one of Parisâs greatest pleasuresâits cafĂ© culture. Head to CafĂ© Saint-RĂ©gis on the nearby Ăle Saint-Louis, a charming spot. Order a croque-monsieur or a salade niçoise and enjoy a leisurely lunch while people-watching from the terrace. Donât forget to try a cafĂ© au lait or a glass of chilled rosĂ©.
Read more: The 10 Best Cafes in Paris (Guide 2024)
Your afternoon is dedicated to one of the worldâs most famous art museumsâthe 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.
A stroll down the Champs-ElysĂ©es is an experience that epitomises Parisian elegance. This iconic avenue, lined with luxury boutiques and charming cafĂ©s, invites you to indulge in the art of idleness while soaking up the city’s rich history and style. Definitely not to be missed on your trip to Paris!
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 artistsâ 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. While Montmartre is known for its bohemian charm, the Left Bank offers a romantic atmosphere with its outdoor booksellers and picturesque picnic spots in the Luxembourg Gardens.
Perched on a hill in the heart of Montmartre, the SacrĂ©-CĆur Basilica is a stunning white church that offers breathtaking views of the city. This beautiful basilica is a must-visit destination on your 2-day Paris itinerary, and a great place to experience the cityâs spiritual and artistic heritage.
The basilica was built in the late 19th century, and its design was inspired by the Byzantine style. The interior is adorned with stunning mosaics and intricate carvings, and the views from the top are simply spectacular.
To get to the basilica, take the metro to the Anvers station, and then walk up the hill to the top. Be sure to explore the surrounding neighborhood, which is filled with charming cafes, artist studios, and historic landmarks like the Moulin Rouge. Montmartreâs bohemian charm and artistic legacy make it a unique and memorable part of your Paris trip.
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 bottlesâa 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 MusĂ©e 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 Ătoile de JoĂ«l Robuchon near the Arc de Triomphe offers a modern interpretation of French fabulous food.
For a unique and delicious experience, consider an afternoon cheese and wine tasting at Ă Chateau in Les Caves du Louvre. This historic wine cellar is located in the heart of the city and offers a range of wine and cheese tastings that are perfect for foodies and wine lovers.
During the tasting, youâll have the opportunity to sample a range of artisanal cheeses and wines, and learn about the history and production methods behind each one. The tasting is led by a knowledgeable guide, who will help you navigate the world of French cheese and wine.
To get to Les Caves du Louvre, take the metro to the Louvre-Rivoli station, and then walk to the address. Be sure to book your tasting in advance, as spaces are limited. This experience is a delightful way to immerse yourself in French culinary traditions and add a special touch to your Paris itinerary.
The Latin Quarter is one of the most historic and culturally rich neighborhoods in Paris, and a must-visit destination on your 2-day Paris itinerary. This charming neighborhood is filled with charming cafes, and historic landmarks like the Luxembourg Gardens and the Panthéon.
Start your exploration at the Luxembourg Gardens, a beautiful green space thatâs perfect for a picnic or a stroll. From there, walk to the PanthĂ©on, a historic monument thatâs home to the remains of famous French figures like Voltaire and Rousseau.
When you are exploring the area, be sure to stop by the famous Shakespeare and Company bookshop, which has been a centre of literary culture and creativity, attracting renowned writers such as Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce and Allen Ginsberg throughout its history. The bookshop not only sells books, but also serves as a meeting place for literature enthusiasts and aspiring authors, embodying the spirit of the Parisian bohemian scene.
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’EntrecĂŽte, 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.
