2 Days in Paris: Itinerary & Best Tips by a Local

Visit Paris in 2 Days

Two days in Paris, what to do? Paris is beautiful and incredibly romantic, and there is no city that is easier to spend time in like Paris. The kind of place where one always finds new things to see and do, Paris truly is a moveable feast!

Paris in two days is a bit short; we recommend spending at least 3 days in Paris to get a good picture of the city. But if you only have 2 days in Paris, this guide is a great starting point. Use this 2 days in Paris itinerary step by step, or simply use it as inspiration for your trip planner. Whatever you decide to do, we are sure you will have a wonderful 2-day trip to Paris.

Are You Planning a Trip to Paris Last Minute?

If you are booking a last-minute trip to Paris, we’ve got you covered! Below are our must-guides, top tours, hotels, and more:

» Plan: Paris Travel Planner; Paris Arrondissements Guide; Check out the best Paris Metro tickets for tourists

» Book your flight tickets with Omio; book your train tickets with Omio

Book your transfer from the airport to the city with Welcome Pickups.

» Where to Stay: Best Districts to Stay in Paris

  1. Le Pavillon de la Reine (historical 5-star hotel in Le Marais)
  2. Hotel La Comtesse (mid-range hotel with Eiffel Tower view from all the rooms!)
  3. Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne (super central 4-star hotel near the Louvre)

» Top-Rated Paris Tours & Tickets:

  1. Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
  2. Eiffel Tower Summit Access Ticket
  3. Seine River Night Cruise
  4. Catacombs Skip-the-line tour with VIP access to restricted areas

Want skip-the-line access at museums & attractions in Paris? Get your hands on a Paris Museum Pass!

» Don’t leave without travel insurance! Compare plans and prices amongst the world’s leading programs with Travel Insurance Master

Paris 2 Day Itinerary Our Proposal for Two Days in Paris

2 days in Paris Itinerary

What to see in Paris in 2 days? Here’s an overview of the perfect Paris itinerary 2 days.

  • Day 1 in Paris Ile de la Cié and Right Bank with Montmartre
  • Day 2 in Paris Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Près, Trocadéro, and the Eiffel Tower.

We decided to split this two days in Paris itinerary into Paris Right Bank and Paris Left Bank. This has an obvious logistics advantage: all our proposals for the day are concentrated on the same side of Paris, so the walking and metro distances are optimized.

During this 2-day Paris itinerary, you will explore the most popular Arrondissements of Paris, leaving the lesser-known districts for longer itineraries. Still, it’s recommended that you read our Paris by Arrondissement guide, with the story and main highlights by arrondissement. This will make your trip planning for your 2 days in Paris much easier.

This Paris 2-day itinerary comes with two different maps, one for each day spent in Paris, with our suggested points of interest.

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2 Days in Paris Itinerary

2 Days in Paris, Day 1: Paris Right Bank

Notre Dame | Louvre Museum | The Tuileries Garden | Montmartre | Moulin Rouge

Paris is bisected by the Seine River (La Seine, in French), which flows westwards to the English Channel. In Paris, you will often hear about Paris Rive Gauche (Paris’ Left Bank) and Paris Rive Droite (Paris’ Right Bank): when facing downstream, the northern bank is to the right, and the southern bank is to the left.

The isle that you can see in the middle of the Seine River is named Ile de la Cité, and this will be the starting point of this ultimate 2 days in Paris itinerary.

In Medieval times, Ile de la Cité was the center of the royal and religious powers. In this area, we find the Conciergerie, Notre Dame de Paris, and the Sainte Chapelle.

2 Days in Paris Itinerary Map - Day 1
2 Days in Paris Itinerary Day 1 Made with Google My Maps

Click here to view this 2 days in Paris map, day 1 on Google


1. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL (FROM OUTSIDE)

Notre Dame Cathedral Paris

Grab a coffee and head to Ile de la Cité, the heart of Paris. From metro station Cité (line 4), look for Notre Dame’s twin towers; this will be the starting point of your explorations today.

As you would no doubt be aware, Notre Dame was severely damaged during a fire in April 2019 and is currently closed to the public. During the fire, parts of the roof and the spire was destroyed forever, however, the main façade and its twin towers were saved, as were the Cathedral’s treasures.

The construction of this jewel of Gothic Architecture began in the 12th century and was finally completed in the 14th century. Notre Dame de Paris is dedicated to Our Lady of Paris, and you can see Her represented in the rose window.

Just in front of the Cathedral’s main façade (not visible now with the restoration works), there is a plaque indicating France’s km 0. This means that all the French roads are measured from this point.

USEFUL INFO & TIPS

» Notre Dame opening hours: closed to the public until further notice

» Notre Dame Towers opening hours: closed to the public until further notice

Before leaving Ile-de-la-Cité, consider visiting one of these historical sights located on the isle: the Sainte Chapelle or the Conciergerie.

» The Sainte Chapelle: This Gothic-style royal chapel was built in just seven years, from 1238 to 1248. Today this building has one of the most extensive 13th-century stained glass collections anywhere in the world Click here to buy your tickets

» The Conciergerie: This 14th-century Gothic building was formerly the King of France’s palace and then used as a prison. Visitors can explore the dungeons and the chapel where Marie Antionette was held prisoner during the last days before dying under the guillotine Click here to buy your tickets

2. EXPLORE THE BANKS OF THE SEINE RIVER

This Paris itinerary 2 days continues on the Right Bank. Take Rue d’Arcole and cross the bridge: you’ve just reached the Seine’s Right Bank. Start walking northwest following Quai François Mitterrand, always having the river on your left side.

Walk along the Seine River

From here, you have a better view of Ile de la Cité, and you can admire the Conciergerie (the building with the pointed towers), the iconic rooftops of Paris, and the Pont Neuf (New Bridge), which is the oldest bridge in Paris! After a pleasant 20-minute walk, you will reach the Louvre Museum.

3. THE LOUVRE MUSEUM

Best Way to Visit the Louvre in 2 hours

With only two days in Paris, you might have time for only one museum. Pick either the Louvre Museum or the Musée d’Orsay. We recommend the Louvre.

First-timers in Paris find it difficult to resist the temptation of visiting the Louvre Museum, even if they visit Paris in 2 days! Originally built as a royal palace, the Louvre Palace is today one of the best and most visited museums in the world. Admire Pei’s glass pyramid, located in the Louvre’s inner court, and enter the museum for a short visit.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: the famous tea house Angelina has an establishment inside the Louvre Museum, not far from Napoleon iii apartments. Enjoy Angelina’s famous hot chocolate or taste the incredible Mont Blanc dessert without the crowds!

USEFUL INFO & TIPS

» The Louvre Museum opens from Wednesday to Monday from 9 am to 6 am. On Wednesdays and Fridays, the Louvre opens until 9.45 pm.

» Buy Louvre skip the line tickets, and don’t waste time standing in line: you only have 2 days in Paris!

» Check how to get the most out of the Louvre in 2 hours or less!

4. THE TUILERIES GARDEN

Tuileries Gardens Paris

After visiting some of the most famous Louvre artworks, head to the Tuileries Garden for a walk in the fresh air.

The Tuileries Garden is one of the most beautiful parks in Paris and the oldest French garden in the city. It was designed in the 16th century on the site of ancient tile factories that gave the park its name. The current layout still keeps the spirit of André Le Notre’s design, the same landscape designer as the Gardens of  Château de Versailles and the gardens of Château de Chantilly.

Take a stroll around the park to see the ponds and the flowers, and admire the different sculptures. If you have not eaten yet, the park has a couple of guinguettes (kiosks) where you can get coffee and a quick eat.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: do you want to learn about the park’s fascinating history whilst having fun? Check out this DIY Tuileries Garden Quest for a unique view of the Tuileries Garden in Paris.

If the first day in Paris is rainy or too cold outside, replace the Tuileries Garden with some of the most beautiful covered passages in Paris, located not far from the Louvre.

5. MONTMARTRE

Spend the last hours of this two days in Paris itinerary exploring the most famous hill in Paris. From Tuileries, take the metro to the iconic neighborhood of Montmartre. Take the metro to Anvers metro station (line 12) and follow this Stories of Old Montmartre Walking Tour, which explores the top sights of Montmartre such as the Sacré Coeur, the Moulin de la Galette, Place du Tertre or the Wall of Love.

From the Sacré Coeur down to Place des Abbesses, take your time to read the stories behind the main sights, perhaps with a coffee break in between.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: climb up to Sacré Coeur’s dome for amazing panoramic views of Paris! The access to the dome is from outside the basilica, on the left side.

6. MOULIN ROUGE CABARET SHOW

For the first evening of this itinerary, head to the Moulin Rouge for a fun night of music, can-can, and bubbles. The Moulin Rouge is one of the most popular cabarets in Paris, so you may want to buy your Moulin Rouge tickets well in advance!

Alternatively, you can decide to spend the first evening of your 2 day trip to Paris exploring other bits of Montmartre under the moonlight and have dinner in one of the best restaurants in Montmartre. Finish your day with a cocktail at one of our favorite rooftop bars in Paris, the Terrass Rooftop Bar (7), admiring the Paris skyline and gazing across the lights and landmarks that define the City of Lights.

USEFUL INFO & TIPS:

» Click here to buy your tickets to the Moulin Rouge show

» Terrass Hotel and Rooftop Bar is located at 12 Rue Joseph de Maistre. Open also to non-guests

2 Days in Paris, Day 2: Paris Left Bank

The Latin Quarter | Luxembourg Gardens | Saint-Germain-des-Prés | Eiffel Tower

On the second day of this Paris 2-day itinerary, you will explore the Left Bank of Paris. Historically, the Left Bank was the focus of Paris’s intellectual and religious life.

2 Days in Paris Itinerary Map - Day 2
2 Days in Paris Itinerary Day 2 Made with Google My Maps

Click here to view this 2 days in Paris map, day 2 on Google


1. THE LATIN QUARTER

Paris 5 - Place Contrescarpe

Start the last day of your 2-day Paris itinerary with a coffee in the Latin Quarter in Paris, the heart of university life. The Latin Quarter is also one of the oldest districts of Paris, where the former Roman city Lutetia (IC AD) developed along its Cardo Maximus, the present Rue Saint Jacques. Like all the Roman cities, Lutetia had a forum (current Rue Soufflot), a couple of Roman baths (Les Thermes de Lutèce), and even an amphitheater known today as Arènes de Lutèce.

2. THE PANTHÉON

The Panthéon in Paris is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. Originally built as a church, the Panthéon operates today as a mausoleum with tombs of illustrious French citizens Click here to buy your tickets

The building has an impressive facade surmounted by a large dome. In 1851, physicist Léon Foucault demonstrated the rotation of the Earth by constructing a 67-meter Foucault pendulum beneath the central dome. Today, a replica of this famous pendulum is still displayed inside the Panthéon.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: don’t miss the awesome views from the Panthéon’s dome! The dome is often referred to as the “balcony of Paris” because of the amazing views of Paris.

Wander around the Latin Quarter. In this same area, several buildings make up the large complex of La Sorbonne University, which are also impressive and always teeming with students. La Sorbonne was founded in 1253 at King Louis IX’s request as a college for 16 poor students who wanted to study theology. After 1885, it became the most important university in France and it is still one of the most important universities in Paris.

Around the Sorbonne, you can find the Collège de France, other prestigious schools, and the beautiful Sainte-Geneviève library. There are also many bookshops, cafes, and independent cinemas.

USEFUL INFO & TIPS:

» You can reach the Panthéon by metro, from Cardinal Lemoine metro station (line 10). If you want to have a quick look at the Arènes de Lutèce first, then take the metro to Jussieu (lines 7 and 10).

» The Panthéon of Paris is open every day from 10 am to 6.30 pm. The entrance ticket costs 9€

» The access to the Panthéon’s dome is open from April to October. Apart from the Panthéon ticket, you need to purchase a second ticket that costs 2€.

3. THE LUXEMBOURG GARDENS

Luxembourg Gardens Paris

This Paris in two itinerary takes you now to one of the most beautiful gardens in the city. Explore the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens and admire the palace originally built for Queen Marie de Médicis (today the Sénat Palace) and other beautiful sights like the octagonal pond or the romantic Médicis Fountain. If the weather is good, don’t hesitate to blend in with the locals and have a picnic on the grass.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: this cool DIY Treasure Hunt is perfect to explore the Luxembourg Gardens whilst having fun!

4. SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS

Les Deux Magots Paris

From Luxembourg Gardens, take the Avenue Bonaparte to the neighborhood of Saint Germain-des-Prés.

Developed around the former Saint-Germain Abbey, the neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés became after the Second World War a center of intellectual and cultural life in Paris, with the presence of interesting writers and artists like Marguerite Duras, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir, François Truffaut, Picasso, Giacometti and many more. All these cool people liked to wander around Saint-Germain and enjoy its particular atmosphere and a good intellectual discussion at Café Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore.

Today, Saint-Germain is a great place to get lost in its winding streets or to stop at a nice cafe for people-watching.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: Saint-Germain is well known for having some of the best chocolate shops and pâtisseries in Paris. We recommend the Saint-Germain Chocolate Walking Tour.

5. THE EIFFEL TOWER

Eiffel Tower Paris

For the last night of your 2 days in Paris, head to the Eiffel Tower for a “grand finale” in the City of Light! Climb up to the Eiffel Tower’s summit to watch the sunset over Paris.

Designed by the engineer Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower is always impressive but it is even more incredible to see at night when the golden floodlights come on. When the Tour Eiffel is lit up it will sparkle for the first five minutes of every hour so check your watch not to miss the next one!

6. SEINE RIVER BOAT TOUR

Seine Cruise in Paris

End your day with a Seine night boat tour and perhaps a glass of champagne and admire the historical monuments dotted along the route: The Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, the Conciergerie, … and back to Notre Dame, where everything started.

MAKE IT SPECIAL: a gourmet dinner with amazing views of the Eiffel Tower at the restaurant Les Ombres can be the perfect start to an unforgettable night!

USEFUL INFO & TIPS:

» Book your Eiffel Tower tickets well in advance! With only two days in Paris, it’s important to secure the date and time slot asap.

» Restaurant Les Ombres is located at 27 Quai Branly (Paris 7). Book your table in advance directly on their website.

» Have a look at the best Seine River boat tours

» During summertime, sunset can be around 22:00. Boat tours usually run until 10.30 pm so we recommend booking the last or pre-last boat tour to see the monuments illuminated.

Other Things to Do in Paris in 2 Days

Of course, there are many other interesting things to do in Paris in two days, it’s just that we cannot include everything in a so short itinerary! Below, find more ideas of places to visit for 2 days in Paris:

» This Paris 2-day itinerary does not include Le Marais. Le Marais is another interesting area to explore and you can find some ideas in our posts on Paris 3 and Paris 4. Both posts cover different parts of Le Marais.

» Are you planning your 2 days in Paris during the winter? Check out our guide to Winter in Paris, with some cool proposals when it’s too cold to be outside. If the weather forecast shows rain in Paris, check out this list of things to do in Paris during rainy days.

» If you want to surprise your partner with a romantic weekend getaway, we recommend using this romantic weekend in Paris itinerary instead, also with a program for two days in Paris.

» Hop-on Hop-off tours are a great way to get an overview of the city for first-timers and to check off the most famous Paris landmarks in one day.

» If you have some more time, you may want to include some of the 50 best things to do in Paris in your itinerary.


How to Get from and to the Airports of Paris

OPTION
TO
DURATION
PRICE
HOURS
Train Paris CDG Airport
Gare du Nord or Châtelet
30-40 min
11,45€
4:50 am – 11:50 pm
Your hotel
30-40 min
60€ approx
24/7
Taxi CDG Airport
Your hotel
30-40 min
Flat rate: 62€ to Left Bank /55€ to Right Bank (without pre-booking)
24/7
Roissy Bus (CDG Airport-Opéra)
11 Rue Scribe (Paris 9)
60-75 min
16.50€
6:00 am – 0:30 am
Orly Bus Paris ORY Airport
Denfert- Rochereau
30-40 min
11.20€
6:am – 0:30 am
Your hotel
30-40 min
50€ approx
24/7
Taxi ORY Airport
Your hotel
30-40 min
Flat rate: 35€ to Left Bank /41€ to Right Bank (without pre-booking)
24/7

Our personal recommendation is to pre-book with Welcome Pickups, a reliable and top-rated private transfer service. Your driver will wait for you outside of the arrivals hall with a sign bearing your name, plus a bottle of water and a map of the city. Welcome Pickups have introduced strict safety protocols to protect drivers and guests.

These are what we consider the best options to go from one of the Paris airports to the city but there are many more, public and private.

Where to Sleep in Paris for 2 Days

Haven’t decided where to stay during your 2 days in Paris yet? Check out our hotel suggestions perfect for exploring Paris in 2 days.

We recommend Booking.com for booking your hotel in Paris. They have a wide variety of accommodation of all kinds and good rates. In addition, they propose the option to cancel for free, most of the time up to 24 hours.


SLEEP WITH EIFFEL TOWER VIEWS

If you have the budget, why not treat yourself to the pleasure of waking up with an amazing Eiffel Tower balcony view?

Some of the best hotels in Paris also come with awesome views of the Eiffel Tower, especially beautiful during its night show!

Check out the best hotels with Eiffel Tower Views

The good news is that a cozy room with Eiffel Tower views is not exclusive to the best hotels in Paris. If you are looking for a more local experience, there are also beautiful, fully equipped apartments to rent with amazing Eiffel Tower views

Check out the best apartments with view of Eiffel Tower


HOTELS AT LE MARAIS IN PARIS 3

Le Marais in the Right Bank is a beautiful and central neighborhood perfect to set your base in Paris, especially if you are visiting Paris for the first time. It is picturesque, well connected by the metro, and with many beautiful cafes and restaurant options.

Click here for the best hotels in Le Marais in Paris 3

LE PAVILLON DE LA REINE &  SPA, Paris 3, $$$$

Le Pavillon de la Reine is a luxury hotel & spa located at Place des Vosges in the Marais. The rooms are individually decorated and very spacious. Facilities include a spa, fitness center, and hammam. Its beautiful secluded garden is perfect to end your day with a drink.

Click here for the Latest Prices


HOTEL DU PETIT MOULIN, Paris 3, $$$

Located at the heart of Marais and entirely designed by Christian Lacroix, this hotel offers the best combination of history + design. Guests can use complimentary bicycles and enjoy free access to the spa at Hotel Pavillon de la Reine, a 10-min walk away.

Click here for the Latest Prices


HOTELS IN THE LATIN QUARTER

If you prefer to stay in the Left Bank, the Latin Quarter is also a good option, usually with less expensive options. Stay close to the Luxembourg Gardens or the Jardin des Plantes but also to lively areas like rue du Mouffetard or the Sorbonne with many bars and restaurants nearby.

Click here for the best hotels in the Latin Quarter in Paris 5

XHOTEL LA LANTERNE; Paris 5, $$$$

Hotel La Lanterne has an excellent location (between Notre Dame and Luxembourg Gardens), attractive rooms, and some great facilities like a spa, pool, or a private garden. Perfect to finish your exploring days in a more relaxing way.

Click here for the Latest Prices


OBSERVATOIRE LUXEMBOURG: Paris 5, $$$

Located close to Luxembourg Gardens, we find its design pretty cool. But of course, it is not all about decoration: the hotel’s comfortable rooms, French Brasserie, modern facilities, and cool staff are the perfect combination for a great stay in Paris.

Click here for the Latest Prices

And there you have it, a comprehensive Paris 2-day itinerary with the best things to do in Paris in 2 days. Follow this 2 days in Paris guide step by step or change it up to suit your own individual preferences.

Have a look at our other Paris Itineraries

Click here to read more Paris Itineraries

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Quirky Parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the City of Light! Read more about us.