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2 Days in Paris: Best 2-Day Paris Itinerary & Tips!

  • March 18, 2024
  • 6 min read
2 Days in Paris: Best 2-Day Paris Itinerary & Tips!

Bonjour and welcome to your whirlwind adventure in Paris! If you’ve ever dreamt of wandering through the cobbled streets of the City of Light, sipping café au lait with views of iconic landmarks, and immersing yourself in world-class art and cuisine, then you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler longing to revisit Parisian charms, our fun-filled 2-day itinerary is designed to give you a taste of Paris like never before.

From the majestic Eiffel Tower to the artistic alleys of Montmartre, and from the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral to the chic boutiques of Le Marais, we’ve curated a perfect blend of must-see attractions, hidden gems, and culinary delights. This guide promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Paris, filled with discovery, enchantment, and, of course, a little bit of magic.

So, lace up your walking shoes, charge your camera, and bring along your joie de vivre—we’re about to embark on a Parisian adventure that will leave you spellbound. Bienvenue à Paris! Let the adventure begin.

Day 1: Iconic Landmarks & Parisian Nights

Morning: Eiffel Tower & Seine River Cruise

  • Start Early at the Eiffel Tower: Beat the crowds by arriving early to ascend this iconic structure. Enjoy breakfast at a nearby café with a view.
  • Seine River Cruise: Post-Eiffel Tower, hop on a river cruise from the nearby docks. It’s a serene way to see many of Paris’s landmarks from a unique vantage point.

Afternoon: Louvre Museum & Lunch

  • Louvre Exploration: Dive into art and history at the Louvre. Don’t miss the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
  • Lunch Break: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a café in the Palais-Royal gardens, a short walk from the Louvre.

Evening: Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

  • Montmartre Wanderings: Head to the artistic enclave of Montmartre. Explore its cobbled streets, visit the Place du Tertre, and see the artists at work.
  • Sunset at Sacré-Cœur: Climb to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for a breathtaking sunset view over Paris.
  • Dinner in Montmartre: Finish your day with dinner at a traditional Montmartre bistro. Enjoy French classics like coq au vin or boeuf bourguignon.

Night: Moulin Rouge Show

  • Cabaret Experience: If you’re feeling adventurous, book a late show at the Moulin Rouge for a quintessential Parisian cabaret experience.

Paris

Day 2: Culture, Cuisine, and Shopping

Morning: Notre-Dame Cathedral & Latin Quarter

  • Notre-Dame Visit: Start with a visit to the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral. While the interior may be undergoing restoration, the exterior still impresses.
  • Stroll through the Latin Quarter: Wander through the Latin Quarter, explore its bookshops, and visit the Panthéon.

Afternoon: Le Marais District & Lunch

  • Le Marais Exploration: Head to the historically rich Le Marais district. Visit the Place des Vosges, explore boutique shops, and perhaps the Picasso Museum.
  • Lunch in Le Marais: Enjoy lunch at a café in Le Marais. Try something light like a quiche or salad to save room for pastries later.

Afternoon Snack: Pâtisserie Visit

  • Sweet Treat: Visit a famous pâtisserie for a macaron or éclair. Pierre Hermé and Ladurée are excellent choices.

Evening: Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

  • Champs-Élysées Stroll: Walk down the Champs-Élysées. Shop, people-watch, and take in the Parisian vibe.
  • Arc de Triomphe: End your walk at the Arc de Triomphe. Climb to the top for a stunning evening view of Paris.
  • Dinner Near the Champs-Élysées: Choose one of the many restaurants near the Champs-Élysées for dinner. Opt for something upscale to celebrate your last night in Paris.

Night: Seine River Banks

  • Leisurely Night Walk: Conclude your Parisian adventure with a leisurely walk along the Seine River banks. The city lights and serene atmosphere offer a perfect end to your trip.

Paris

Essential Tips for Your 2-Day Adventure in Paris

Ready to make the most of your Paris escapade? The following essential tips are your golden keys to navigating the city with ease, dining like a local, and embracing the rich culture of Paris:

Before You Go:

  • Buy Tickets in Advance: For major attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, purchase tickets online ahead of time to avoid long queues.
  • Pack Light and Right: Paris is a city best explored on foot. Bring comfortable shoes and dress in layers to adapt to the changing weather.

Getting Around:

  • Master the Metro: Paris’s Metro system is your best friend for getting around quickly and inexpensively. Consider buying a day pass for unlimited travel.
  • Ride-sharing and Taxis: Apps like Uber work well in Paris if you need to get somewhere quickly or are traveling late at night.

Dining and Shopping:

  • Reservations Recommended: For popular restaurants, making a reservation is often necessary, especially for dinner.
  • Shop Tax-Free: If you’re a non-EU resident, take advantage of tax-free shopping on eligible purchases over €175 in one store, on the same day.

Cultural Etiquette:

  • A Little French Goes a Long Way: Greeting shopkeepers and waiters in French (just a simple “Bonjour”) is considered polite and can make interactions smoother.
  • Mind the Meal Times: Unlike some places, Parisians eat at specific times (lunch around 12-2 pm, dinner after 7 pm). Many restaurants may be closed outside these hours.

Safety and Convenience:

  • Beware of Pickpockets: Like any major city, watch your belongings in crowded areas. Use a money belt or a crossbody bag for added security.
  • Stay Connected: Consider buying a local SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi device to stay connected without incurring roaming charges.

Maximizing Your Experience:

  • Early Bird Gets the Worm: Start your day early to enjoy attractions before the crowds gather.
  • Leave Room for Spontaneity: While it’s great to have a plan, some of the best Parisian experiences come from unexpected discoveries. Allow time to explore without a schedule.

After Dark:

  • Explore Paris at Night: Many of Paris’s landmarks are beautifully illuminated after dark. Don’t miss a nighttime stroll to see the city in a different light.
  • Check for Night Events: Look for cultural events or shows happening during your stay. Paris has a vibrant nightlife scene, from opera to jazz clubs.
About Author

GreetingsFromAbroad

GreetingsfromAbroad.com is a travel blog founded by keen traveler, writer and experienced digital nomad, Kojo Enoch. Currently Kojo lives on the beautiful, sunny island of Malta. This website is run by a solid team of expert digital nomads,  avid travelers, photographers and writers from all over the world.

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