2 Day Paris Itinerary

Only have a couple of days in Paris, you say? I’m sure you know this, but you won’t see everything my new home has to offer, but you can experience quite a bit if you have some determination and dedication. Through this itinerary, you’ll see some iconic landmarks, some of the best neighborhoods, and stunning views that will revisit you in your dreams…all without running from one end of the city to the other like a crazy person.

After I visited many times and finally decided to make Paris mine, I’ve done the city mostly as a visitor, and now as a local, so I know some of the highlights of this place. Many people want to check the boxes of the major tourist attractions, but I’ll let you in on a secret: some of my favorite memories came in between seeing the so-called top things to see in Paris. Allowing yourself to get lost on the many winding streets of Paris or popping into a boutique or store that you find interesting will make the trip exactly what you’d hoped. Perhaps sitting at a café, facing out to the hustle and bustle of people walking by, and reflecting on how lovely it is to just be there is exactly what the doctor ordered for your trip.

I’ve designed this 2 day Paris itinerary around both neighborhoods and attractions that make sense to group together. You’ll be exploring the heart of Paris, wander around two of my favorite walkable neighborhoods, the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, check out the Louvre and stroll the charming Montmartre (which happens to be where I live). You’ll eat some delicious French meals, walk along the Seine where the bouquinistes post up, and take a river cruise in the evening.

Whether this is your first time or stopping over for a couple of days that involves a longer European vacation, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time in the best city in the world, the City of Light.

Do a Little Shopping

Since we’re working with a fairly short amount of time on this trip, a good rule of thumb is to organize your sightseeing geographically. Paris is one of the most walkable cities (and my favorite mode of transportation is by foot), but you could end up running from one side of the city to the other if you’re not careful. Paris is organized in arrondissements, starting with number 1 and going to 20, fanning out and around like the spiral of a snail shell. The majority of the main attractions are in the lower arrondissements, so keep that in mind when you’re booking a hotel.

I’ve divided this itinerary in two distinct days:

Day 1: Historic Paris, Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Eiffel Tower

Starting at the recently restored and beautiful Notre-Dame Cathedral located on the Île de la Cité, you’ll hop over a bridge to explore the Latin Quarter and its next door neighbor Saint-Germain-des-Prés. After those delightful activities, you’ll see the Eiffel Tower in all her glory, and top off the day with an evening Seine River cruise.

Sound good? Let’s plan day 2 now.

Day 2: The Louvre, Arc de Triomphe and Montmartre

You’ll start off at the Louvre (whether you go in or not will be up to you), and proceed from the famous glass pyramids to the Tuileries Garden, which resides immediately next to Mona Lisa’s home. After your stroll through the garden, you’re off to see the Arc de Triomphe, which is honestly a spectacular sight and one I never get tired of seeing. Once you’ve had your fix at the Arc, you’ll head up to Montmartre and spend some time enjoying my neighborhood, which happens to be rather charming, and see some views of Paris from my local church, Sacré-Cœur. And yes, I go to mass there on Sundays, no big deal. It’s just one of the most famous churches in the world.

Both of these days combine major attractions with some favorite Parisian neighborhoods. I’ve included approximate times, but stray from this as much as you want. It’s your trip, after all, and you are going to enjoy it exactly the way you want to, not the way I’m telling you (though I do think this is a pretty good itinerary).

If you happen to find yourself with one extra day, check out my guide to 3 days in Paris or my complete Paris Itinerary for more ideas.

Covered Passage

You’ll get a good feel of what Paris offers in two days, but you’ll definitely have to prioritize what is important and what matters most to you in this short amount of time. Walking around or into Notre-Dame, seeing historic neighborhoods, the Eiffel Tower, and Montmartre are all doable in your 48-hour visit. Visiting several museums, taking long Parisian lunches, and seeing all 20 arrondissements is not going to happen, but I know you know this.

One of the bigger decisions is how important is it to actually enter some of the major attractions, or just see them from the outside and say you did it after snapping some selfies. For example, the Louvre could quite literally take up a week of your life if you want to see it. The Eiffel Tower, which I do really enjoy going up myself, will be another couple of hours, and you will need to reserve those tickets in advance.

Additionally, I’m a big fan of leaving some spontaneity in your schedule for the unknown things that could happen to you on your trip. You may want to take that two hour lunch with a bottle of wine, and if you ask me, that’s more Parisian than hoofing up the steps of the Iron Lady. What if a bookstore or covered passage captivates your attention for a while, or zig zagging through neighborhood streets that you want to discover? This is your trip, and you have the right and the agency to call an audible.

The good news is that you can return to Paris!

Sparkling Eiffel Tower

Here is my best recommendation on how to spend your two days in Paris, accompanied by suggested times and transportation between the major attractions. Note that this is very approximate, and can and will change with any variation to this itinerary. (And that’s ok!)

Day 1: Notre-Dame, the Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the Eiffel Tower

Your first day is spent in most of the lower numbered arrondissements, where a lot of the attractions are on this day. Most of the morning and afternoon can be explored by foot, which will allow you to experience some of Paris’s most beautiful streets without going down into the bowels of the métro.

9:00 AM - Notre-Dame Cathedral and Île de la Cité

Suggested time: 1-1.5 hours

Start your morning off right with a little church time at Notre-Dame, where you’ll see the newly restored beauty. It’s located on the Île de la Cité, an island in the Seine, and the admission is free (though I would recommend visiting the official Notre-Dame website). After you’re done perusing the inside, roam around the island a bit and take in the beautiful views along the Seine. If you’re interested in Gothic architecture, consider a visit to Sainte-Chapelle, another church on the same island. However, you might want to pick and choose between the two if you’re only in Paris for two days.

**If you want to see Notre-Dame by going to mass, that’s actually the way I saw it, and it was a wonderful experience. If attending mass for the full time isn’t your thing, then I’d recommend simply waiting in line for the regular visit.

10:30 AM - Explore the Latin Quarter

Suggested time: 2 hours

From Notre-Dame, cross one of the bridges that leads you to the Latin Quarter, one of Paris’s oldest and most fascinating neighborhoods. It’s known for its winding streets, historic universities, lively cafés, and the Panthéon. The famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore is there, but you might be met with a long line, which I would encourage you to really decide if it’s worth it due to the time constraint.

From there, simply wander the neighborhood and explore the side streets. If you walk up Rue de Bièvre, pop into Messy Nessy’s Cabinet for a look at all the curiosities she collects and then sells. You might find a great souvenir to take home with you, and her shop is in my “what to buy in Paris” guide for good reason.

If you’re staying in the Latin Quarter, you might consider the hotel Madeleine de Senlis as an option.

12:30 PM - Lunch and Shopping in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Suggested time: 3.5 hours

I’ve officially fallen hard for this neighborhood, and I feel like kind of a stalker now. From the Latin Quarter, walk toward Boulevard Saint-Germain and explore the beautiful streets around the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This area is filled with charming independent boutiques, art galleries, bookstores, and amazing cafés. Speaking of cafés, two of Paris’s most famous are almost side by side, Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots.

Continue toward Rue de Buci, a lively street filled with cafés, restaurants, and specialty food shops. This is where I would recommend eating a leisurely-ish French lunch on the terrace in nice weather. And don’t skip the wine. My recommendation is to just enjoy this little arrondissement by wandering. It’s how I enjoy it the most, and it’s so very Parisian.

If you’re staying in Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, you might consider the Da Vinci Hotel & Spa as your landing pad. It’s got just 24 rooms, and it feels luxurious inside.

4:00 PM - Visit the Eiffel Tower

Suggested time: 1-3 hours, depending on whether you go up

To get to the Eiffel Tower, I would recommend taking the métro from Saint-Germain-des-Prés, as it would take about 35-45 minutes to walk, and that might be too far after a long day. Your other option is taxi or rideshare to get there.

I’m not letting you visit Paris without a trip to see the Eiffel Tower. No, sir, no ma’am. From the 6th, you’ll either walk toward the tower or take the métro to École Militaire or Bir-Hakeim. Planning to go up the Eiffel Tower? Do purchase your tickets in advance through the official Eiffel Tower website.

If you’re not going to climb the tower or take the elevator up, then take a few minutes to appreciate it and keep it moving. You could even grab a coffee for a little boost of energy if you’re done early.

If you’re staying near the Eiffel Tower, I’d recommend Hotel du Champ de Mars.

6:00 PM - Freshen up at the Hotel (Maybe a Nap?)

Suggested time: 2 hours

You’ll really only be able to do this if you skip going up the Eiffel Tower, so keep this time slot as a place holder.

8:30 PM - Dinner Cruise

Suggested time: 2-2.5 hours

After a full day of exploring those magnificent sights, you’ll likely want to take a load off and enjoy the sights of Paris in the evening, eating a nice meal, floating down the Seine River. It takes care of the decision of where to eat, and you’ll experience Paris after dark, admiring the landmarks that you pass during the cruise. You might even catch the Eiffel Tower sparkle, something that should not be missed while visiting Paris.

Several companies offer the cruises, so depending on what you want in your cruise, here are some options:

• Bateaux Parisiens
• Le Calife
• Bateaux Mouches
• Ducasse sur Seine

Be sure to confirm departure time and boarding location with whichever company you choose.

Sacré-Cœur

Day 2: The Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, and Montmartre

For day 2, we are staying on the Right Bank of Paris, and seeing some very special sites, wrapping up the day in Montmartre. You’ll start at the Louvre, stroll through the beautiful Tuileries Garden, visit the Arc de Triomphe, and explore the charming Montmartre. I recommend starting early so you have plenty of time to enjoy Montmartre later in the afternoon without feeling rushed.

9:00 AM - Visit the Louvre Museum

Suggested time: 2-3 hours

You’re starting the second day at a very large museum, and many people feel like it’s a must-see, so it’s on my list. Walking around the square where the pyramids are never gets old, and it’s something I enjoy doing even as a resident.

Whether or not you go in will depend on how much time you spend there, so if you do decide to go in, choose a couple of collections and stick with those. If you decide you’re not that into museum peeping (like I am not), you may want to take a little breakfast at Le Nemours instead. No one is judging and you will not go to the guillotine for not going into the Louvre.

Important: The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, so plan your itinerary accordingly and be sure to reserve tickets in advance.

If you’re staying near the Louvre, I would recommend Hôtel Crayon Rouge as an option.

12:00 PM - Explore the Tuileries Garden and Lunch

Suggested time: 1.5 hours

After your time at the Louvre, head west to the Jardin des Tuileries, one of my favorite gardens in the city. It stretches between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, and it’s filled with sculptures, fountains, a carousel, and tree-lined promenades. It’s also a great place to sit and enjoy a baguette sandwich from a boulangerie on one of the famous green chairs.

Continue walking toward Place de la Concorde, one of the city’s most historically significant squares in Paris. During the French Revolution, King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were executed here. Hôtel de Crillon is a magnificent hotel to walk through and sits at its base. If you have time and the bar is open, have one of their delicious cocktails.

1:30 PM - Visit the Arc de Triomphe

Suggested time: 1 hour

From Place de la Concorde, take Métro line 1 to Charles de Gaulle-Étoile, the station closest to the Arc. Your other option is to walk up the Champs-Élysées, but only do so if you’re the energizer bunny. Montmartre is quite hilly and you may need your strength for that.

Commissioned by good old Napoleon in 1806, the Arc de Triomphe honors soldiers who fought and died for France. The monument sits at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, surrounded by 12 avenues radiating outward from Place Charles de Gaulle. Go up to the monument or admire from the street, either way works.

If you’re staying around the Arc de Triomphe, consider Hôtel Dadou Paris.

3:00 PM - Spend the Afternoon Exploring Montmartre

Suggested time: 3-3.5 hours

I’m partial now to Montmartre because I live here and I fall in love with it more each day, which is why I have dedicated a whole afternoon to the neighborhood and not a quick pop-in to see Sacré-Cœur. It’s in the 18th arrondissement, so on the outskirts of the more central neighborhoods of Paris, and was once home to Picasso, Renoir, and other notables, least of which is myself.

As I continue to discover, Montmartre is very much like a village, with winding cobblestone streets that are maddening to bicycle on, independent boutiques, the most charming cafés and restaurants, and beautiful historic buildings.

To get to Montmartre from the Arc de Triomphe, take Métro Line 2 from Charles de Gaulle–Étoile toward Nation and transfer at Pigalle to Line 12 toward Mairie d’Aubervilliers. Get off at Abbesses, just one stop later, and prepare to climb enough stairs to get you to heaven. Alternatively, take the elevator if it's working. Abbesses is a fantastic area, and I find myself there doing a lot of shopping, whether for food or clothes. You might end up spending a lot of your time right there, and that's OK.

A few of the notable spots to consider in Montmartre are:

• Rue de l’Abreuvoir
• Place du Tertre
• Rue Lepic
• Rue des Abbesses

6:00 PM - Visit Sacré-Coeur and Enjoy the Views of Paris

Suggested time: 1 hour

Going into the Basilica is definitely worth it if you are amazed by architecture and beauty. The interior is free to visit, and the line moves rather quickly. Otherwise, you can go to the railing in front of the church and look out to the views there. Maybe grab an ice cream while you’re there, sit on the steps, and soak in Paris.

7:00 PM - Dinner in Montmartre

You deserve a delicious, charming dinner in Montmartre after a very long and lovely day of sightseeing. Take your pick of any that look delicious to you. An insider tip would be to try to stay off Rue Abbesses or Place du Tertre and wander over to Rue Lepic. Some suggestions are Beaux Parleurs and La Cave Baijla, or even Tentazioni. If you want to eat on a nice terrace, try Le Moulin de Galette.

Montmartre is a perfect way to end your 2 day itinerary and time in Paris, and I know that you’re going to love every second of your time in this neighborhood.

An Evening at a Café in Montmartre

And with that, my friends, you have covered Paris in 2 days. Not all of it, of course, but you’ve seen A LOT. I’m proud of you! You’ve seen some of the most famous landmarks in the world, eaten delicious food in some of Paris’s most charming neighborhoods, cruised the Seine, and enjoyed this brilliant city I get to call home.

Don’t be afraid to modify this itinerary or use it as a loose guide to getting around Paris. Some of the most magical moments happen when things kind of go sideways and you change it up. Take the longer lunch, do a little more shopping than you planned, or stay longer at a café with a coffee. It all makes up your precious time in Paris where you’re creating memories for yourself.

And hey, if you feel like you need to come back, book another trip, and stay longer. Trust me, Paris will suck you in and want to keep you all to herself. If you’re not careful, you might end up like me and moving here.

If you found this guide helpful, you might also like to know where to stay in Paris for the first time, or see my favorite boutique hotels for solo travelers.

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