2 Days in Paris Itinerary: How To See Paris In Two Days

Are you looking for the ultimate 2 days in Paris itinerary? I have you covered!

There are so many fun and unusual things to do in Paris, but do not allow a limited amount of time in Paris to keep you from visiting and enriching your life more than you could ever imagine.

You will be dazzled by what Paris has to offer in just two days! I’ve selected the best attractions for your 2 days in Paris itinerary including famous monuments and world-class museums.

I’ve been to Paris a few times and know that writing Paris itineraries does not have to be difficult!

Please feel free to schedule my suggestions in any way that works best for you and those visiting Paris with you.

Arrival day, which is usually an exhausting experience, is not considered a “day” in this two-day Paris itinerary.

The afternoon/evening of your arrival can be spent strolling the River Seine or admiring the architecture of the bridges and surrounding buildings.

After dinner, you can explore the myriad of Parisian pastry shops and indulge in decadent desserts!

Now, let’s dive into what to do in Paris in 48 hours!

2 Days in Paris Itinerary: How To See Paris In Two Days

Day 1: Classic Paris Attractions

Stop 1: Soak in Culture at the Louvre Art Museum

Plan to spend most of the morning on the first day in Paris exploring and being awed at the Louvre. This is a must-see in Paris!

The museum is housed in an ornate palace and holds many precious artifacts and paintings. 

The Louvre is divided into eight departments. There are lots to see but the museum is doable even if you are only in Paris for two days.

The entrance in itself is notable. The Louvre Pyramid, one of Paris’ most iconic landmarks, is where you will most likely enter the museum.

Purchasing entry tickets online well in advance is highly recommended. This way you will not encounter any long ticket lines on the day of your visit.

My two main goals at the Louvre were to see Leonardo da Vinci’s most recognized painting, the Mona Lisa, and Venus de Milo, the sculpture of the goddess Aphrodite missing her two arms.

The Mona Lisa is guarded and under glass. You won’t be able to get very close, but certainly close enough to snap a selfie with her.

Aphrodite, on the other hand, stands unobstructed in all of her glory for you to marvel at. Snap those close-up pictures!

Before you leave the museum, have a bite to eat at the restaurant at the Louvre. It has a wonderful outside terrace, for you to have a quick lunch, and a rest after wandering the galleries.

If you only have two days in Paris, I highly recommend spending at least 3 hours at the Louvre, if not more so you can get the most out of the experience.

I think the Louvre is a must on any itinerary for Paris, France!

Book Here: Louvre Museum Timed-Entrance Ticket

Book Here: Paris: 2-Hour Louvre Museum Guided Tour with Ticket

Best Hotels Near The Louvre:

Mid-Range: Hôtel Odyssey by Elegancia Check Rates: Booking.com

Upscale: Hôtel Regina Louvre Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 2: The Eiffel Tower

After lunch, head to the iconic Eiffel Tower, arguably one of the most popular Paris attractions. Plan to spend a few hours of your afternoon here.

The tower was originally built as the gateway to the 1889 World’s Fair.

If a bird’s eye view of the city of Paris and the River Seine interests you, climb the 1,665 steps to the top of the Eiffel Tower! You will be rewarded with wonderful panoramic vistas for your troubles.

If climbing does not interest you, there are elevators to several observation levels or the top.

The lines for the elevators are very long and you will need an entry ticket. It is best to purchase a skip-the-line ticket online in advance of your arrival, especially if you only have 2 days in Paris.

This is one of my top travel tips in Paris!

For an unforgettable experience, I suggest having lunch at a restaurant inside the Eiffel Tower. They can be so glamorous and a very memorable way to celebrate.

Stroll to the nearby merry-go-round next to the river. It is a bright and colorful sight itself.

You can also cross the Seine River to the Trocadero Palace built into the side of a hill. It offers fabulous views of the Eiffel Tower!

When you plan a trip to Paris, there are many ways to experience the Eiffel Tower.

Book Here:  Eiffel Tower Summit or Second Floor Priority Access

Book Here: Paris: Eiffel Tower Access & Seine River Cruise

Where To Stay Near The Eiffel Tower:

Affordable: Hôtel de la Tour Eiffel. Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Grand Hôtel Lévêque. Check Rates: Booking.com

Eiffel Tower Views: Hotel Relais Bosquet Check Rates: Booking.com

My daughters celebrating dinner inside the Eiffel Tower.

Stop 3: Sunset Cruise on the River Seine

After your morning at the Louvre and afternoon at the iconic Eiffel Tower, it is time to relax and view the City of Lights while cruising the Seine River.

The boat docks are only a short walk from the Eiffel Tower where you will climb aboard a river cruise boat and sail off into the sunset.

You can sit inside if it is chilly out, as I did when I cruised the River Seine. There are floor-to-ceiling windows for you to view the sights. You can also sit outside on the top level of the ship.

Either way,  you will be able to take wonderful pictures. The River Seine cruise will be a highlight of your Paris two-day itinerary!

A crew member will narrate your cruise, and you listen when sitting outside. Alternatively, use the headphones you are given by the crew to plug into the audio system to listen.

The narrator will point out various monuments and bridges of Paris, explaining their architecture and historical significance. It is like having your guide for Paris!

After a filling Parisian dinner, you may have enough energy to have a nightcap at one of the popular rooftop bars in Paris. This is so fun when planning a Paris vacation!

Book Here: 2-Hour River Seine Lunch Cruise

Book Here: Seine River Sightseeing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

Day 2: The Champs-Elysees and Beautiful Churches

Stop 1: Sightseeing and Shopping at the Champs-Elysees

On the morning of your second day in Paris, you may want to try something adventurous and popular in Europe. Rent a bicycle to get around!

There are many bike stations around Paris, and you do not have to return the bike to the same place where you rented it.

Prices are very affordable and you can get a day pass or a week pass.

Another very affordable and popular way to get around is on a scooter. You will see e-scooters all over Paris, sometimes randomly left on the sidewalk.

Each scooter is outfitted with a GPS. Once you download the app onto your phone and input your credit card info, you are ready!

When you finish your scooter, snap a picture of it and send it through the app to verify it is in good condition, and leave it where you are.

Once outfitted with a bike or scooter, head to the most famous avenue in the world: the Champs Elysees!

It houses the most valuable property on the planet and has high-end couture shops, moderately priced brand shops, and restaurants galore.

Perhaps plan for brunch or lunch, or do a little or a lot of shopping for your 2 days in Paris itinerary!

Stop 2: Visit the Arc de Triomphe During Your 2 Days In Paris Itinerary

Another popular French monument, the Arc de Triomphe, is situated at the western end of the Champs Elysees.

The Arc de Triomphe is a military monument honoring those who fought and died for France. There is also a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, with an eternal flame.

The top of the Arc De Triomphe offers the best views in Paris! Make sure to add it to your weekend in Paris itinerary.

You can climb to an outside observation deck where all of Paris is on display for epic picture-taking!

The climb to the top is relatively difficult as there are many stairs. Please make sure that you are in good physical condition!

There is no elevator option here, so please plan on taking your time. Along with your climb, you will see military drawings and photographs of French war history.

The stairwell is very narrow and winding. In the end, the view of the Eiffel Tower is well worth making this a stop on your 2 days in Paris itinerary.

Book Here: Paris: Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets

Where To Stay Near The Arc de Triomphe:

Affordable: Hôtel d’Argenson. Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Hotel The Peninsula Paris. Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Hôtel Raphael. Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 3: Visit Notre-Dame de Paris

Hop back on a bike or the Paris subway station located next to the Arc, and head over to the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris.

She is a prime example of French Gothic architecture, and the construction took several hundred years.

UPDATE: Due to the devastating fire occurring in April 2019, please research the up-to-the-minute condition of Notre Dame.

The cathedral is currently closed for repairs, but you can still view it from the outside. Make a quick stop when in Paris for 2 days.

Where To Stay Near Notre Dame:

Affordable: Sully Hôtel. Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Hotel Rivoli. Check Rates: Booking.com

Upscale: Hôtel De Lutece – Notre-Dame. Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 4:  Be Awed at Sainte-Chappelle

Your next destination, within walking distance of Notre Dame, is the dazzling Sainte-Chapelle, a definite must-see on your two days in Paris itinerary!

Her upper level has over 1,000 exquisite stained glass windows, which tell the story of the Bible.

There are 15 main windows, where the striking stained glass unfolds the Biblical stories of the Old and New Testaments.

When you first enter the bottom level, which resembles a basement, it may not be as ornate as you would expect.

It is pretty but not the main chapel, as back in the day it was for the staff and servants of the resident French King. This is perfect to visit during your 2 days in Paris itinerary.

You will move along to the staircase that you need to climb, also extremely plain, to the top level. Once on the second level, you will enter Sainte-Chappell.

Be prepared to be mesmerized and maybe even overwhelmed by the beauty before you!

There are pamphlets available, in several different languages. They explain the Biblical stories behind each of the panels and stained glass windows.

In the chapel, there is also a stunning stained glass rose window, which depicts the story of the Book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible.

This chapel is not very large, and you should be able to visit it in under an hour. When Paris vacation planning, you should consider adding it to your Paris plan.

Book Here: Paris: Sainte-Chapelle, Conciergerie, Notre Dame Guided Tour

How To Get To Paris To Begin Your 2 Days In Paris Itinerary

There are many ways to get to Paris, France, depending on where you are coming from.

Charles de Gaulle International Airport is the largest, busiest, and closest to the Paris City Center. It is the most popular airport for international flights arriving from all over the globe.

A little farther out is Paris Orly Airport, the second most frequently-used airport.

Once you land in France, you will have many options to get to Paris.

You can rent a taxi or hire an Uber. For public transport, the train is your most affordable option. The Parisian trains and stations are clean.

You can purchase tickets right at the airport. The ticket machines are found when you exit the secure section of the airport. Please be advised, there are lots of steps involved with the Parisian metro system.

If you or your party is infirm or in a wheelchair, you will probably need to make other transportation arrangements.

If you travel from another European country, high-speed trains arrive and depart frequently from all over Europe daily. The main train stations are Gare du Nord, Gare de I’Est, or Gare de Lyon.

If you reside in other parts of France, you may decide to drive to Paris as another option.

How To Get Around During 2 Day Trip To Paris  

I’d suggest walking. Paris is a visually beautiful city. There’s much to see and absorb, which you could miss if you are not walking.

Leave ample time to arrive at your destination and wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.

The metro train system is extensive in Paris, and probably the best transportation option you have. It’s fast and cheap, arriving and departing frequently. You can purchase tickets at every station.

The metro is not an option for the wheelchair-bound or for those unable to walk long distances or climb up and down stairs frequently.

There are also city buses and trains to consider during your 2 days in Paris. You always have the option to get a taxi or hire an Uber driver.

I do not recommend driving in Paris for visitors because of the traffic and difficulty finding parking. That is an option, however.

Renting a bicycle or e-scooter in Paris is an amazing way to explore the city. You have amazing mobility, yet the convenience of stopping whenever you like for a picture during your Paris travel itinerary.

My family and their e-scooters in Paris.

Packing Tips For Staying 2 days In Paris

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

These RFID sleeves would be a solution.

And this world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is easy to use.

 These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel.

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. the 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it fits nicely in a backpack or your purse.

This replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh water when you fill your Bobble.

You will want a backpack or daypack to store snacks, water bottles, phones, extra clothes, etc… This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.

Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these Air Run high fashion sneakers come in a lot of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.

If you are visiting Paris in warmer weather, maybe you want a pair of sandals to wear to dinner or to the local cafe, I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.

This cotton unisex lightweight scarf is versatile and can be worn in any season.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in lots of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable.

If you are fond of aviator-style aviator-style sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.

If you need new luggage, this expandable soft-side spinner luggage is affordable.

Like hard-sided better? Then you may favor this hard-sided luggage set. Both sets come with TSA locks and 8 wheels per piece.

Do not forget TSA-approved luggage locks! These come in a pack and each has 3-digit combination padlocks.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional charge to you.

Quick Tips For Your 2 Days In Paris Itinerary

These are great if this is your first time in Paris.

Stay vigilant! Pickpocketers are common in crowded areas of the city so be aware of your surroundings and belongings.

Do not worry about the language barrier when traveling to Paris. I understand a few basic French words and had NO difficulties when I visited.

The French people in Paris know a few English words and you will be able to communicate enough to make your wishes known.

You can even use a translator app on your phone to assist with your communications. My family and I use Google Translate. This is one of my top travel tips for Paris!

Call your credit card company and verify if your credit card does or does not have foreign transaction fees.

When you visit an ATM in Paris, be sure it is in the same network as your bank so you are not charged transaction fees every time you withdraw cash.

Also, consider withdrawing larger amounts of cash more frequently, to limit the transaction fees.

Buy advanced tickets to must-do Paris attractions whenever possible. First off, usually, tickets purchased in advance online are less expensive.

Secondly, They usually come with skip-the-line options!

If you travel to Paris, France, from far away check out my tips for surviving long international flights.

My family in a French bakery!

Next, check out the best boutique hotels in Paris!