Paris in 2 days: a complete itinerary to see the best of the city

Two days in Paris allow you to visit many of the city's most famous attractions. This guide provides a simple and organized itinerary, with recommended stops, a map, visiting times, and practical tips to optimize your trip.

Itinerary overview

The visits are spread over two days to reduce travel and make the itinerary more fluid, alternating between monuments, neighborhoods, and museums.

Day 1

The great classics of Paris: the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the historic center.

Day 2

Museums, characteristic neighborhoods, and the city's last must-see sights.

Table of Contents

Day 1 – The must-see classics

The first day is dedicated to Paris's most famous attractions. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Museum, passing through Notre-Dame and the Latin Quarter, this itinerary allows you to see some of the French capital's most iconic sights. The day concludes with a cruise on the Seine, one of the most popular experiences for admiring the illuminated monuments and the city skyline from the water.

1
Eiffel Tower
Time: 9:00amDuration: 1h 30m

Eiffel Tower

Start your day with Paris's most famous view and admire the city from above during the least crowded hours.

2
Louvre Museum
Time: 11:00Duration: 2h 30m

Louvre Museum

Spend a couple of hours admiring the museum's most famous works, from the Mona Lisa to the great historical collections.

3
Notre Dame
Time: 3:00 PMDuration: 30 min

Notre Dame

Stroll along the Île de la Cité and get a close-up look at one of France's most famous cathedrals.

4
Latin Quarter
Time: 3:45 PMDuration: 1 hour

Latin Quarter

Explore the neighborhood's historic streets and take a break in one of its characteristic cafés.

5
Cruise on the Seine
Time: 5:00 PMDuration: 1 hour

Cruise on the Seine

Explore the neighborhood's historic streets and take a break in one of its characteristic cafés.

Day 2 – Art, views and Montmartre

The second day allows you to discover a different side of Paris, including museums, historic neighborhoods, and some of the city's most beautiful views. The itinerary passes through Montmartre, the Sacré-Cœur, and other areas rich in history and atmosphere, alternating walks, panoramic views, and cultural visits. It's an ideal day to explore iconic sites that are less monumental than the historic center, but equally representative of Parisian identity.

1
Sacred heart
Time: 9:00amDuration: 1 hour

Sacred heart

Start your day at Montmartre's most famous basilica and admire one of the most expansive views of Paris.

2
Montmartre
Time: 10:30Duration: 1h 30m

Montmartre

Stroll through alleys, squares, and views that have inspired artists and painters for generations.

3
Moulin Rouge
Time: 12:30Duration: 30 min

Moulin Rouge

Explore the neighborhood's historic streets and take a break in one of its characteristic cafés.

4
Musée d'Orsay
Time: 2:00 PMDuration: 2 hours

Musée d'Orsay

Discover Impressionist masterpieces and one of the city's most prized art collections.

5
Champs-Élysées
Time: 4:30 PMDuration: 1 hour

Champs-Élysées

Stroll along Paris's most famous avenue, past shops, cafes, and monuments.

6
Arc de Triomphe
Time: 6:00 PMDuration: 1 hour

Arc de Triomphe

End your day with a view from the panoramic terrace and the sunset over the city.

The main stages of the itinerary

Where to stay for a 2-day visit to Paris

Choosing a central location for walking allows you to save time and easily reach the main attractions along the route. The Opéra, the Louvre, and the Latin Quarter are among the most convenient areas for a two-day stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to follow this 2-day itinerary?

The cost depends on the attractions you choose to visit. Considering entrance fees, transportation, and meals, the budget can range from around €80-100 per day to higher figures depending on the experiences selected (excluding accommodation).

The itinerary includes several walks through monuments, neighborhoods, and scenic spots. On average, you'll cover between 8 and 15 kilometers per day, alternating between walking and taking the metro.

Yes, it's designed especially for first-time visitors to Paris who want to see some of the city's most iconic attractions in just two days. If you're visiting for the first time, these are the best accommodation options.

The most convenient areas are the Opera, the Louvre, the Latin Quarter, and the central areas near the main metrolines. They allow easy access to all the planned destinations.

The itinerary can be followed all year round, but spring and autumn generally offer more pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than the summer months, perfect for a holiday in Paris with children.

Yes, many people choose to admire it from the Champ de Mars, the Trocadéro, or the nearby bridges without climbing the structure.

Not always, but the metro can save a lot of time, especially for quickly reaching more distant areas like Montmartre or the Eiffel Tower.

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