Paris is always a good idea, Audrey Hepburn once said.
After all, you can never go wrong in the City of Love and Light. A beautiful city with incredible heritage and culture: food, fashion, art, and history. Millions of people flock to Paris, France, every year, and it’s no mystery that it’s one of the world’s most coveted destinations.
But with only 48 hours to spend in the most romantic city in the world, what do you do? Well, you’re here. You’ve found this guide, which means you’re already on the right track. It might seem a bit short, and realistically, you won’t see all of Paris in 2 days. But that doesn’t make your trip any less. (And let’s be real, who’s seen all of Paris?) That’s exactly why we’ve put together this 2 days in Paris itinerary—to help you make the most of your stay and experience the best the city has to offer.
Day 1: Paris Classics
Paris can be overwhelming if you rush through your trip, so remember to take it easy and enjoy your time. Lots of people who come to Paris naturally want to see all the famous landmarks, historic buildings, monuments, and museums, but it’s impossible to squeeze all of that in 48 hours. Nonetheless, we’ve gathered the classic must-see spots for your first day in the city.
Morning: Le Louvre and the Tuileries Garden
Rise and shine! Chances are, you’ve come from a long flight to France, and you’re probably going to want to freshen up at your hotel. With only two days to explore, you’ll need all the energy you can get. So make sure to get a moment of rest and start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out.
Klook Tip: Most bakeries open early at around 7:00 AM (restaurants usually open later), so stop by a local shop to grab a quick bite of croissant and espresso to kick-start your day.
A panoramic view of the Louvre Museum, Paris
Start early and set off to the iconic Louvre M
useum, home to the most famous painting in the world: the Mona Lisa. To be honest, Le Louvre is difficult to cover (even if you dedicate a whole day visit) because of how massive it is. And with a Paris-in-2-days type of schedule, you might think of skipping it. Still, it’s a staple worth visiting, especially if you’re willing to dedicate at least two hours of your morning to see the highlights.
Klook Tip: Stick to a section you want to see, so you don’t get too overwhelmed by its scale. To learn more, you can read our handy guide about the Louvre Museum to prepare for your visit. Due to its popularity, it’s best to pre-book your Louvre Museum Ticket, and even better to get a Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour to ensure a spot inside.
A view of Pavillon de Flore from the Tuileries Gardens / Photo Credits: Norio Nakayama on Flickr
The Louvre is conveniently located in the 1st arrondissement, which means you’ll already be in the center of Paris. After your visit, grab a quick snack to go (try a French baguette!), and take a breather at the Tuileries Garden. Sit by the benches, munch on your pastry, and admire the fountains.
Mid-morning: Place de la Concorde and Arc de Triomphe
The Fontaines de la Concorde and the Luxor Obelisk
From Tuileries, head down to Place de la Concorde, the city’s most prominent square. It’s notable for its central Luxor obelisk, decorated with hieroglyphs, and its long history as the site of the guillotine used to publicly execute French monarchs such as Louis XVI, Mary Antoinette, and many others during the French Revolution.
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris, France
From here, you can stroll along the Champs-Élysées, an avenue in the 8th arrondissement lined with theaters, designer boutiques, and cafés. Restaurants directly on the Champs tend to be pricey and touristy, so we’d recommend heading to the perpendicular streets to find more local spots for lunch if you’re tighter on budget.
Sunset at the Arc de Triomphe
As you approach the end of the Champs-Élysées, you’ll see the Arc de Triomphe monument, where you can climb to the top for a view of Paris’ symmetrical boulevards. (Caution: Beware of incoming traffic at this point.)
Klook Tip: To see more of Paris without worrying about the time or directions, you can join this Best of Paris Guided Tour, a 3-5 hour tour with an expert guide who'll take you through 15-30 major sites, including this exact route.
Afternoon: Eiffel Tower
Paris, Eiffel for you!
Now, our Paris itinerary wouldn’t be complete without the timeless Eiffel Tower. Look, if it isn’t your first time, you can definitely skip out on this. But if it is, you can’t leave Paris in 2 days without seeing this structure at least once in your life. Whether you admire it from Champ de Mars or take the elevator up, it’s a quintessential Paris experience.
Klook Tip: Crowds would’ve probably built up around this time of day, so if you plan to ride the elevator up, we highly suggest booking your Eiffel Tower Ticket in advance. And if you’re willing to spend extra time here, go for the Eiffel Tower Elevator Guided Tour. For an extra hand, skim through this guide on what to know before entering the tower.
Evening: Seine River & Parisian Dinner
Wrap up your first day with a cruise along the Seine!
As dusk approaches, consider adding a Seine River Sightseeing Cruise Experience from Eiffel Tower to your Paris in 2 days itinerary. This way, you’ll get to cruise along the Seine and comfortably see other landmarks you may have missed due to time constraints. And what better way to wrap up your first day, too!
Enjoy a lovely evening with exquisite French cuisine
Celebrate your first day with a classic French dinner. For restaurant recommendations, you can check out Le Fooding for all the best places to dine in Paris.
A few dish recommendations:
- Duck confit (French slow-cooked duck)
- Coq au Vin (Braised chicken)
- Cassoulet (French stew)
- Galette (Savory crepes)
Day 2: Paris Like a Local
Another day, another adventure. But for the second (and last) day, we’ll shift to a slower gear after that tiring first day. This time, we’ll help you experience Paris like a local—from neighborhoods and parks to hidden gems that don’t typically make it into your average guidebook.
Morning: Boulangerie Breakfast & Montmartre
Croissant and Pain au Chocolat on display / Photo Credits: Benoît Prieur on Wikimedia Commons
It’s briefly mentioned in Day 1, but in Paris, it’s a must to have breakfast at a local boulangerie (bakery) or pâtisserie (pastry shop). Skip the tourist traps and overrated places and just follow wherever the locals line up. You’ll find an overwhelming array of bread and pastries to choose from, but make sure to try the croissants, pain au chocolat, and crêpes over the course of your trip. And who says it’s too early for dessert? Grab some éclairs and macarons while you’re there, too!
Art displayed in open grounds at the Place du Tertre, Montmartre
One of the best things about Paris is that it’s a very walkable city, dense with lots of sights to see. You’ll see so much by simply walking around any neighborhood. Locals tend to get up later in the day, so now’s the best time to stroll around while the streets are still empty.
Montmartre, a bit north of Sacré-Cœur, is a great neighborhood to explore. And if you’re looking for that stereotypical French vibe, it’s there. It’s filled with locals and plenty of hidden gems to find. If you’ve got two hours spare, join a Montmartre Walking Tour to discover all about this charming place.
Mid-morning: Le Marais & Le Lunch
A charming street in Le Marais district, Paris
From Montmartre, take the metro to Le Marais, another popular neighborhood where people like to go shopping. It’s also steps away from Paris’ iconic landmarks.
Klook Tip: Don’t try to do too much; just walk around aimlessly and enjoy the atmosphere. Spend time admiring the structures since they retain a lot of old Parisian architecture.
There’s also the lovely Place des Vosges, great for picnics and people-watching. Wander further and find a secret passage at the corner that takes you to a cute courtyard linked to a castle, perfect if you want a break from the neighborhood buzz.
Inside the Bouillon Chartier, a historic Parisian restaurant
When in France, allot at least an hour and a half for a proper lunch (and dinner) to let your taste buds explore the traditional and creative sides of French cuisine. If you’re undecided on where to eat, try a bouillon, Paris’ version of fast food dating back to the 19th century. They serve simple and affordable meals in a fast-paced atmosphere. Some classic dishes to try are the Steak Frites (steak and potatoes), Beef Bourguignon (beef braised in red wine), and Escargot (snails cooked in garlic butter).
Afternoon: Parks, Museums, and Cafés
Jardin du Luxembourg
For your last afternoon in the city, focus on your steps and living in the moment. Spend time in parks like the Jardin du Luxembourg in the Latin Quarter district, near the French Senate. Another option is the Square des Batignolles in the 17th arrondissement, where you can sit by the benches to watch the river and ducks.
If you need a pick-me-up, stop by Café Dose, near the square, or any small local café. The cool thing about cafés in France is you can pretty much stay as long as you want, even if you’re done with your drink (but don’t abuse this if people are waiting in line).
Inside the Musée d’Orsay
Art lovers, take a bus to Musée d’Orsay and marvel at the Impressionist masterpieces housed in the museum. This museum is large and popular, so similar to the situation in the Louvre, you’ll want to pre-book your Orsay Museum Ticket and focus on specific exhibits to avoid getting overwhelmed by everything going on inside. Don’t know what to expect? Check out this article for more information on the Orsay.
Evening: Un Apéro
À ta santé! (Translation: Cheers!) / Photo Credit: Walter Schärer on Flickr
Finish your 48 hours in Paris the Parisian way through something called un apéro. It’s essentially spending a relaxing evening with some drinks and food to share with people you love. Make a toast to the end of your Paris adventure with a good old glass of wine and a charcuterie board to pair.
Travelling solo? Don’t worry, we've got you. End your final evening in Paris with new people and new flavors through this wine tasting experience.
Klook Pass Paris
By the way, your Paris in 2 days trip just got easier! Save time and skip lines with convenient access to some of the attractions mentioned above through the Klook Pass Paris. Choose a bundle of 2–6 activities, and enjoy up to 50% off ticket prices!
FAQs: Paris in 2 Days
Is 2 days enough time to see Paris?
If you plan it well, yes! Two days in Paris is enough to see highlights like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the local neighborhoods. You won’t see everything, but with a good itinerary, you can experience both the iconic and local sides of Paris without feeling rushed.
What to visit in 2 days in Paris?
Balance the touristy and local sides of Paris. Of course, you’ll want to see the classics such as the Eiffel Tower, the Seine River, and Notre-Dame. But there are also lovely, quaint areas in Montmartre and Le Marais that embody the true Parisian experience.
Do’s and Don’ts in Paris
Do:
- Learn basic French phrases like bonjour, merci, and s’il vous plaît.
- Take your time and enjoy the moment.
- Keep small change on hand for café tips and metro tickets.
- Explore on foot or use public transport. Paris is very walkable and connected.
- Be respectful. Smile and say hello when entering shops or restaurants.
Don’t:
- Expect to see everything in one trip.
- Worry about checking every box on your to-do list.
- Eat or drink while walking; it’s considered impolite.
- Rely heavily on taxis since traffic can build up.
- Leave your belongings unattended, especially in crowded areas.
- Be intimidated by locals.
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