2 Days in Paris: What to See and Do (2025)

So, you’re off to Paris for a whirlwind 48 hours?

2 days in Paris was actually the first trip Callum and I ever took together—and we’ve been back more times than I can count since then. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned this itinerary into a version that hits all the must-sees without feeling like a race across the city.

This plan is perfect if you want to squeeze in the highlights, enjoy some amazing food, and still have time for a wine break (or two).

From big-name landmarks to a few personal favourites, it’s a route built from real trips, real mistakes, and plenty of metro rides.

Let’s dive in, mon ami!

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2 Day Paris Travel Itinerary

With just 48 hours in Paris, you want to make every moment count—but without turning your trip into a mad dash from monument to monument.

This itinerary is the exact one Callum and I followed on our very first trip together—and it’s become a bit of a tradition.

Day 1: Classic Paris

Let’s get started with day one!

Morning

Let’s kick things off in classic Parisian style—with a morning full of jaw-dropping architecture and cozy café corners.

First stop: Notre Dame Cathedral. Even though parts of it are still under restoration, you can admire the stunning Gothic exterior, take in the river views, and snap a few photos from the surrounding plaza.

From there, it’s a short walk to Sainte-Chapelle, one of my all-time favourites. The stained glass windows here are on another level, especially in the morning light—if you time it just right, the entire chapel glows like a jewel box.

Next, head across the Seine into the Latin Quarter. It’s one of the oldest parts of Paris, and full of charm. Spend an hour or so wandering past second-hand bookshops, browsing through tiny boutiques, and grabbing a coffee at a corner café (ideal people-watching guaranteed).

Lunch

For lunch, treat yourself to a little history at Le Procope—one of the oldest cafés in Paris, dating back to 1686. Think escargot, coq au vin, and scallops done the traditional way.

If you’re there Monday–Saturday, you can get their set menu: Starter + Main OR Main + Dessert for €25.50, or go all in with three courses for €32.50.

Afternoon

After lunch, it’s time for one of the big ones: The Louvre.

Book your ticket in advance (about £18) to skip the long lines and spend less time queuing and more time gazing at ancient art. You can book it here.

Once inside, make a beeline for the stars—Mona Lisa (spoiler: she’s small but mighty), Venus de Milo, and The Winged Victory of Samothrace. Don’t try to see everything—just pick a few highlights and enjoy.

After your Louvre adventure, head outside to Tuileries Garden. Grab a seat by the fountains or just stroll along the gravel paths—it’s the perfect spot to relax before your next stop.

Next, walk from Place de la Concorde down the Champs-Élysées. Window-shop, grab a snack, or pop into a few luxury stores if you’re in the mood. Your destination? The Arc de Triomphe.

If you’re up for it, climb to the top (book tickets here for around £13) for one of the best views in the city.

🗼 If you’re into luxury brands, check out my Luxury Shopping in Paris guide.

Dinner

Dinner time! Head to Le Petit Cler, one of our favourite low-key Parisian bistros just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower.

They serve all the good stuff—French onion soup, croque-monsieur, beef tartare, and an excellent charcuterie board if you’re up for sharing.

It’s unfussy, and surprisingly affordable, with mains around €15–€20. A perfect way to refuel after a big first day.

🗼 If you’re planning your stay nearby, I’ve rounded up Paris Hotels with Eiffel Tower Views that are actually worth booking.

Evening

If this is your first time in Paris, don’t miss seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night—it lights up every hour on the hour after sunset.

Take a walk around Champ de Mars, or head to Rue de Buenos Aires for one of the best Tower photo ops (perfect for those Instagram moments).

Not ready to head back just yet? There’s loads more to see after dark—Paris is magical at night.

From river walks to rooftop bars, I’ve rounded up my favourite Things to Do in Paris at Night if you’re looking for inspiration.

Day 2: Artsy & Modern Paris

And here is day two, pour vous!

Today we’re heading north to Montmartre, one of Paris’ most charming (and photogenic) neighborhoods.

Start your morning with a pastry from a local boulangerie—pain au chocolat for me, always—and wander your way uphill toward Sacré-Cœur. It’s about a 10–15 minute climb, but the views from the top are worth every step.

🕘 Pro tip: Arrive before 9am to beat the crowds and enjoy the peace before things get busy.

Not a fan of uphill walks before caffeine? I hear you. Take the Montmartre funicular, which gets you to the top in just a minute or two (and counts as a Metro ticket!).

Once you’ve taken in the views, spend a little time wandering the streets around Place du Tertre, where artists are still out painting and sketching like it’s the early 1900s.

Then make your way to the Moulin Rouge for a quick photo stop—cheesy, iconic, and still fun to see up close.

Just around the corner, settle into Café des Deux Moulins for brunch. Yes, it’s the Amélie café! And yes, they do a great croque-madame, but there’s avocado toast and fluffy omelettes too if you’re feeling modern-French.

🚨Quick Safety Note: As you explore Montmartre, stay alert—especially around the steps and open plazas. Bracelet scams and petition peddlers are still common. A firm “non merci” is your best friend here. We have a full Paris Safety Guide here!

Afternoon

From bohemian streets to world-class art: hop on the Metro or grab a cab and head to Musée d’Orsay.

Housed in a former train station, this museum is one of my favourites in Paris—it’s less overwhelming than the Louvre, and absolutely packed with Impressionist and Post-Impressionist legends.

Think Monet’s water lilies, Degas’ ballerinas, and Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône. Even if you’re not usually a museum person, this place might just change your mind.

Afterward, walk toward Les Invalides, where you can admire the golden dome and wander the tranquil courtyards. Napoleon’s tomb is inside if you want a dose of military history.

Then it’s time to circle back to the Eiffel Tower—because let’s be real, once is never enough. Seeing it in the daytime hits differently than the sparkle show the night before.

If you didn’t go up yesterday and want to now, definitely pre-book a ticket here to avoid the long queues.

Wind down your second day with a Seine River Cruise—easily one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to take in the city.

Boats depart regularly near the Eiffel Tower and tickets are easy to grab on the spot—but if you want to be sure, you can book them here in advance.

As you float along the river, you’ll pass by Paris icons like Notre Dame, the Louvre, and Musée d’Orsay—but from the water, they look totally different.

Add a hot chocolate or glass of wine to the experience, and you’ve got yourself a perfect early evening.

Dinner

Finish your trip on a high with dinner at Les Cocottes, just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower. This place does French classics with a modern twist, all served in adorable cast-iron cocottes.

The veal stew is rich and comforting, and the langoustine ravioli is a little fancier—but still feels relaxed and unfussy.

Save room for dessert—their caramelised apple tart is reason enough to come here on its own.

Getting Around Paris

Getting around Paris is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it—but if you’re visiting for the first time, feeling overwhelmed by the Metro is totally normal.

Honestly, it confused me too the first time Callum and I tried to use it. But the good news? Once you’ve done it once or twice, it clicks. And after that, it becomes your secret weapon for getting across the city in minutes.

👉 Check out my full guide on How to Get Around Paris for step-by-step tips, ticket info, and common mistakes to avoid.

🗺️ My Top Tips:

• Use Google Maps – pop in your start and end point, and it’ll tell you everything: which colour Metro line, which direction (based on the last stop), and where to get off. It makes even the trickiest route feel doable.
  
• Buy a day pass (called a Mobilis ticket) if you’re doing lots in one day—it’s cheaper than buying singles.
  
• Look out for “Sortie” signs (that’s “exit” in French) and check which number exit you want—it’ll save you popping up on the wrong street corner.

Stations are close to nearly every major attraction, so you can get from the Louvre to Montmartre or Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower without much walking at all.

🚌 Prefer to Stay Above Ground?

If underground travel isn’t your thing (my sister refuses to set foot on the Metro, and honestly, fair enough), a hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a great alternative.

You’ll cruise right past landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, and Place de la Concorde with a front-row view. You can jump off whenever something catches your eye, explore a bit, then hop back on when you’re ready. and ideal for those with children, or those who (like my sister) don’t like the idea of going under the streets of Paris.

👉 Nervous about getting around? We suggest booking a hotel in the 1st arrondissement—you’ll be within walking distance of the big sights, so less time on the Metro, more time eating pastries.

🛏️ Where to Stay for 2 Days in Paris

Here are a few hotel options that are tried and tested—either by us personally, or by friends and family who’ve used these recs and had a great stay. Each one works well for a short trip and is in a solid location for ticking off the sights without spending half your day on transport.

💶 Budget: Generator Paris

👍12,377 reviews (7.3/10) – 10th Arrondissement

A trendy hostel with private rooms, stylish decor, and a rooftop bar with views of Montmartre? Yes please.
Generator Paris is ideal if you’re looking for a budget stay that doesn’t feel bare-bones. Around €110 a night and walking distance to Sacré-Cœur.

💳 Mid-Range: Hôtel Duquesne Eiffel⭐⭐⭐

👍 1,011 reviews (8.3/10) – 7th Arrondissement

Hôtel Duquesne Eiffel is a favourite with friends visiting Paris for the first time—it’s well-located, charming, and some rooms even have Eiffel Tower views (check with the hotel directly).

You’re close to Les Invalides and just a couple of quick Metro stops from Musée d’Orsay. Prices sit around €300 per night.

💸 Luxury: Plaza Tour Eiffel ⭐⭐⭐⭐

👍 818 reviews (8.6/10) – 16th Arrondissement

If you’re going all out, Plaza Tour Eiffel has gorgeous rooms, a chic cocktail bar, and Eiffel Tower views from the Junior Suite. It’s just steps from Trocadéro—aka the best Tower photo ops—and costs around €500 a night.

❓ FAQ: 2 Days in Paris

🕰️ How Many Days In Paris Is Enough?

Two days is enough to see the best of Paris—if you’ve got a plan.
With this itinerary, you’ll hit the must-sees, enjoy amazing food, and still have time for a wine break (or two).

Sure, three days gives you a bit more breathing room, but if you’re short on time, 48 hours is absolutely doable.

👉 If you do have an extra day, here’s my full 3-Day Paris Itinerary with even more sights and slower pacing.

💸 Is it possible to do 2 days in Paris on a budget?

Yes! You can absolutely enjoy Paris without splurging.

Start with the free sights—Notre Dame, Montmartre, Tuileries Garden, and riverside walks along the Seine. Grab a day Metro pass or use a hop-on-hop-off bus if you’d rather stay above ground.

Skip the fancy restaurants and opt for a baguette, some cheese, and a park bench with a view. It’s classic Paris—and easy on the wallet.
Bonus: most museums are free for under 26s on certain days, so check ahead!

👉 Travelling with little ones? Check out Free Things to Do in Paris with Kids for more family-friendly ideas.

Final Thoughts on Your 2 Days in Paris

2 days in Paris might fly by, but it’s more than enough to soak up the magic. You’ve seen the icons, wandered a little, and hopefully found a few favourites of your own along the way.

If you’ve got a little time left, a wine and cheese tour is always a good idea before you head out.

And if you’re already dreaming about your next visit—don’t worry, Paris isn’t going anywhere.

Bon voyage, and thanks for tagging along! ✨