2-Day Paris, France Itinerary: How to See the Top Sites for First-Timers

Planning a short trip to Paris but feeling overwhelmed trying to fit the City of Light’s most iconic attractions into just 48 hours, especially when you’re worried about missing essential experiences, wasting time in lines, or spending too much on attractions that don’t live up to their reputation?

This streamlined 2 days in Paris itinerary focuses on the absolute must-see attractions for first-time visitors, based on a trip I took with my Aunt, and focuses only on the sites and experiences that truly make Paris worth visiting.

When I first visited Paris for eight days, it felt like far too much time, and I realized that with smart planning, you can experience the city’s most meaningful attractions in a much shorter timeframe.

From strategically arriving at major attractions like the Louvre first thing in the morning, which means no lines versus massive crowds later, to climbing the Eiffel Tower despite my fear of falling, to learning that Angelina’s hot chocolate really is life-changing (yes, I was skeptical too), plus testing the Paris Museum Pass to save both time and money, I can provide practical insights into maximizing your short Paris visit.

This streamlined guide is perfect for first-time Paris visitors with limited time and also touches on how to get around the city, recommendations for places to eat French cuisine, advice on accommodations, and practical tips to enhance your Parisian adventure.

Quick Guide to Paris

⏳ Short on time? My top tips for a 2 days in Paris itinerary are:

💸 Save Money: The Paris Museum Pass grants entry into 50+ attractions and skip-the-line for some sites (detailed review).

🎟️ Book ASAP: 
– The Louvre
– The Eiffel Tower

📍Day Trips:
– Palace of Versailles
– Chateau de Pierrefonds

📲 Must-Have Apps:
– 27 Free Apps for Paris

🗣️ Language: French is spoken, though English is prevalent in tourist areas

🧳 Packing:
– Practical Paris packing guide

Planning Your 2-Day Paris Trip

Getting to Paris

Paris is exceptionally well-connected, with multiple transportation options, making it a breeze to visit, regardless of where you’re coming from.

The city is served by two major international airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), the primary hub handling most intercontinental flights, and Orly (ORY), which manages many European connections.

From either airport, you can reach the city center via the efficient RER train system, airport buses, ridesharing, or taxis. The most budget-friendly option is the bus (I recommend booking with Omio as it’s easy to cancel should you have a flight delay), unless you’re traveling with a group, in which case ridesharing may be equally sensible.

If you happen to be in England before your 2-day trip to Paris, you can also take the Eurostar, which connects London to Paris in just 2.5 hours. Alternatively, from another major European city, such as Amsterdam, Brussels, or Frankfurt, there is the TGV network linking Paris.

Getting Around Paris

• Metro: The most efficient mode of transport in Paris is its extensive Metro network, which features 16 lines that span the entire city. Stations are identified by ‘M’ signs or the word ‘Metropolitain’ and are usually located within a 5-minute walk from most places in the city center.
• RER: Regional express trains linking central Paris with the suburbs, most useful when heading to either airport as well as the Palace of Versailles as they are quicker and have fewer stops.
• Bus: Paris has over 300 bus routes, which offer a scenic way to travel, allowing you to see the city at a more leisurely pace. However, they are slower and may get stuck in traffic.
• Taxis: You can find them all over the city, either by hailing them from the street or at taxi stands. However, I advise using them only if you’re in a pinch, as they tend to be more costly than public transportation.
• Uber/Bolt: Ride-sharing apps work well in Paris, but like taxis, they can be more expensive, especially during high-demand periods.
• Batobus: A hop-on, hop-off boat service that operates on the Seine, featuring stops at key attractions. Purchasing a 1-day pass for €23 for adults offers a budget-friendly alternative to a Seine River cruise, providing a cost-effective way to enjoy Paris from the water.

No matter what you decide, I strongly suggest downloading CityMapper. It displays all available transportation options along with their schedules.

It can even track your journey and notify you when to disembark, ensuring you never miss your stop! This feature is particularly useful if you have difficulty hearing or grasping the French names of locations.

💡 Travel Tip: If you or someone you are traveling with is under 18 years or under 26 years old and an EU citizen, many of these attractions will be free, so be sure to check before paying for a ticket.

Save Time and Money with the Paris Museum Pass

The Paris Museum Pass provides free admission to over 50 museums and monuments in and around Paris.

Additionally, it allows you to skip the lines at select attractions, helping you save a significant amount of time!

You choose how many days you want to use it (2, 4, or 6 days), which will determine the cost of the pass. You save money the more you visit, as there’s no limit to the number of attractions, just a limit on time.

Based on my 2-day Paris itinerary, it will save you money, but also time with the skip-the-line feature, especially if you’re visiting in a high season, such as summer.

🎟️ Tickets: The Paris Museum Pass can be bought at several locations, such as GetYourGuide, but I recommend buying it directly online—it’s the cheapest option!

Day 1: Classic Paris Highlights

Morning: The Heart of Paris

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel or hostel, or alternatively, pick up a croissant at a nearby café along with a cup of coffee. You’ll need your energy!

Notre Dame Cathedral

Since the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on April 15, 2019, the building hasn’t been as open to the public as it was when I visited before the incident. However, you can still enter the Cathedral for free every day of the year, during opening hours.

You can also visit the Treasury, which houses precious objects used in Catholic liturgy, such as sacred vessels, ornaments, and liturgical books for a fee.

Or you can attend an hour-long outdoor tour of the Cathedral and learn about its historical, artistic, and spiritual aspects. This free tour is conducted every day in French, English, and other languages, depending on the availability of the volunteers. You can view the tour schedule on their official website.

⏳ Duration: 1-2 hours

Sainte Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle is probably the most memorable thing I did on my trip to Paris. It is the most beautiful church I have ever seen!

The stained glass windows encasing the Sainte-Chapelle church depict various stories from the Bible. Each segment features an illustration that represents a specific aspect of the story.

Aim for a sunny day to fully appreciate the enchanting effect of light shining through. It’s reminiscent of the magical experience at the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona when sunlight hits it perfectly!

⏳ Duration: 30 minutes-1 hour

🎧 Audioguide: Get an audioguide for an additional fee

🎟️ Tickets: Included on the Paris Museum Pass with skip-the-line access. You can also book a combined ticket, which’ll include the Conciergerie.

Conciergerie

In the 14th century, this former palace ceased to serve as a residence and became a concierge by royal decree, converting part of the building into a prison. From the 15th century until the Revolution, the Conciergerie was among the most significant prisons in Paris.

Her most famous prisoner was Marie Antoinette.

I don’t recall much about this site from my visit to Paris, so if you’re considering what to omit from your list of sights to see in the city, I suggest skipping this one on your 2 days in Paris itinerary. However, it is located right near Sainte Chapelle, so if you’re just looking to pass the time, feel free to go for it!

⏳ Duration: 1-2 hours

🧑‍💼 Guided tour: Every day at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., subject to availability, they have a guided tour.

🎟️ Tickets: Included on the Paris Museum Pass with skip-the-line access. You can also book a combined ticket, which’ll include the Sainte Chapelle.

Midday: Seine River Cruise and Dining

My Aunt had requested a Seine River cruise, and although I’m not usually into cruises, I ended up enjoying a lovely time, simply sitting back and relaxing while we passed many of Paris’ most famous landmarks.

After exploring the cobblestone streets of Paris, it was nice just to sit back, relax, and admire the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Musée d’Orsay, along with various charming bridges and buildings lining the riverbanks.

Most cruises also offer commentary to accompany the tour, which lasts approximately an hour.

You can also opt for a lunch cruise, allowing you to see the sights comfortably while dining.

Afternoon: The Eiffel Tower and its Surroundings

I enjoyed a wonderful yet somewhat traumatizing afternoon at the Eiffel Tower.

I’m afraid of falling. I’m not scared of heights, unlike most people, because I do just fine in an airplane. I fear falling from a great height. However, when you’re in Paris, you have to visit the Eiffel Tower, as it’s France’s most famous landmark, and I knew I would; I just wasn’t going to be thrilled about it.

The Paris Museum Pass doesn’t cover the Eiffel Tower, so we needed to purchase a separate ticket.

The most affordable admission option was a ticket that allowed stair access to the second floor. There’s an additional fee for using the elevator and an extra charge to reach the very top.

I only visited the second-floor landing, and that was enough for me. I asked a lady who had just gone up whether it was worth it. She replied no, stating it was the same view. However, when I asked my aunt about it, she said it was worth it. I’ll leave it to you to decide if you want to include the top floor in your 48 hour Paris itinerary.

Evening: See the Eiffel Tower Sparkle

The reason I recommend visiting the Eiffel Tower in the afternoon is so that you can climb it in daylight. Then, you’ll just have to wait a little bit until the sun sets for it to light up.

Visiting the Eiffel Tower after dark is truly enchanting! It sparkles every thirty minutes, and you can relax on the grass at Champ de Mars—a beautiful park right in front of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy a snack while you watch.

Many vendors sell alcohol and snacks in this area, so there’s no need to worry if you forget to bring something.

⏳ Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours

🎟️ Tickets: Book online in advance as this is a VERY popular attraction! Note, it is more expensive to take the lift and even more so to take a tour.

Day 2: Taking in the Art of Paris + Versailles or Strolling Parisian Streets

Morning: The Louvre

Visit the Louvre first thing in the morning to skip the long line!

Before I visited, everyone advised me to arrive early, and they were right. I arrived just after opening, and hardly anyone was there. However, by the time I was leaving, a massive line had formed!

First, go directly to Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, and then to the Venus de Milo. I suggest prioritizing these artworks as they tend to draw large crowds. Add to this list anything else that may appeal to you as a must-see!

I must say I wasn’t overly impressed by Mona or Venus, probably because I’ve seen them in numerous textbooks and across the internet. I’ll note that I didn’t get the Louvre audio guide, which may have improved the experience. If you’re passionate about art, consider getting the audio guide to enhance your visit.

However, I was truly impressed with the Napoleon Apartments. If you didn’t know, the Louvre was originally a fortress and then a royal palace before being transformed into a museum during the French Revolution.

These rooms were previously occupied by the Minister of State during the French Second Empire, and what makes them remarkable is that they are the original furnishings! I’m used to seeing reproductions, so this really surprised me!

You could spend a fair amount of time here if you’re really interested in art. I only went for the famous pieces. If you’ve got more than 48 hours to spend in Paris, you could spend at least a full day here.

If you prefer art over history, consider swapping the Louvre for the Musée d’Orsay.

⏳ Duration: 2-3 hours

🧑‍💼 Guided tour: Guided tours, storytime, and workshops are available.

🎟️ Tickets: Included on the Paris Museum Pass with skip-the-line access, or book this tour through Headout because their cancellation policy is flexible and they offer the lowest price among online retailers.

Midday: Choose Your Adventure

For the second half of your 2 days in Paris itinerary, you can choose a couple of options. You can either stay in Paris and explore places such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées, or take a short trip outside the city to see Versailles.

I’ll lay out both options below, but know that Versailles truly is a whole half day on it’s own so I done think you can do both within this time frame.

The Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is less than half an hour away from central Paris, so you can easily get there to spend the second half of the day.

Arguably, I didn’t wind up loving Versailles as I felt it was rather empty and lacked emotional depth. Surprising, I know. But they missed the mark by not including much of what makes it historically interesting. However, it is an easy day trip and one of France’s top sites.

To make it more interesting, I recommend downloading the free Rick Steves’ Versailles Palace Tour. Just remember to bring a pair of headphones with you!

If you’re uncertain about Versailles and have some extra time, I highly recommend checking out the Palace of Fontainebleau.

It was recommended to me before my own trip, but being a history girlie I decided to see Versailles. I kind of regret that decision, so if you’re in any doubt about visiting Versailles, this is a wonderful alternative.

It’s far less crowded, however it is an hour away from the city center.

⏳ Duration: 2-3 hours (+ transportation time of at least 1 hour round trip)

🎟️ Tickets: Versailles is a popular attraction, so DON’T forget to book your tickets in advance to get the time slot you want! It is also included on the Paris Museum Pass.

The Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe memorial commemorates individuals who fought and died during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.

To access it, find the underground tunnel. Please do not attempt to run across the traffic; it is far too dangerous. You can reach the monument via the Passage du Souvenir.

You can go to the top of the Arc for a fantastic view, but it’s another set of spiral stairs.

Tired of stairs, my Aunt and I opted to enjoy it from the ground. However, those with far more energy during their 2-day trip to Paris can have at it!

⏳ Duration: 1 hour (if climbing to the top)

🎟️ Tickets: Included on the Paris Museum Pass with skip-the-line access, or book this tour through Headout because their cancellation policy is flexible and they offer the lowest price among online retailers.

The Champs Elysees

Naturally, we visited perhaps the most renowned street in Paris, the Champs Elysees!

It’s similar to Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles, so if luxury shopping isn’t your thing, you might want to window-shop or grab a quick dessert, like we did, which allowed us to sit and people-watch for a bit.

I’d say you can skip this on your 2 days in Paris itinerary if you’re not into shopping, but if you are, it’s one of the top things to do in Paris.

⏳ Duration: 1.5 hours (to walk it)

Shakespeare and Company

Shakespeare and Company, located in Paris’s Latin Quarter, is an English-language bookstore that was established in 1951.

Originally named “Le Mistral,” it was changed to “Shakespeare and Company” to celebrate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth.

Currently, it operates as a vendor of new and used books, an antiquarian bookseller, and a public library offering free reading materials.

The shop also accommodates aspiring writers and artists in return for their assistance in the bookstore. Since its opening, over 30,000 guests have slept in beds nestled among the bookshelves. The shop’s motto, “Be Not Inhospitable to Strangers Lest They Be Angels in Disguise,” is prominently displayed above the entrance to the reading library.

⏳ Duration: 30 minutes (depending on how much you shop 😉)

Pont des Arts

The Pont des Arts is Paris’ famous love lock bridge, where many couples have secured a padlock as a symbol of their love.

In 2015, the heavy load from thousands of metal locks damaged the Pont des Arts, leading to the collapse of a section of the bridge. Glass panels have since replaced the fence, allowing passersby to see the locks through them but not add to them.

⏳ Duration: 15 minutes

Evening: Farewell to Paris

To end your 2 days in Paris itinerary, head up to Montmartre for an epic view over the city. This area is packed with charming streets, cafes, and attractions, making it a wonderful place to people-watch and grab dinner.

However, if you’re beat and tired of stairs, I highly recommend grabbing some dinner at my favorite Parisian restaurant, L’Imperial which is by the Tuileries Garden.

The prices were great, portions generous, and the pasta was exquisite!

I was completely full by the time I left, and a nap followed in a park, the only way, in my opinion, to digest pasta properly in Paris.

If I could have their pasta delivered to my home right now, I definitely would. It was that delicious! It was my favorite dish among all the food I sampled in Paris!

Practical Paris Itinerary Tips

Where to Treat Yourself in Paris

Angelina

From the outside, Angelina resembles a typical Parisian patisserie, but stepping inside feels like entering Willy Wonka’s elegant realm of pastries.

It boasts delightful, enticing aromas of chocolate, sugar, and cream. Typically, there is a line outside; however, there is a dedicated entrance for pickup orders only. So if you’re merely stopping in for desserts, use that entrance. Alternatively, you can visit the tearoom.

Along with the incredible pastries, there’s the real reason I came—the hot chocolate. When my friend suggested it, I wondered, how good can it really be? It’s just hot chocolate, after all!

Wow, was I mistaken! It’s incredible! I’m not sure what’s all in it, but it tastes like paradise. No chocolate bar or cup of hot cocoa can compare to this!

They have several locations, so please check their website for the one closest to you.

Laduree

Ladurée is the best place for macarons, so the ultimate 2 days in Paris itinerary would be remiss without including them.

A friend mentioned that the Tea Salon serves amazing food. I’ll trust him as their macarons were delightful!

I tried the pistachio and salted caramel flavors and really enjoyed indulging in them while strolling along the right bank.

Several locations within Paris, so map the closest one to you.

Where to Stay for a 2-Day Visit (Recommended Neighborhoods)

I strongly suggest finding an accommodation near Notre Dame.

It is centrally located and in proximity to attractions like Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie, making it ideal for first-time visitors.

I was in the 5th arrondissement, and aside from the hostel, I truly enjoyed the Latin Quarter. It was also quite safe since it is near top attractions.

If you’re unable to locate anything there, the 6th and 7th districts are also great places to stay, as they are close to many of the main attractions in Paris.

If you’re not keen on those areas, being close to the Eiffel Tower is also lovely, although it will probably be pricier.

Safety Tips for First-Time Visitors

In general, Paris is safe; however, it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings and follow general safety guidelines while in Paris.

If you are concerned about pickpockets, I strongly suggest an anti-theft purse, as I’ve heard of an increase in this type of crime, especially around the Eiffel Tower.

If you’re looking for a fashionable purse to keep you safe, check out the Thafael bag.

2 Days in Paris Itinerary FAQs

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