Paris is one of our favourite cities in Europe, and one we return to time and again. It has so much to offer, from world-class museums to jaw-dropping architecture to some of the best food you’ll eat anywhere.
We’ve visited many times, both for short breaks like this two-day Paris itinerary as well as for longer stays as part of a wider European itinerary.
Over those visits, we’ve figured out what works and what doesn’t when you only have a weekend in Paris. This itinerary is the result: two full days covering the city’s must-see sights, in an order that makes geographical sense and won’t have you ping-ponging across the city.
Fair warning: this is a busy itinerary. We’ve packed in a lot because we think it’s all worth seeing, but feel free to drop anything that doesn’t interest you. If you have a bit more time, check out our 3-day Paris itinerary, and if you’re shorter on time, we also have a guide to spending one day in Paris.
After the itinerary itself, we’ll share tips on getting around, saving money with city passes, where to eat, and where to stay. Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents:
2 Days in Paris: Our Itinerary
Before heading to Sainte-Chapelle, grab a coffee and a pain au chocolat from a local boulangerie. There are plenty of good bakeries near any Metro station, and starting with a proper French pastry is one of the small pleasures of visiting Paris. If you’re near the Île de la Cité, the bakeries along Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île (on the neighbouring island) are excellent.
Day 1: Île de la Cité, the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe
Sainte-Chapelle (~9am)
It took me several visits to Paris before I actually set foot inside Sainte-Chapelle. That was a mistake. This 13th-century Gothic chapel has almost floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows, and when you step inside, the effect is extraordinary. I stood there with my mouth open for a good minute before I remembered to pick up my camera.
Sainte-Chapelle opens at 9am, and I’d recommend being in the queue ten to fifteen minutes before that. It’s a small space and the security line can get long quickly, so arriving early will save you a lot of standing around.
There’s an entry fee of €22 (€16 for EEA nationals/residents). You can buy tickets on the official site or browse guided tour options on the GetYourGuide Sainte-Chapelle page. Entry is also included on the Paris Pass Plus and Paris Museum Pass (see our review of the Paris Pass and our review of the Paris Museum Pass).
The nearby Conciergerie is also worth a visit if you have time. This is where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned before her execution, and it’s a fascinating place to learn about the French Revolution. You can buy a combined ticket covering both on the official site.
A quick note on buying tickets: we generally prefer booking through the official site for the best price, but third-party sites like GetYourGuide often include free cancellation, which can be handy for peace of mind. Always compare prices and policies before you book.
Notre-Dame Cathedral (~10am)
Just a short walk from Sainte-Chapelle is Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of the most recognisable buildings in the world. Completed in 1345 after nearly 200 years of construction, those huge towers and flying buttresses make it an icon of Gothic architecture.
A devastating fire seriously damaged Notre-Dame in April 2019, but the cathedral reopened in December 2024 after a remarkable five-year restoration. It’s free to visit the ground floor, and you can find opening hours on the official website.
The Notre-Dame towers have also reopened and are included on the Paris Museum Pass (reservation required via monuments-nationaux.fr).
While you’re in this area, pop into Shakespeare and Company, the famous English-language bookshop on the Left Bank just across from the cathedral. It’s been a literary landmark since 1951, and it’s a lovely spot to browse for ten minutes.
The Louvre (~11am)
From Notre-Dame it’s a twenty-minute walk (or fifteen minutes by metro) to the Louvre. Most visitors make a beeline for the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, but the world’s largest art museum has over 380,000 objects in its collection, with around 35,000 on display at any one time. There’s far more here than those two highlights, from Islamic art to Greek antiquities to the gorgeous apartments of Napoleon III.
You could easily spend a full day (or more) just exploring the Louvre, but that would eat into the rest of your Paris sightseeing, so we’d suggest limiting yourself to two or three hours. Pick the wings that interest you most, see the big highlights, and don’t feel guilty about skipping entire sections. You can always come back.
The Louvre is one of Paris’s most popular attractions, and the entry lines can be very long. There are usually two main queues outside the glass pyramid: a faster line for those with advance tickets, and a slower one for people without. On some particularly busy days (mostly in summer), entry is only permitted with advance tickets. We always buy ours ahead of time.
Important ticketing change (2026): The Louvre now sells entry tickets exclusively through its official website. Third-party sites like GetYourGuide and Tiqets no longer sell standalone entry tickets. Timed reservations are mandatory, and we strongly recommend booking well in advance as the museum regularly sells out during peak periods.
If you’d prefer a guided experience, both Take Walks and GetYourGuide offer guided tours that include entry. We’ve done several Louvre tours with Take Walks over the years and have always appreciated their small group sizes and knowledgeable guides. A guided tour is also a useful backup if you can’t get tickets through the official site, as tour operators have their own allocations.
Entry costs €32 (€22 for EEA nationals/residents). It’s free for under-18s regardless of nationality, and for EEA residents under 26.
The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. If your two days in Paris fall on a Monday and Tuesday, swap the days around so you don’t turn up to a closed museum. The Musée d’Orsay on Day 2 is closed on Mondays, so keep that in mind too when planning which day to do which. See opening times on the official site.
If you have a Paris Museum Pass or Paris Pass Plus: you must reserve your entry time on the official site. This is mandatory, and without a reservation you’re not guaranteed entry even with a valid pass.
Wine Tasting at Caves du Louvre (~1:30pm)
This one is optional, and a good candidate to skip if you’re finding the day too packed. But if you fancy a breather after the Louvre, the Caves du Louvre is right next door.
Set in an 18th-century wine cellar that once held the King of France’s own collection, this hour-long tasting takes you through three French wines while explaining the basics of grape varieties and terroir. You can do it self-guided with an app, or with a guide. There’s a charge, but it’s included on the Paris Pass. You can also book online here.
Not into wine? The nearby Angelina Café does a famous hot chocolate that’s worth the detour. Or check out Jess’s guide to the best afternoon tea in Paris.
If you skipped the wine tasting (or finished early), the Jardin des Tuileries is a short walk from the Louvre and a pleasant place to stretch your legs before heading to the Eiffel Tower. The formal gardens run from the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde, and there are usually chairs scattered around the central fountain where you can sit and rest for a few minutes.
Eiffel Tower (~3pm)
You’ve been seeing it on the skyline all morning, and now it’s time to visit. Nothing quite prepares you for standing underneath the Eiffel Tower and looking straight up. I promise you, it’s bigger than you think it is.
You can experience the tower in several ways. For the best photos, cross the river to the Trocadéro on the opposite bank. The view from there, looking back across the fountains to the tower, is one of the classic Paris shots.
The Champ de Mars gardens to the southeast of the tower are another favourite spot. In the warmer months, Parisians come here with wine and picnics to watch the sunset behind the tower. It’s one of the most pleasant ways to spend an evening in Paris, and it’s free.
If you want to go up the tower, we very much recommend booking tickets in advance. The on-site queues get extremely long, and you can save a lot of time by buying ahead. Tickets are available from the official website, which has the best prices, though note that official tickets are non-refundable.
If you’d prefer a guided tour with free cancellation, this one on GetYourGuide is a good option. A guided climb to the second floor is also included on the Paris Pass and the Paris City Card.
Going up is something everyone should do at least once. The top observation deck sits 276 metres above the ground, and on a clear day the views are spectacular.
There are also restaurants in the tower, which makes for a memorable (if pricey) meal. We’ve eaten at all the restaurants in the tower over the years. If you want something really special, we can recommend the Jules Verne. Try to request a window seat when booking for the best experience.
Alternatively, you can round off the day with an evening dinner cruise on the Seine.
For more tips, see our complete guide to visiting the Eiffel Tower.
Seine River Cruise (~5pm)
Several cruise operators depart from right next to the Eiffel Tower, making this a natural next step. A sightseeing cruise typically lasts about an hour and takes you along the Seine past Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and back again. It’s a lovely way to see a lot of Paris without much effort. Just sit back and watch the city go by.
Jess has a detailed post comparing Seine River sightseeing cruises to help you choose between operators. Some also offer meals, which would be a lovely way to end your day. If that interests you, see our guide to the best Seine River dinner cruises.
A standard sightseeing cruise is included on the Paris Pass and the Paris City Card (with Bateaux Parisiens). You can also buy tickets in advance on GetYourGuide or browse dinner cruise options on GetYourGuide here.
Arc de Triomphe (evening)
The last stop on Day 1 is one of our favourite viewpoints in Paris. The Arc de Triomphe sits at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, and from its rooftop you get views in every direction, with twelve avenues radiating out like the spokes of a wheel.
You can admire the arch from below for free, and watching the traffic negotiate the roundabout is entertainment in itself. But for the best experience, climb the steps (or take the lift) to the top. The Eiffel Tower looks particularly good from up here, and on clear evenings you can see all the way to La Défense.
One tip: if you take the stairs on the way out, look down the spiral stairwell from the top. It’s a great photo opportunity. For more, check out my guide to the best photography locations in Paris.
Important: to reach the arch, use the pedestrian underpass. Don’t try to cross the traffic roundabout!
Entry costs €22 from April to September (except Wednesdays), and €16 from October to March and on all Wednesdays. Free for under-18s and EEA residents under 26. It’s included on the Paris Pass Plus and Paris Museum Pass. You can also buy a skip-the-line ticket on GetYourGuide here. The Arc de Triomphe is open late, so this works well as an evening visit.
Day 2: Opéra Garnier, Musée d’Orsay, Left Bank and Montmartre
Opéra Garnier (~9:30am)
Your second day starts with a visit to the Palais Garnier, one of the most opulent buildings in Paris. This is the opera house that inspired “The Phantom of the Opera”, and walking inside you can see why. The grand staircase alone is worth the visit.
The self-guided tour gives you access to the 2,000-seat theatre, the gorgeous staircase, the seven-tonne chandelier, and the balcony. A self-guided visit costs €25 (€15 for EEA nationals). You can book a self-guided tour on GetYourGuide here, and it’s included on the Paris Pass.
If you’d prefer a guided tour, these last about ninety minutes and are offered in English. Check times and availability on the official website.
If you’re interested in attending a performance, read Jess’s detailed post on booking tickets for the Paris Opera.
Musée d’Orsay (~11:30am)
From Opéra Garnier, it’s about a twenty-minute walk south to the Musée d’Orsay. Housed in a former railway station on the Left Bank, this museum picks up where the Louvre leaves off, focusing on art from 1848 to the early 20th century.
The building itself makes the visit worthwhile. The former platform area is now a huge exhibition space, and the beautiful station clocks are some of the most photographed features in Paris. The art collection includes Monet, Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Renoir, among many others.
Entry costs €16 when booked online. Free for under-18s and EEA residents under 26. It’s included on the Paris Pass Plus and Paris Museum Pass. You can buy tickets on the official site or browse tour options on Tiqets. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Left Bank Stroll and Lunch (~1:30pm)
From the Musée d’Orsay, head east along the Left Bank (the south side of the Seine, so called because it’s on your left as you look downstream). This is one of our favourite walks in Paris, especially on a sunny afternoon.
As you stroll, you’ll get views of the Louvre across the river, the Pont des Arts, and eventually Notre-Dame. The walk from the Musée d’Orsay to Notre-Dame takes about twenty-five minutes if you don’t stop, but the whole point is to stop.
This is a good time for lunch. In the Latin Quarter near the Panthéon, Le Vieux Bistrot does solid traditional French food at reasonable prices. Closer to the river, Bouillon Chartier (the Grands Boulevards location) is a Paris institution: no reservations, no fuss, classic French dishes at prices that feel like a time warp.
Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre (sunset)
Your second day finishes up in Montmartre, with the Sacré-Cœur Basilica as the centrepiece. This is best experienced in the late afternoon, when you can watch the sun set over Paris from the steps. From up here, you get one of the best panoramic views of the city, looking out over an ocean of zinc rooftops.
The basilica itself is relatively new, completed in 1914, but its white domes have become one of Paris’s most recognisable landmarks. Entry to the basilica is free. If you want to climb to the dome for an even better view, there’s a fee of €8.
After visiting the basilica, take some time to explore the surrounding neighbourhood. Montmartre has long been a favourite district for artists. Many famous painters of the Belle Époque had their studios in this area, and today you can get your portrait or caricature painted at the Place du Tertre, a short walk from the basilica. The square is always busy with artists and tourists, but it’s part of the atmosphere.
Beyond the square, the quieter streets of Montmartre are worth wandering. The area still has a village feel that’s quite different from the rest of Paris. You’ll find small galleries, bakeries, and some excellent restaurants tucked away on the side streets. If you’re a fan of Dalí, there’s also a small permanent museum, Dalí Paris (€16), with over 300 original artworks, though it’s not an essential stop.
For a guided introduction to the area, this Montmartre walking tour on GetYourGuide covers the main highlights with a local guide.
A word of warning: the steps of the basilica are popular with “bracelet makers” who try to tie a “free” bracelet on your wrist and then demand payment. Just politely decline and keep walking. For more tips, see our guide to avoiding scams in Paris.
2 Days in Paris: Itinerary Map
To help you visualise the itinerary, here’s a map showing all the stops for both days. You can also view this map on Google Maps.
2 Day Paris Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Sainte-Chapelle, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, wine tasting (optional), Eiffel Tower, Seine River Cruise, Arc de Triomphe
- Day 2: Opéra Garnier, Musée d’Orsay, Left Bank stroll, Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre
Where to Eat in Paris
Paris is packed with brilliant places to eat at every price point, and we’ve tried a lot of them over the years. Here are some of our favourites.
For a proper Parisian brasserie experience, we love Terminus Nord near Gare du Nord. The bouillabaisse is excellent and the art deco interior is gorgeous. Le Procope in Saint-Germain claims to be the oldest restaurant in Paris (founded 1686), and the food holds up to the history.
Bouillon Chartier is the classic budget option. They don’t take reservations, so be prepared to queue, but the food is good and the prices are very hard to beat for Paris.
In Le Marais, Le Café des Musées does a beef bourguignon that we come back to every visit. It’s on a quiet side street and feels like a proper neighbourhood bistro. If you’re looking for something a bit different, Homer does fantastic lobster rolls, though it’s not cheap.
Near the Eiffel Tower, La Fontaine de Mars is a lovely traditional restaurant with an excellent cassoulet. Book ahead if you can.
We’ve also done the Take Walks food tour through Le Marais, which includes stops at the Marché des Enfants Rouges (the oldest covered market in Paris). If you enjoy food tours, it’s a great introduction to Parisian food culture.
For booking restaurants, we recommend TheFork (La Fourchette), which is the most popular restaurant booking platform in France and makes the process easy even if you don’t speak French.
When to Visit Paris
Paris is good year-round. Summer (June to August) has the best weather but the longest queues and biggest crowds. If you want decent weather with fewer people, May and September are the sweet spot.
We also love visiting in autumn and winter. Paris in October, when the leaves turn golden along the Seine, is beautiful. And in December the city lights itself up for Christmas, which is magical.
How to Get Around Paris
Paris has an excellent public transport network. The Metro is fast and covers the whole city, and there are also buses and RER trains. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available too.
Paris has moved to an electronic ticketing system. The old cardboard tickets are being phased out, and you now need either a Navigo Easy card (€2 to buy, then load with tickets) or the IDF Mobilités smartphone app. Both are easy to use, and tickets can be bought from machines at any metro station. The machines accept cards and cash and have an English language option.
For everything you need to know about Paris transport options, see our detailed guide to how to get around Paris.
How to Save Money on Your Paris Trip
This itinerary packs a lot into two days, and most of the attractions have an entry fee. The good news is that several city passes can save you money.
Our recommendation for this itinerary: the 2-day Paris Pass Plus (€179).
The Paris Pass Plus combines the standard Paris Pass (experiences like the Eiffel Tower guided climb, Seine cruise, wine tasting, Opéra Garnier) with a Paris Museum Pass (museums and monuments like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Sainte-Chapelle, and Arc de Triomphe). For a two-day visit covering everything in our itinerary, it’s the best value option.
Here’s what the attractions in our itinerary cost individually, as of April 2026. Note that many French national monuments now have two-tier pricing: a standard price for non-EEA visitors, and a reduced price for EEA nationals/residents. Prices below are for non-EEA visitors unless noted.
Day 1:
- Sainte-Chapelle (€22 / €16 EEA). included on Paris Pass Plus and Paris Museum Pass. Buy on the official site.
- Louvre (€32 / €22 EEA). included on Paris Pass Plus and Paris Museum Pass. Buy on the official site only. Timed reservation mandatory.
- Caves du Louvre wine tasting (€36). included on Paris Pass. Book online here.
- Eiffel Tower (€40 guided tour / €14.80 stairs to 2nd floor). guided tour included on Paris Pass and Paris City Card. Buy on the official site.
- Seine River Cruise (€17 with Bateaux Parisiens). included on Paris Pass and Paris City Card. Book on GetYourGuide.
- Arc de Triomphe (€22 Apr-Sep / €16 Oct-Mar). included on Paris Pass Plus and Paris Museum Pass. Book on GetYourGuide.
Day 2:
- Opéra Garnier self-guided tour (€25 / €15 EEA). included on Paris Pass. Book on GetYourGuide.
- Musée d’Orsay (€16 online). included on Paris Pass Plus and Paris Museum Pass. Buy on the official site.
- Sacré-Cœur dome (€8). not included on any pass.
Total if you paid individually for everything (non-EEA, high season): around €218. The 2-day Paris Pass Plus costs €179, so the savings are clear. Even for EEA residents paying the lower prices, the pass still comes out ahead.
One thing to note: the Paris Pass Plus includes a Paris Museum Pass, which means you don’t need to buy both separately. We’ve seen visitors accidentally buy a Paris Pass and a separate Paris Museum Pass, not realising the Plus version already includes museum access. Check what’s included before you buy.
If you don’t plan on visiting every attraction in our itinerary, or you prefer to pick and choose, other pass options include the Go Paris Explorer Pass (pick 3, 5, or 7 attractions) and the Paris City Card (Tiqets), which bundles a choice of attractions including the Eiffel Tower, Seine cruise and Arc de Triomphe with a 10% discount on other attractions.
Where to buy the passes:
You can purchase the Paris Pass and Paris Pass Plus here.
For the Paris Museum Pass on its own, we recommend buying from the official site (€85 for 2 days). It’s also available on GetYourGuide, though it tends to be around €30 more expensive there. GetYourGuide does include free cancellation, which the official site does not, so there is a trade-off.
Another option that some visitors prefer is to skip the Paris Pass entirely and buy a 2-day Paris Museum Pass (€85) plus a Navigo Jour day pass (around €12.30 per day for unlimited Metro/bus/RER within central Paris). At roughly €110 total, this covers all the museums and monuments in our itinerary plus unlimited transport, but doesn’t include experiences like the Eiffel Tower guided climb, wine tasting, or Seine cruise, which you’d buy separately. It can work out cheaper if you’re planning to take the stairs up the Eiffel Tower and skip the wine tasting.
A few additional ways to save money: on the first Sunday of every month, most museums in Paris offer free entry, though popular spots like the Louvre get very busy. If you’re an EEA resident under 26, many attractions are free with ID. And always check opening days before buying a pass so you don’t waste a day on a closed museum.
For a full breakdown of which pass suits your trip, see our review of the Paris Pass and our review of the Paris Museum Pass.
Where to Stay in Paris
We’ve stayed at a range of places in Paris, from apartments to hotels to homestays. The key for this itinerary is to find somewhere within easy walking distance of a metro station.
Our go-to tool for finding accommodation in Paris is Booking.com. They usually have the best prices and the widest selection, from hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some places we’d suggest:
- Hôtel Dress Code, a highly reviewed 4-star hotel just a few hundred metres from the Opéra Garnier
- Hôtel Eiffel Turenne, a well-rated 3-star hotel within a ten-minute walk of the Eiffel Tower
- Ateliers de Montmartre, an apartment in Montmartre with views of the Sacré-Cœur
- The People – Paris Marais, a well-reviewed hostel in Le Marais, one of our favourite parts of Paris to stay
- Hotel France Louvre, a well-rated 3-star hotel on Rue de Rivoli near Le Marais and the Louvre
If you prefer an apartment, we recommend Plum Guide. They curate their listings carefully so the quality tends to be high across all price points. We’ve stayed at a number of their properties around the world, including a beautiful apartment in Paris with Eiffel Tower views. See their Paris listings here.
If you can’t find what you want from those options, we have a whole post on Airbnb alternatives with more ideas.
Practicalities for Visiting Paris
Safety in Paris
We’ve never had any problems in Paris, though there are a few common scams to watch out for. Read our guide to avoiding Paris scams before you go.
Power in Paris
France uses the 220v standard with 2-pin European plugs. Travellers from the UK and US will need an adapter. US travellers should also check that their devices support 220v (it’ll be printed on the power adapter). As a general rule, most laptop, phone, and camera chargers are dual-voltage and will work fine. Larger devices like hair dryers and hair straighteners usually aren’t, and will need a voltage converter or a dual-voltage replacement.
For more on choosing the right adapter, see our guide to the best travel adapters.
Currency in Paris
Paris uses the Euro. You can get Euros from ATMs, banks, and currency exchanges. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Internet Access in Paris
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces around the city, so getting online shouldn’t be a problem. If you want mobile data while you’re out exploring, check with your carrier about roaming options before you travel. Many carriers now include European roaming at no extra cost, which has made things much easier than it used to be.
If your carrier doesn’t offer good roaming, or you want a dedicated data plan, another option is an eSIM. We’ve used Airalo and found it a good option for staying connected without swapping SIM cards. You can also pick up a local SIM card if you have an unlocked phone.
For more, see our guide to getting online when travelling. We also have a guide to picking the best travel router, which can be handy for extending a weak hotel WiFi signal across multiple devices.
Drinking Water in Paris
Tap water is safe to drink unless otherwise posted. We usually travel with a reusable water bottle. We love our Klean Kanteen bottles for travel because they’re lightweight, easy to clean, and the company is a certified B Corp.
Walking Tours of Paris
If you’d like a guided experience for part of your trip, we recommend Take Walks. We’ve used them for walking tours in cities around the world, and we’re always impressed by the small groups and knowledgeable guides. Some of their Paris tours we’ve done and can recommend:
- A full-day walking tour of Paris covering the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and a Seine River Cruise
- A three-hour tour of Sainte-Chapelle and Notre-Dame
- Their Ultimate Paris Food Tour through Le Marais
Other options include this food tour on GetYourGuide and this Hemingway walking tour with Context Travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 2 days enough to see Paris?
Two days is enough to see the major highlights of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, Sacré-Cœur, and the Arc de Triomphe. You won’t be able to cover everything, but with good planning you can get a proper feel for the city.
If you have more time, three days lets you add Versailles or explore individual neighbourhoods at a more relaxed pace. But two days gives you a solid introduction.
What is the best pass for 2 days in Paris?
For a two-day visit covering the main museums and experiences, we recommend the 2-day Paris Pass Plus (€179 as of April 2026). This combines the Paris Pass (Eiffel Tower guided climb, Seine cruise, wine tasting, Opéra Garnier) with a Paris Museum Pass (Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, Sainte-Chapelle).
If you only want museum access, the standalone 2-day Paris Museum Pass (€85 from the official site) is a good option. The Paris City Card from Tiqets is worth considering if you want the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and a Seine cruise bundled together.
Is the Louvre free on the first Sunday of the month?
Yes, the Louvre offers free entry on the first Sunday of each month, except in July and August. Be aware that it gets extremely busy on these days. If you visit on a free Sunday, arrive early and be prepared for queues.
Free entry is also available for under-18s regardless of nationality, and for EEA residents under 26.
Do I need to book Louvre tickets in advance?
Yes. Since 2026, Louvre entry tickets are only available through the official website (ticket.louvre.fr). Third-party sites no longer sell standalone entry tickets, only guided tours. Timed reservations are mandatory, and the museum regularly sells out during peak periods.
If you have a Paris Museum Pass, you still need to reserve your entry time slot on the Louvre website. Without a reservation, you may not be allowed in even with a valid pass.
What is the best way to get around Paris?
The Metro is the fastest way to cover longer distances in Paris. For this itinerary, you’ll use a mix of walking and the Metro. Paris has moved to an electronic ticketing system, so you’ll need either a Navigo Easy card or the IDF Mobilités smartphone app to ride. Both are available at any Metro station.
For detailed information on tickets and routes, see our full guide to getting around Paris.
Is the Tour Montparnasse still open?
No. Tour Montparnasse closed on March 31, 2026 for a major renovation that is expected to last several years. There is no confirmed reopening date. The attraction has also been removed from the Paris Pass.
For sunset views, we recommend the Trocadéro (free, with views of the Eiffel Tower) or the Arc de Triomphe rooftop.
Further Reading for Your Paris Trip
We’ve visited Paris many times and put together a lot of guides from our trips. Here are the most useful for planning:
- Our 3-day Paris itinerary if you have more time, and our 1-day Paris itinerary if you have less
- My guide to the best photography locations in Paris, plus a photo essay of Paris
- Guides to choosing a Seine River cruise and Seine River dinner cruises
- How to buy Paris Opera tickets, attend a fashion show at Galeries Lafayette, and save on Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris
- Our Paris Pass review and Paris Museum Pass review
- A complete guide to visiting Galeries Lafayette
- The definitive guide to the best afternoon tea in Paris
- Our Moulin Rouge guide
- If you want a guidebook, we recommend Rick Steves Paris and Lonely Planet Paris
And that’s our guide to the perfect weekend in Paris! We’d love to hear how your trip goes. If you have any questions or suggestions, let us know in the comments below.
Freddie says
Love how this itinerary balances sightseeing and local experiences! A weekend in Paris sounds magical. Can’t wait to visit!
Laurence Norah says
Thanks very much Freddie 🙂
Michelle says
Hi Laurence, thanks for the great information you provide in your posts. I have enjoyed reading your London and Paris tips and itineraries for months to help plan. My sister and I are visiting Paris as a part of our European getaway to London, Paris and Amsterdam from June 16-27th. We will be in Paris from June 21st to the 24th. We have purchased the 2 day Paris Pass because we will be arriving by train from London around 13:00. We are staying at Hotel Duquesne Eiffel. What should we do first after settling in on our first day? Also, is following your 2-day itinerary realistic from our hotel? Do you suggest any possible changes? How can I incorporate afternoon tea at a hotel? Thanks for any advice.
Laurence Norah says
Hi Michelle,
It’s our pleasure! So first, obviously you will want to adjust the itinerary based on your specific interests. Your hotel is definitely well located, you should be able to do the itinerary as laid out. The only thing you will want to check is the timing for the Eiffel Tower tour that is included on the Paris Pass, as that might affect your itinerary. As you are so close to the Eiffel Tower, you may want to do the Eiffel Tower / Seine River cruise first, and then the rest of the days activities following on from that. Otherwise though, yes, you should be fine following the itinerary from the hotel.
For your first day (when you arrive) you could definitely do the afternoon tea if you wanted, most afternoon teas in Paris are available fairly late. You are not too far from the Four Seasons George V which is one of my favourite afternoon tea locations in Paris. Alternatively, you could see if there are any activities not included on your Paris Pass that you want to do. Finally, you might just like to take a walk perhaps up to the Seine and then along to the Eiffel Tower.
Have a great time in Paris and let me know if you have any more questions!
Laurence
Lisa Gonçalves says
Hi! We will be in Paris from 7-10th of December with 2 teenagers (15 and 13 years olds), was wondering if the Paris Pass is worth buying for them as some of the attractions are free for under 18. Is there anything that you recommend at this time of the year?
I am also a little confused. I have tried to buy eifel tour tickets on the oficial site, but there are none available for the dates we are in Paris. But the site states that for stairs tickets you can book 15 dyas before, does this mena that I may still be able to book 15 days before or as they are not showing on the site, this will never be a possibility? Many thanks, Lisa.
many thbab
Laurence Norah says
Hi Lisa,
It’s lovely to hear from you, it sounds like you a have a fun trip coming up! So the Paris Pass is likely not going to be great value for your teenagers as most of the museums are free as you say. I would also add that you need to check exactly what is included on the Paris Pass currently, even if buying for adults. Normally it comes as a two part pass, but they have been having inventory issues with the Paris Museum Pass component so it has not been including that for some of the versions recently. You might instead consider one of the Paris City Cards, they come in different versions and account for under 18 access being free.
Normally we would always recommend a Seine River Cruise (just bring warm clothing!) and of course the Eiffel Tower. The Galleries Lafayette department store should also be nicely decorated at this time of year.
For the Eiffel Tower, I think it is unlikely the stairs will have sold out this far in advance, so I think it is likely not showing availability because it is too far out. You’ll want to come back 14 days before your trip which is when sales should show.
Let me know if you have any more questions, we’re happy to help!
Best
Laurence
Tina Mills says
I will be visiting Paris in November for my daughter’s 21st birthday. We will be coming from London on a Monday and will be leaving back to London on Wednesday. I enjoyed reading Paris in two days and will be using it for our trip. We will be staying at a hotel in the rue Casimir Delavigne. Is that a central location? I would love to take a dinner siene river cruise and a do a photo shoot. Do you think we will have time and where would be a great place to shoot. My daughter also loves food. Is there any cooking class around that we could fit in our schedule?
Thanks in advance!
Tina
Laurence Norah says
Hi Tina,
I would say that yes, Rue Casimir is definitely in a central location, you are about 10 minutes walk from Sainte Chapelle / Notre Dame and the highlights of that area. You are also about 30 minutes metro ride to the Eiffel Tower.
You can easily take a dinner Seine river cruise in the evening of one of these days. We have a guide to Seine River cruises here which includes a section on dinner cruises. Some of these depart from near the Musee d’Orsay so would be easy to reach from your apartment.
We have done the Macaron making class at the Galleries Lafayette, that was a lot of fun and you should be able to fit that into the schedule, perhaps instead of the wine tasting. Alternatively, you could do it on the second day. It will depend a bit on your priorities and what you really want to see. You can see more cooking classes here.
In terms of photography, I personally think the Trocadero opposite the Eiffel Tower makes for a good location as you can get lovely photos with the Eiffel Tower in the background.
Have a great trip, and let me know if you have any more questions!
Best
Laurence
RAJA CHIALAKAMARRI says
Hi Laurence, Best wishes.
Excited to find your website is very informative. Would you help our family first trip to Europe. We vegetarians and like to find a place safe and comfortable for around $100-150 per night. Hotel stay is preferred but Ainbnb is also an option.
We 3 adults are thinking for flying in on Tuesday April 26th by noon. We take train to Amsterdam on 28th evening.
One evening our son 24year old youth may be curious to spend a few hours night life.
What we should see? How we can go around? any minor details like holidays, timings and buying in advance ( passes or booking tickets)
Would you suggest for Madrid (4 full days) and Amsterdam(2 full days) too? Our entire trip is between April 22-May1st.
Thanks in advance
Regards
raja
Laurence Norah says
Hi Raja,
Thanks for your comment! So we don’t currently offer personalised itinerary planning services. In terms of where to stay, if the recommended options don’t work for you, I’d recommend using the booking.com filter system to find something that suits. I like to filter by rating (usually 8+) and then you can filter by price. I’ve put that search together for you here. It currently shows around 8-10 properties (it will change based on availability). One option to consider is the Hotel Du Lion, which has good reviews and is quite well located.
In terms of what to see and do, as you are in Paris for two days this guide should cover everything you need to know, including the pass options and how to get around. If you have specific questions I am happy to help, but I think most of your current questions are answered in this guide. We haven’t visited Madrid but we hear it is very nice. I have visited Amsterdam and it is a lovely city, very pretty, although we haven’t written any guides yet as we have not visited for a while.
Have a great trip!
Laurence
Jenny Smith says
Admiring the time and energy you put into your blog and detailed information you provide.
Laurence Norah says
Thanks Jenny!
Minal says
Hi Laurence,
I need some help, for Day 2 – I want to cover below attractions :
1. Opera Garnier,
2. Musee d’Orsay,
3. Left Bank,
4. Tour Montparnasse,
5. Stroll around Champs-Élysées avenue
6. Moulin Rouge at night (not to attend the show)
I have booked my stay in the 14th ARR. so it’s a bit far and hence the confusion.
I wanted help to plan above attractions at best possible time of the day, can you please help me?
I also don’t want to miss the Tour Montparnasse sunset view. 🙂
Laurence Norah says
Hi Minal,
So this should be easy enough to do in a day. The only thing is I don’t know when you are visiting exactly, as some attractions have specific closures. So you should definitely check when each attraction is open specific to your visit.
The Opera Garnier has some closures on certain days and also some days it’s only open in the morning or afternoon. You can see that here: https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/visits/palais-garnier
The Musee d’Orsay is closed on Mondays.
Personally I think the Tour Montparnasses is best at sunset as you can see Paris going from day to night which is really lovely to watch. However, sunset varies depending on time of year, so again this will depend on when you visit. If you’re in the 14th, this will be the closest attraction to you.
Assuming you are visiting when everything is open, I’d suggest starting with Musee d’Orsay. Then Opera Garnier (self guided tour). If you want to do a guided tour, you’ll have to adjust your plan as these only run at certain times, and not every day of the week depending on the time of year.
Then I’d go to Champs Elysees, across to the left bank, and down to the Tour Montparnasse. Finally up to the Moulin Rouge.
This is definitely heading around a bit, but that’s kind of inevitable. I’d also say that you are really close to the Paris Catacombs in the 14th, so you might want to check those out too.
Let me know if I can be of any more help!
Laurence
Minal says
Thanks Laurence 🙂
I am travelling to Paris in June and would be considering this schedule for Sunday. I just checked the Opera Garnier would be closed for Sunday morning – so it would be open around 2.00 PM
thanks again for your detailed answer 🙂
you really helped me a lot!
Laurence Norah says
My pleasure – have an amazing time in Paris!
Minal says
Hi Laurence, Jessica,
Your post helped me a lot in planning in our 2 days in Paris 🙂
Thank you for writing this!
Laurence Norah says
Our pleasure Minal – thanks so much for taking the time to comment and let us know, it means a lot! Have a great time in Paris and let us know if you have any questions 🙂
Laurence
Jennifer says
Hi,
The itinerary that you have provided is so helpful to give me the top sights to see in the most efficient way. I’m looking at the 3 day Paris pass because I will be arriving on a Monday late afternoon, 4 pm and departing on Wednesday at 2 pm.
Is it better to get the 2 day or 3 day pass because of the dates and time?
I also saw that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays and not sure how to accommodate the itinerary as to when best to fit that in.
Thanks Jennifer
Laurence Norah says
Hi Jennifer!
So I would recommend getting the 2 day Paris pass. The reason being that the pass is made up of two components, a Paris Pass and a Paris Museum Pass. They cover slightly different things, and they can actually be activated separately. In addition, there is no 3 day Paris Museum Pass, so the 3 day Paris Pass only comes with a 2 day Paris Museum pass anyway!
Now, on to your itinerary conundrum. So you have a little less than two full days due to your arrival time, and because the Louvre is closed on Tuesday, you might not get absolutely everything in. Based on your timings, I would probably suggest something like the following:
Monday – Eiffel Tower (it opens late, but reserve your ticket in advance online to skip the lines!), Seine River Cruise, Left Bank. Only activate the Paris Pass for the Seine River Cruise.
Tuesday – Saint Chapelle, Notre Dame (optional as it is closed but you are close so might as well take a peep), wine tasting, Sacre Coeur, Dali Museum, Opera Garnier, Tour Montparnasse, Centre Pompidou. Use both Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass.
Now, honestly it is going to be a lot to try and do all that. You might want to skip the wine tasting, or the trip out to Montmartre, depending on your specific interests. I’m also not quite sure where to put the Arc de Triomphe. If you just want to view it that would be on your first day, however if you want to climb it you’d have to do it with the Museum Pass on day 2 or 3.
Wednesday – the Louvre, Musee D’orsay. Could also do the Arc de Triomphe if you are feeling quick!
I hope this helps. Happy to help you hone this a bit more if you let me know any “must-see” sights, or things you don’t mind skipping 🙂 Finally, don’t forget the 2 day version of the pass only comes with a 2 day travel card, which is valid for consecutive days rather than a 48h period. So if you start that at 4pm on the Monday, it will stop working at 5.30am on the Wednesday (they are valid for 5.30am -5.30am, regardless of which time of day you activate them).
Laurence
Jennifer says
Thanks so much for responding and giving me great suggestions. Really awesome.
Laurence Norah says
My pleasure – have a great trip 😀
Michelle says
This is a great breakdown! Thank you very much for sharing your expertise. My husband and I will be visiting for the first time at the end of March. We will have some time on arrival day, but figured we would be jet-lagged, but after reading your blog, I’m thinking we should still get a 3-day Paris Pass and after possibly a small nap on our first day, try and visit some of the sights. We then would have two full days to explore before returning home on the following day. Should we rule out the Palace of Versailles on this short trip as I hear it can take much of the day? We will be staying in the Saint Germain area. Also, would you recommend bringing Euros with us or getting them there in Paris? Again, thank you very much!
Laurence Norah says
Hi Michelle!
Sounds like a plan! Just be aware that the 3 day Paris Pass only comes with a 2 day Paris Museum Pass. The two passes can however be used and activated separately. So my tip if you do as you plan would be to visit only those attractions on the Paris Pass itself. That would include things like a Seine River Cruise, wine tasting and a walking tour, which would all be good options for your first day.
For Versailles – obviously this is up to you, but yes, to make the most out of a visit you will want to give it most of a day, especially to explore the gardens and out to the Marie Antoinette area, which is my favourite part. So I’d say as this is your first visit you might want to focus on the main sights in the city itself.
For Euros, this will depend very much on what credit / debit cards you have. Some banks will let you withdraw euros fee free from foreign ATMs, whilst others will charge a hefty fee. So you should check with your bank, and maybe look into getting a card which doesn’t charge fees. Usually if you can order euros in advance before you travel you will get a better rate. Just avoid money exchange at the airport as the rates are going to be dire 🙂
Have a great trip – let me know if you have any more questions!
Laurence
Chanchal says
Hi,
Your post is really good to understand the each and every aspect of paris tour.
I would be really keen to know if you can put tentatively time on each place for 2 days itinerary so that i can plan my start time and end time of these two days.
Laurence Norah says
Hi Chancal,
Sure thing!
Sainte Chapelle, opens at 9am. I recommend arriving around 8.30am to get to the front of the line. Leave by 9.45am
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris – this is closed, so a brief photo stop only. Done by 10am.
Louvre 10.30am – 12.30
WIne Tasting, 12.30 – 1.30
Arc de Triomphe, 2 – 2.30
Eiffel Tower, 3 – 4.30
Seine River Cruise 5pm +
Day 2:
Sacre Coeur opens at 8.30am, so be here then 🙂 allow an hour.
Dalí Museum, opens at 10am. allow 45min – 1 hour
Opera Garnier, 11.30 – 12.30
Musee d’Orsay, 1 – 3
Left Bank, 3 – 4
Tour Montparnasse 5 – 6 (although recommend you adjust timing to be here for sunset)
Centre Pompidou – either before or after Tour Montparnasse. It’s open until quite late usually.
I hope this helps – obviously adjust timings to suit but you should get an idea.
Best
Laurence
Hamid says
Hi there,
I hope you are doing fine.
I want to know your idea whether it is OK to visit paris on 31th Dec to 2nd Jan.
Cheers,
Hamid
Laurence Norah says
Hi Hamid!
Thanks for your message. So the main issue with this is that nearly every attraction in Paris will close on New Years Day (1st January). So you should expect many attractions to be closed on the 1st, and possibly close early on the 31st December.
So if there are specific attractions you want to visit, you will want to check their websites to see when they are open.
In addition, hotel accommodation tends to be more expensive over the New Year period, so you will want to consider that as well.
I hope this helps! I wouldn’t say not to visit, but just to be prepared in advance and have a plan 🙂
Laurence
johnmark says
My wife and I really enjoyed our 4 days in Paris with the Paris Pass. It was very helpful and saved a lot of money. Thank you!
Laurence Norah says
Our pleasure!
Laurence Norah says
Our pleasure 😀
Ketan says
Hi, What are options available for vegetarian traveller? (No egg, meat, seafood).?
Laurence Norah says
Hi Ketan,
I believe there’s a wide range of vegetarian options, most restaurants will have vegetarian or vegan options to choose from 🙂
Have a great trip!
Laurence
KULKARNI says
Hi. I am quite impressed with your itinerary for 2 days in Paris. I just want to to know are there tour operator’s available who can fulfill this itinerary? If so please share this information, if you can.
Regards
U S KULKARNI
Laurence Norah says
Hi Kulkarni,
I’m not sure to be honest – our itineraries are designed for independent travellers. The closest I can suggest are the walking tours we list in the article, the full day Paris tour by Take Walks is likely your best option if you want a guided experience. However if you want the full two days with accommodation you would need to talk to a travel agent I think.
Have a great trip!
Laurence
Melanie Burgess says
Hi there
Awesome itinary I’m going to take on the 2 day one and see how far I will come. I’ve been up the eiffel Tower so will skip the trip up. I’ll be staying in Mont martre and I would like to know if the Paris pass covers that area for transport.
Many thanks
Melanie
Laurence Norah says
Hi Melania!
It covers zones 1-3 if I remember correctly, which includes Montmartre 🙂
Enjoy your time in Paris!
Laurence
Lisa Duncan says
Hi Laurence,
This is a fantastic resource and was exactly what I was looking for to help plan my visit to Paris, including the photography tips ( my hobby). I will also be looking at your London itinerary. We are coming from a stay in Disneyland Paris and will be coming to the city to stay for 2 nights and then heading to CDL.
Can you recommend the train station that is closest to the attractions on your Day 1 itinerary?
I am also looking for a centrally located place to stay that will be close enough to drop off luggage and then start our day.
Are their special precautions when carrying my professional camera throughout Europe. Should I try and find an anti theft camera strap?
Thank you so much
Laurence Norah says
Hi Lisa!
Thanks very much 🙂
So I would say probably Gare Montparnasse, but Gare du Nord is not too far away either. For your camera, my suggestion is to get a sling strap that goes across your body like this Peak Design strap, which is what I use. Holding your camera across your body means it’s a lot harder to grab, and it’s also more comfortable. I cart my full frame Canon cameras around on these straps in cities throughout Europe and have never had a problem (touch wood!)
Have a great trip!
Laurence
Lisa says
Thank you for the advice. One more question- we are going to stay in the Disneyland area for our entire stay and take the train into Paris for our sightseeing days. If I buy the 2 day Paris Pass with the metro option. Can I use it from the RER at the Disneyland station? The Paris pass appears to be the best deal to see most of the tips attractions listed on your itinerary.
Thank you again.
Laurence Norah says
Hi Lisa,
The Paris Pass doesn’t include transport from Disneyland – it’s just for Zones 1 – 3. That covers pretty much everywhere on our itinerary, but not all the way out to Disneyland. So the best option would be to buy tickets at the RER train station for the journey to and from Paris.
Enjoy!
Laurence
Gabrielle says
Hi there! Thanks for your recommendations. I’m trying to find information on how to deal with rental cars while in Paris. Do you know if there’s parking availability in certain areas to leave vehicles? Any input is most appreciated!
Laurence Norah says
Hi Gabrielle,
There are plenty of paid parking structures, but not many free locations. We’d generally advise against driving in Paris though, it’s not very quick!
Best
Laurence
Krish says
Thank for very much for the guidance.Very informative to novice travellers.
Really appreciate taking time to build this website.
Can you please suggest us a good/safe place to stay (Hotel) close to Eiffel tower for a family of 4.
thanks
Krish
Laurence Norah says
Hi Krish!
My pleasure 🙂 So we actually have a full guide to visiting the Eiffel Tower which also has a number of hotel recommendations. I’d suggest checking that out as there are a wide range of options listed 🙂 You can see that here:
https://independenttravelcats.com/eiffel-tower-paris-france/#Where-to-Stay-in-Paris-Near-the-Eiffel-Tower
Enjoy!
Laurence
Carrie says
Hi Laurence,
Great information! I plan on using several of your suggested itineraries when we travel to Europe for a month in June. Technically, we will be in Paris for 2 days, but it’s stretched across 1 full day and two half days: arriving on a Friday around 2pm and departing on Sunday at 1:30pm. Do you think this itinerary is still doable across this split? How would you suggest we go about it? Also, I think the Paris Pass would work for us, as we want to visit most everything you have listed (if we can!). Thank you!
Laurence Norah says
Hi Carrie!
Thanks very much! So I think this will be doable. I would perhaps suggest the following:
Friday arrival:
Seine River Cruise
Eiffel Tower
Walk along the left bank
Tour Montparnasse for sunset
Saturday:
Saint Chapelle
Notre Dame
Opera Garnier Tour
Louvre
Musee d’Orsay
Arc de Triomphe
Sunday:
Dali Museum
Sacre Coeur
Centre Pompidou
Wine tasting
The Opera Garnier Tour runs every day at 11am and 2.30pm, so you would need to figure out where to put this, I suspect the Saturday would be the best day.
For the Paris Pass this has to be used on consecutive days. So if you activate it on the Friday, it would only be valid until the Saturday evening. So you would need the three day Paris Pass in this case.
Let me know if I can help any more!
Laurence
Thang Bui says
Hi Laurence
Love the writing, very insightful. Can i ask: does Paris Explorer Card include public transportation in Paris and 2 ways transport to airport?
Thanks much
Thang
Laurence Norah says
Hi Thang,
Thanks very much! The Paris Explorer Pass does not include public transport in Paris or transport to the airport. It’s just for attractions and sightseeing. This pass (https://paris.ticketbar.eu/en/discountcards/paris-online-city-pass-/) includes one airport transfer and public transport, but you then have to decide on the attractions. So everything has a bit of a compromise!
Best
Laurence
Thang Bui says
Thanks Laurence, much appreciated
Thang
Olaniyi Olatunji says
Hello,
I will be in Paris on 30 – April to 3 – May 2019.
Considering it will be my first time in Europe, I was hoping to find a partner we can take this tour with. I don’t know if i can achieve all of these alone as i do not know anywhere.
Laurence Norah says
Hi Olaniyi!
we’ve never looked for a partner to travel with, however, I have asked around, and folks recommend trying the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree forums or the Couchsurfing community. You could also try Nomadic Matt’s Nomadic Network facebook group: https://facebook.com/groups/nomadicnetwork
As always, practice safety and caution when arranging meet ups and arrangements with strangers 🙂
Laurence
Louise Garrett says
We’ve only got a few days free in the school summer holidays due to my work so thought Paris would be a good place to take our 13 & 16 year old what do you think? Also do you think we could add on Disneyland at the end? Your blog is so well written and as an adult it sounds great just wondering if a teenager would enjoy it? Thanks
Laurence Norah says
Hey Louise!
So we don’t have children of our own, so the only experience I can give is that that when I was a teenager my parents took me on an adventure across Europe, and it’s still one of the best trips I remember having. Jess also visited Paris for the first time when she was 16 and had a wonderful time.
However, everyone is different, so our experiences aren’t of course guaranteed!
That said, Paris is a pretty special place, and I think anyone would love the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and so on.
I definitely can’t speak to Disneyland as I’ve never been, but I have heard good things.
I’m not sure this has helped too much, but hopefully it has been of some use! Have a wonderful trip, whatever you decide to do!
Laurence
Ken says
Great itinerary unfortunately I see no way to do this in two days. We attempted this itinerary in early January when there should have been smaller crowds and had no luck given the lines to get into the various venues. We even had the Paris pass that supposedly got us into venues fast, with no luck.
I would say that you could potentially do all this in three days. By the way, those venues we did get into including LaSalle cathedral were amazing.
Laurence Norah says
Hi Ken!
Thanks for the feedback, that is much appreciated. It is certainly a busy day, but the first day in particular is perhaps a bit optimistic. As such, I’ve updated the text to make it clearer which I’d suggest skipping if you don’t want to feel too rushed. I’m pleased you had a good time though and were able to see everything you wanted!
LAurence
Maynel Alvarez-Requejo says
Hello,
I stumbled across this while looking for the major things to do during a short stay in Paris.
We are doing England and Ireland for my 40th birthday in June and doing a quick side trip to París from London. This is exactly the type of guidance I was hoping to find and thank you so much for being so detailed ans helpful.
Any similar itinerary recommendations for London and southern / central England and southern / western Ireland? Going for almost 3 weeks in June
Laurence Norah says
Hi Maynel!
Certainly, we have quite a few guides to help you out on both our sites 🙂
We have a 6 day London itinerary and a 2 day London itinerary
We have a 1 week, 10 day and 2 week UK itinerary.
We also have content on Ireland 🙂 You can see all our UK content here and our Ireland content here 🙂
Have a great trip!
Laurence
Shakerra Joseph says
I stumbled across your blog today, looking for a pretty good Paris itinerary and I have to say that I am so impressed. This was so well written and gave so much great information. I was so unsure about purchasing the Paris Pass, but after reading your post, I might end up buying it! Thanks so much. – From a new reader!
Laurence Norah says
Thanks Shakerra! I hope the itinerary helps – if you do visit Paris, do come back and let us know how your trip was 😀
Elly says
Hi Laurence and Jess, I am taking my husband on a surprise weekend trip to Paris next month and am so glad to come across your blog. I have never seen a travel blog so extensive, thorough, flexible and enjoyable!! You guys are super talented. Thank you so much!
Laurence Norah says
Gosh Elly, that is so kind of you. Also, you have a very lucky husband obviously – to be surprising him with such a lovely trip 😀 Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, it means a great deal! Have a fabulous time!
anna chana Weinberg says
thank you so much for this post!! we just got back from our 2 day vacation in Paris and had such an amazing time because of all of your advice!!
Laurence Norah says
Hi Anna! Thanks so much for letting us know! We’re thrilled we were able to help you have a great trip 😀
Soham says
Me and my colleague will be coming to Paris from Brussels on Thursday lunch time and will be leaving on Saturday morning (around eleven). Will come by train and will fly out. What can be the area for stay in Paris? We are okay with some b&b options.
Also one of us have flight at Saturday night. So after checkout in the morning can he dump the luggage somewhere (some cloak room facility) and roam around for the day?
Laurence Norah says
Hi Soham 🙂
We would advise staying in central Paris if you can. You could try this hotel, it is well rated and fairly central. Otherwise you might want to try AirBnB to see what you can find.
In terms of luggage storage, most hotels will let you leave your luggage. if you choose an AirBnb, then you can take your luggage to the train stations, all of the major train stations have left luggage facilities in Paris, for a fairly reasonable fee.
I hope this helps!
Laurence
allie says
Hi, My husband and I will be in Paris for 2 1/2 days. We will arrive on a Sunday after a 15 hour flight. I’d love to wander some of the flea markets on that day. Any suggestions on a good one? On our two full days we would like to go to Giverny one morning. This will take up 5 hours, arriving back in Paris around 1:15 p.m. We are planning to visit the Eiffel Tower at 9:00 p.m., on one of the days and, of course want to go to the Louvre. So many of the places on your 2 day itinerary sound like must dos, but I’m afraid our visit to Giverny is going to cut in to things. Do you have any suggestions as to what we might cut out and any thoughts on how to maximize our time. It’s kind of a blur to me as to how to organize our time. Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Laurence Norah says
Hi Allie
The most famous fleamarkets in Paris are the Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, on a Sunday they will be open until 6pm. So that would be my suggestion. I’ve actually drafted a one day itinerary for Paris that will be going live in the next few weeks, which would probably help clarify your thinking, depending on when you go. But my must-do’s would probably be Saint Chapelle, Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, the Seine River Cruise, and Montmartre. Beyond that it really depends on your interests 🙂
Hope this helps a bit – happy to provide more direction if I can!
Laurence
allie says
Thank You!!
Philip says
Hi … really nice write up…I’ve not stumbled upon such a great guide to Paris… extensive and super informative…
I was actually lost …abt how to plan out 2 days in Paris.
We reach 18th May evening 19.00hrs. and leave on 20th evening 16.30 to Brussels. We are a family with 2 kids 7 &4 yrs….was wondering how to go about…what would be interesting for them and amount of walking they can do…
We maynot be able to cover a lot as per your iterinary…
As you have been there multiple times…can I have your thoughts on it…
Thanks a ton again for the great write-up ..it does make a big difference to first-timers like us…
Regards
Philip
Laurence Norah says
Hi Philip,
Thanks very much! I have to say it’s a bit hard to provide specific advice – partly because we don’t have children, but mostly because everyone’s interests are difference – including kids 🙂 So I’m not sure exactly what they might be into. My suggestion would be to pick those items on the list that you think you and your kids would both enjoy, for example, everyone enjoys the views from the Eiffel tower, and a seine river cruise can be a nice way to let your feet relax and take a break- whilst the Louvre might not be quite so appealing 🙂
Generally, I’d suggest cutting the itinerary in half at least to give you lots of time to rest and take breaks and not be too rushed when travelling with younger people, so this might be a good rule of thumb. Then a mix of activities for everyone. I hope this helps a bit!
Have a great trip!
Laurence
Annemarie Hood says
My boyfriend and I are excited to be spending a day and a half in Paris in early October.
It is the last leg of a trip to Scotland and Ireland and we arriving early afternoon on a Friday and have all day Saturday in Paris.
Your 2-day itinerary was so helpful in deciding what we want to do — just wondering if what we have come up with is doable in a day and a half?
Day One – Notre Dame / Dinner on the Seine River / walk on Left Bank
Day Two – Champs Elysees / Arc de Triomphe / Eiffel Tower / Latin Quarter / The Louvre / Marais / Dinner in Bastille
Laurence Norah says
Hi Annemarie!
That does sound do-able yes! Your second day will be quite busy, but certainly manageable 😀 Definitely for the Eiffel Tower make sure you book your tickets in advance so as not to have to waste time queuing. You can do it on the official website 🙂 Same with the Louvre, although you might find a 1 day Paris pass or 1 day paris museum pass will help – although I’m not sure if you’re going to be seeing enough to make the savings too great – you’ll have to do the math and figure it out 🙂
Have a wonderful trip!
Sharen says
Hi there, this is great info. THANK YOU. I will be travelling to Paris in May with my 14 year old daughter. We are both EU citizens. Do I need to purchase a Paris Pass for her? If I purchase one for myself will she be able to go through the Fast track lane with me?
Laurence Norah says
Hi Sharen!
Thanks very much 🙂 As your daughter is under 26 and an EU citizen, she won’t need to pay to access the majority of Paris’s attractions – just make sure you bring your passport with you 🙂 In terms of fast track access, I’ve done some research and can’t find a definitive answer, but I think if she is with you then you should be ok to use the fast track lane together.
Have a great trip!
Melanie says
My husband and I are hopping up from San Sebastián next week and will only have 2 days so this itinerary is perfect and full of great advice! Wouldn’t have thought to see Saint Chapelle. Would be curious to know your thoughts on dining? Thanks again for putting together such an informative blog!
Laurence Norah says
Hi Melanie! To be honest we usually just google the local restaurants to wherever we are and find options with high recent reviews, or wander around the neighbourhood we’re staying at and check out the menus of the day. We find that restaurants can change in quality so much that recommendations can be a bit hit and miss. I hope you have a wonderful trip!
VL says
Hi – great writeup ! My first time to Paris with my husband and teenage daughter. Your writeup helped me come up with my itinerary of two days. I was wondering why have you not included Palace of Versailles? I am planning to opt out of few attractions for second day especially Sacre Coeur and
Musee d’Orsay. Can I include Palace of Versailles instead? Is it doable?
Laurence Norah says
Thanks very much! For two days, I thought that Versailles would be a challenge (it’s on my three day itinerary: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/3-day-paris-itinerary/).
However if you wanted to opt out of some of the other attractions, you could definitely do Versailles – it’s your trip so it’s important you do what you want 😀 Just be aware it’ll take you around half a day, and you definitely want to get there early – plan to arrive as soon as it opens so you can make the most of your day.
Have a wonderful time in Paris!
Jennifer says
Hello! This itinerary is amazing! Thank you so much for all the work that went into it! Our questions is…we are thinking about going in Nov. 2018…to celebrate my 5oth birthday and our 20th anniversary. We would fly on a Friday but not get in until Saturday mid morning. We would leave on a Wed. Monday is Veteran’s Day and although that won’t be a factor in Paris, we read that many things are closed on Mondays anyway. Our question is…is there a way to split up the 2 day Paris Pass and use it on non-consecutive days? That way we could relax on Saturday, tour on Sunday, relax on Monday and use the pass again on Tuesday?
Thanks so much for your help. 🙂
Laurence Norah says
Hi Jennifer! Thanks very much and congratulations on your milestones 😀
Great question! So, the “easy” answer is that no, you can’t split up the pass as it is for consecutive days, and once activated can’t be paused. So you have a couple of options. The easiest of course would be to buy a longer pass, which comes with longer travel cards and would be easier to manage.
The other options is to get a bit creative. The Paris Pass actually comes as two different passes, which can in fact be activated separately. These are the Paris Museum Pass, and the Paris Attractions Pass. These cover different attractions, and you could activate these separately from each. Of course, the travel pass will only last for two days from activation date, so plan your timing on that based on your transport needs.
So, going through the itinerary, the following attractions are covered by the Paris Museum pass:
Saint Chapelle
Cathedrale Notre Dame towers / crypt
Louvre
Arc de Triomphe
Musee d’Orsay
Centre Pompidou
And the Paris Attractions Pass covers:
Wine tasting
Seine River Cruise
Dali Museum
Opera Garnier Tour
Tour Montparnasse
It also includes the hop on hop off bus, which you could do on one of your days.
The Eiffel Tower isn’t on any pass, neither is the Sacre Couer tower.
So my suggestion would be to split up your days in Paris across the attractions, and see the different attractions for the correct passes. I’d also suggest maybe taking one of the days and visiting Versailles, which is wonderful. That’s included on the Paris Museum Pass. For more ideas, check out my 3 day Paris itinerary here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/3-day-paris-itinerary/
Also, just for reference, here’s a handy listing of days that different sites are open:
https://en.parisinfo.com/what-to-see-in-paris/info/guides/weekly-closing-days-of-cultural-sites-in-Paris
Have a great trip!
Val says
Hi
Going to Paris in the first week of April for 3 days
Staying in and area called Boulouge.
Got a few places would like to visit,
How do you recommend we do this ?
Laurence Norah says
Hi Val,
My suggestion would be to check out my just published 3 Day Paris itinerary 🙂
https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/3-day-paris-itinerary/
If you could be more specific about what help you need I will try to help out!
Jenny Smith says
Gosh…. the city of Love ?
I am going next month and your pictures are making me excited to go there soon!
Can’t wait!!
Laurence Norah says
have a wonderful trip!
Vicks says
Hi Laurence ,
Are all the Museums open on Saturday and Sunday as well ?
Thank You
Laurence Norah says
Hi Vicks!
The majority of museums are open on Saturday / Sunday – Monday is a more common day for museums to close in Paris 😉
here’s handy list to save you looking through museums individually:
https://en.parisinfo.com/what-to-see-in-paris/info/guides/weekly-closing-days-of-cultural-sites-in-Paris
best
Laurence
Liza says
Me and my girlfriend will be traveling in Paris around 1st week of May. Just a question the Paris pass (2 day) will give you unlimited access to transportation as well?
Thank you.
Laurence Norah says
Hi Liza,
Yes, the Paris Pass includes free transport for the duration of the pass. It actually comes as a 2 day metrocard ticket, which is good for zones 1-3. So you can’t use it to get to the airport, or outside of those zones (Versailles for example is not included), but everywhere in this itinerary is covered. You can see more here:
https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101lbZC/pubref:FTU2DayParis/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.parispass.com%2Fparis-transport%2F
Have a great trip!
Laurence
Melanie Moore says
I was just in Paris in December and had only 24 hours! Luckily, it was my third visit so I didn’t feel like I had to squeeze everything in. (I wrote about what I did here: mywanderlustblog.me) I am making note from your post to see Saint Chapelle on my next visit. Wow, looks amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Laurence Norah says
24 hours is a short time but I’m pleased you saw a lot still. And yes, definitely make time for Saint Chapelle next time!
Christine says
Thanks for all the tips! I’ll be visiting Paris for the first time in March! I’ll be sure to read the other posts mentioned.
Laurence Norah says
My pleasure! Paris is one of our favourite cities – have a wonderful time!