How to Get The Most Out of 2 Days in Paris
Last fall, I spent an incredible 2 days in Paris and crammed in so much that it was worth it. From iconic landmarks to charming neighborhoods, I discovered how to make the most of your time in this enchanting city even with a short visit. Join me as I share my whirlwind itinerary to help you maximize your 48 hours in Paris!
What to do in Paris in 2 Days
Day 1 Exploring the Heart of Paris
Book a Tour of the Eiffel Tower
Visiting the Eiffel Tower is a must-do for your first day during your 2 days in Paris. Booking a skip-the-line tour to the top of the Eiffel Tower is a great way to make the most of your time in Paris. The Eiffel Tower is always crowded, so having a ticket that lets you bypass the long lines is a game changer. I booked my skip-the-line tour before leaving for Paris, saving me a lot of time and hassle. Plus, these tours are usually cancelable, so there’s little risk involved.
While at the Eiffel Tower, you can stroll down the Champ de Mars Park. This large green space is a popular spot for picnics, strolls, and enjoying views of the Eiffel Tower.
Eiffel Tower Tours
Have Lunch Near the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower has an amazing Michelin-starred restaurant located on the second floor. Le Jules Verne is a great place to dine if you are up for the cost. You must make reservations here well in advance if you want a table. This is a worthwhile experience because of the spectacular views and amazing food. In addition, there is a more casual restaurant, Madame Brasserie, on the first floor.
Below are some other top restaurants near the Eiffel Tower that offer amazing views of the tower and the Seine River.
- Francette (Outdoor seating with stunning views right on the Seine)
- 20 Eiffel (Michelin-starred restaurant on a quiet street with a great view)
- Firmin le Barbier (Great views of the Eiffel Tower in a picturesque setting)
Tour the Louvre
For your next stop, you can head to the Louvre to tour this beautiful museum. To get to the Louvre from the Eiffel Tower, we took the Metro. You can walk from here to the Louvre, but it’s a little over 2 miles and would be hard on your feet if you plan on walking through the museum (trust me, you want to save your steps!).
I highly recommend booking a timed entry ticket, otherwise, the line to get in will be very long. We booked this in advance, had a set time, and it took less than 10 minutes to get in. You can spend a lot of time in the Louvre as it’s huge! We spent a few hours here and were able to see great masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
Louvre Tickets
Go on An Evening Seine River Cruise
An evening Seine River cruise is a great way to see many of the major landmarks in Paris, from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame Cathedral. Seeing the city of lights at night is spectacular. Many cruises offer dinner options where you can enjoy amazing French cuisine on the river. I recommend booking in advance, as there are many different cruise options to meet your needs.
Seine River Cruise Options
Have Dinner in the Latin Quarter
If you opted not to have dinner on the Seine River Cruise, the Latin Quarter is a great option for dining. Located on the left bank of the Seine River, the Latin Quarter is a vibrant and historic neighborhood. The area is filled with charming, narrow streets lined with bookstores, cafes, and bistros.
Below are some great restaurants in the Latin Quarter:
- Le Petit Chatelet (Affordable, great food in a lovely setting)
- La Table De Colette (Michelin-star restaurant, amazing food and atmosphere)
- Bistro du Perigord (Quaint bistro with outdoor seating and great food)
Day 2
Have Breakfast in Montmartre
On your second day, head over to the Montmartre neighborhood. Having breakfast in the Montmartre neighborhood is a delightful experience. Montmartre is known for its artistic history and picturesque streets, offering plenty of cozy cafes and bakeries where you can enjoy a classic French breakfast. Sitting at a quaint sidewalk cafe, sipping a cappuccino, and taking in the charming streets is a wonderful way to start your day.
Great breakfast spots in the Montmartre neighborhood:
- La Bossue (Affordable, lovely cafe with great breakfast)
- Café Francoeur (Popular cafe with great food & service)
- The Hardware Societe Paris (Trendy restaurant with a unique and delicious menu)
Visit Sacre Coeur
After breakfast, and while in the Montmartre neighborhood, you can head over to visit the beautiful Sacré-Cœur Basilica. There are a couple of ways to reach Sacré-Cœur: you can climb the steps, which is a steep climb of 292 steps, or you can ride the Funiculaire de Montmartre, which is low-cost (the same price as the Metro) and a fun way to reach the top. Going inside Sacré-Cœur is free of charge, and it’s beautiful and amazing both inside and out.
Climb to the Top of the Arch De Triomphe
Climbing to the top of the Arc de Triomphe was something I was happy I did during my 2 days in Paris. Getting there from Sacré-Cœur is an easy ride on the Metro. I recommend booking rooftop tickets in advance, as I was able to skip the ticket line and get to the stairs to the top fairly quickly. To reach the top, you’ll climb a twisting staircase of 284 steps, but there is also an elevator for those who need it. Once at the top, the view is spectacular. You can get a 360-degree view of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, the modern downtown area, and the Champs-Élysées.
Eat Lunch on the Champs-Élysées
The Arc de Triomphe sits right on the west end of the Champs-Élysées and it is an easy walk from there to the street. This street is worth walking along if you are in Paris. I ended up eating lunch at a great restaurant with outdoor seating. This iconic avenue is lined with a variety of cafes, bistros, and restaurants, offering everything from quick bites to gourmet meals. If you are also in the mood for shopping, this is the place to do it!
Visit the Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is a renowned art museum housed in a former railway station on the Left Bank of the Seine. The museum is worth the stop during your 2-day Paris itinerary because you will see amazing works of art by artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and Renoir. The museum is approximately 1.2 miles from the Champs-Élysées, making it an easy 20-30 minute walk (though your feet may be tired by now) or a short ride on the Metro.
Entry Tickets and Tours to the Musée d’Orsay
Have Dinner in the Le Marais District
Approximately 1.5 miles from the Musée d’Orsay is the Le Marais District. This area is known for its charming narrow streets, beautiful architecture, and lively atmosphere. It’s a great place to walk around and have an amazing dinner, with a wide variety of dining options, from Michelin-star restaurants to trendy cafes and traditional bistros.
Top Restaurants in Le Marais District:
- Bistrot Instinct (Michelin-star, contemporary bistro with an amazing menu)
- The Frog Revolution (A Pub and Lounge with craft beer and American BBQ)
- Le Ju’ (Lovely French restaurant with beautiful outdoor seating)
- BAFFO (Michelin-star, cozy atmosphere, accommodating to those who are vegetarians or gluten-free)
Other places to see if you have time:
What are the best ways to get around in Paris?
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Heading to Paris in September?
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