2 days in Paris Itinerary

Last year, my trip to Paris was very brief. In fact, my time in Paris was supposed to be just a passing point between London, England and Rome, Italy. I was under the belief that Paris was just a stereotype and not worth the hype. For some reason, I believed rumors that Paris was just an overcrowded city with old buildings and trash. I quickly learned how wrong all the naysayers were. Immediately as I stepped off the plane I was hit with a blast of fun, culture, food, and architecture. In just a short time in Paris, I found so much to do and thought there wouldn’t be enough time to do it all. Luckily, I reserved the major attractions days before and explored various locations throughout the day. I was able to fill my days with activities and was able to fly out feeling satisfied with my time in the city. So, if you are traveling to Paris in a short time crunch, scroll down to find your perfect 2 days in Paris itinerary. 

DAY ONE

Palace of Versailles

On your first full day in Paris, I recommend starting at the Palace of Versailles. Wake up as early as jet lag allows, eat breakfast at your hotel or local restaurant, and then head straight there. The Palace of Versailles opens at 9 am every day, be there when they open. Be aware that the line is long even early in the morning, and you can easily spend an hour just waiting to get in. Try not to waste time waiting and book your ticket in advance. You can find the Versailles Palace and Gardens Skip-The-Line Tour here! This way you can head straight into the palace and let your guide excite you with the story behind the painted ceilings and crystal chandeliers. Then it should be smooth exploring for a few hours. Many recommend a full day at the Palace, but I found my family and I were able to explore the entire palace and gardens in 3 to 4 hours. 

Food Tour

Most importantly on your 2 days in Paris itinerary is food. By the time you get out of the palace, around noon, it will run perfectly into lunchtime. Here is where you make your way back to the center of the city and partake in a food tour. If available, check Viator for local food tours that will take you around the city on a tasting adventure. You will be able to try iconic Parisian food such as macarons, onion soup, filled croissants, and so much more. If it is the day of, and food tours online are unavailable, it still is a wonderful opportunity to walk through the streets of Paris and follow your nose to a bakery. Take yourself on your own tour and try out all the restaurants that look good. 

Try the Most Popular Paris Walking Food Tour on Viator!

Opera Garnier Tour

Now that you have the energy to walk around and explore again, it is time to tour the Opera Garnier. This beautiful opera house is a must-see and offers guided tours and self-guided audio tours. I recommend the self-guided audio tour, that way you can explore at your own pace and won’t feel rushed. Whether you pick a guided or self-guided tour, it is essential to book in advance for this as well. Make an estimate of when you will be finished eating so you can make it on time. Then you can fully enjoy the gorgeous architecture and history that inspired the famous Phantom of the Opera play. Find inspiration and pretend you are a Parisian performer for hours before they close at 7 pm. 

Seine river cruise

Depending on what time of the year you visit, after the Opera, you have just enough time to enjoy a seine river cruise during sunset. I recommend this sunset cruise. Close your eyes and picture the orange and pink glow of the sunset bouncing off of the beautiful Parisian buildings. Imagine the light in your eyes as the last bit of sun of the day reflects off of the River Seine. These river cruises are a great way to see the historic Seine and see every landmark up close. Even more, it is a beautiful romantic experience and gives you the full feeling of being in Paris. 

Eiffel Tower Light Show Dinner

If you haven’t eaten dinner on the cruise, head to one of the many restaurants in view of the tower. I could list them all, but there are so many. I ate at Chez Francis, but I’d recommend looking up all restaurants with a view of the Eiffel Tower and checking their menus, so you can find the right place for you. If you did eat dinner on one of the Seine River cruises or if the restaurants are out of budget, still make your way to a beautiful location with a view of the Eiffel Tower. That way you can see the sparkling lights and understand the meaning of the city of lights. 

DAY TWO

Louvre Museum

On day two of your 2 days in Paris itinerary, you will want to start it the same way you started day one. You are in a beautiful city for a short time. I know you are on vacation but now is not the time to sleep in. Wake up bright and early, eat an easy breakfast at your hotel, then make your way to the Louvre as soon as they open at 9 am. As before, the best practice is to book a tour in advance, that way you don’t have to wait hours in line and can just wait right in and find your group. We also were told to spend all day here, but two to three hours will be just fine. The museum is huge and after a while of walking, you will find much of the art looking like the ones in the room before. 

The Louvre Museum Masterpieces Guided Tour was just the perfect amount of time for a tour and took us front and center to the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo statue. Our guide was incredibly entertaining and helped us understand so much of the art pieces, making for a better story. Click the link to find all the tour offers and if it is right for you!

Hop-on Hop-off Bus

Then as soon as you get out of the Louvre Museum, find a Hop On Hop Off bus checkpoint. This will get you around to everything you want to see in the city. The good news is, the hop-on hop-off bus is inexpensive, runs all day, and takes you to all of the major attractions of Paris. You’ll want to also book this one in advance, that way you can see the city in your limited time and won’t have to wait in any line to purchase you day pass. Get your Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour here!

Notre Dame

Your first stop on the hop-on hop-off bus after being picked up at the Louvre will be Notre Dame. Step off your bus here and explore. Though it has been closed to the public since the 2019 fire, it is still worth it to take pictures of this famous Cathedral and bask in the Gothic architecture. It is also a good place to stop because of the many authentic Parisian restaurants in this area. By the time you reach the cathedral, it should be lunchtime. This area has no shortage of beautiful streetside restaurants that will make you feel a part of the local culture.

Arc de Triomphe

After you have stuffed your stomach with Parisian delicacies, you’ll want to head back on the hop-on hop-off bus. This time enjoy the views, the fresh air, and the streets of Paris until you reach the Champs-Élysées. The bus will stop directly on the sidewalk in view of the Arc de Triomphe. Get off here to view the monument, understand the history of it, and take some iconic pictures. On this avenue, there is also a plethora of luxury brand shopping and Parisian boutiques. Now is a great opportunity to take a break to shop for souvenirs or simply watch the crazy cars drive around the roundabout. 

Eiffel Tower

You know the drill by now, hop right back onto the bus when you are finished. Now it will take you to the main attraction, the Eiffel Tower. Here you can take pictures, ride the carousel in the plaza, or shop at a few of the touristy boutiques. If you are brave and physically healthy, you can definitely climb all the way up to the top and enjoy the view of the entire city of Paris. If you do plan on that, it is imperative that you reserve your spot before. Even when getting here first thing in the morning, lines are one to two hours long to climb to the top. Imagine the wait time in the evening. Invest in that skip-the-line ticket to make the most of the rest of the time you have on your last day. 

Wine tasting 

Now is the end of your hop on hop off tour. By now night has fallen or is close and the bus will stop running. Since you have a few hours before the parties start, take the time to do a wine tasting. This is Paris, that means there are several wine tastings all over the city. Whether you decide to walk around a bit or stay by the Eiffel Tower, use your Google Maps or Viator website to find a wine tasting so you can experience the iconic tastes of Paris. 

Moulin Rouge Dinner Show

Now we have reached the end of your last day in Paris, why not go out with a bang? Now that night has fallen, you’ll find the streets up in lights. If appropriate for you and those in your party, visit a moulin rouge dinner show in Montmartre to watch cabaret dancers while you eat your dinner. Enjoy sparkles, glitter, rhinestones, feathers, bright lights, and exciting music while delicious Parisian food to end your day. Thus completes your perfect 2 days in Paris itinerary

Can You Do It All? 

Paris is a giant city and there are so many secrets and corners to explore. There is a reason it is so iconic, and I only wish I had more time with it. Now, in two days we can’t do everything in the entire city, but it is just enough to do all the iconic activities. There are a lot of hours in two days as long as you wake up early and stay out late. If you follow this perfect 2-days in Paris itinerary, you will be able to do everything you want and make the most of your time in the city of lights. 

Want more Paris tips? Check out 6 things you need to know before visiting Paris for the first time!