Paris blends 2,000 years of history with everyday pleasures—morning espresso at the zinc counter, a stroll through Haussmann boulevards, sunset on the Seine. From Roman Lutetia to a modern capital of fashion and gastronomy, the city layers grand monuments over village-like quartiers.

Art lovers will find more than 200 museums—from the Louvre’s masterpieces to small gems tucked into mansions. Architecture dazzles too: Gothic spires, cast-iron marvels, and elegant bridges. Don’t miss the revived Notre-Dame, the glass pyramid, and the Iron Lady glowing at night.

Practical notes: Book major sights in advance (the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays). The metro is fast and frequent; taxis from CDG have fixed rates. Tap water is safe, casual tipping is appreciated (round up or add ~5%). Keep an eye on belongings in busy areas.

Paris

City of light, café chatter, and river reflections, Paris rewards both first-timers and seasoned flâneurs. Its 20 arrondissements spiral like a snail, each with a personality—royal gardens in the 1st, medieval lanes in the Marais, bohemian slopes in Montmartre.

• Top sights: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame & Sainte-Chapelle, Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur, Musée d’Orsay, Luxembourg Gardens, Palais-Royal, the Seine quays.
• Why go now: Notre-Dame’s interior has reopened with renewed splendor; riverfront walks and covered passages feel made for a short, atmospheric escape.
• Where to stay: For walkability to icons, look at the 1st–7th; for nightlife and dining, the 9th, 10th, 11th. Browse stays on VRBO or hotels on Hotels.com.

Hotel ideas to search: Classic grande-dame stays (Le Meurice, Le Bristol) for spa and service; polished mid-range gems (Hôtel des Grands Boulevards, Hôtel La Comtesse Tour Eiffel, Hôtel des Arts Montmartre); value picks (Ibis Styles by major stations, Generator Paris for design-forward hostel vibes).

Getting to Paris: From other European cities, high-speed trains are often fastest and center-to-center: London–Paris via Eurostar (~2h16); Brussels–Paris (~1h22); Lyon–Paris (~2h). Search trains and flights on Omio Trains (Europe) and Omio Flights (to/from Europe). Typical fares range ~$40–$120 for trains booked ahead; intra-Europe flights can be ~$40–$150.

Day 1: Arrival, Île de la Cité Stroll, and the Seine by Night

Morning: Travel into the city. From CDG, taxis have fixed fares (~€55 Right Bank/€62 Left Bank; ~45–60 minutes). RER B trains reach central Paris in ~35 minutes. Drop bags and shake off jet lag with coffee at Café Verlet (near the Louvre; in-house roaster since 1880) or Boot Café (a tiny Marais favorite with serious espresso).

Afternoon: Start where Paris began—Île de la Cité. Walk Pont Neuf to quiet Place Dauphine, admire the kaleidoscopic stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle (reserve if you plan to go in), and circle the rejuvenated Notre-Dame to see its restored interior and flying buttresses. Cross to Île Saint-Louis for a scoop at Berthillon and browse the elegant lanes. For lunch nearby: Breizh Café (buckwheat galettes and cider), L’As du Fallafel (beloved pitas; go off-peak), or Art Nouveau jewel Bouillon Julien for classic French plates at friendly prices.

Evening: Celebrate your first night with a river feast on the Seine. Board near the Eiffel Tower for this memorable dinner cruise (glass-canopy boat, live music, city lights):

Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise — Expect refined courses, paired wines, and front-row views of the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Notre-Dame glowing after dusk. Smart-casual attire fits the mood; plan 2–2.5 hours and from roughly $125–$180 per person.

If you’d rather dine on land, book Le Servan (inventive French with Asian accents), grab a convivial table at Les Philosophes in the Marais, or try Bouillon Pigalle for brisk service, oysters, and steak-frites. Nightcap at Little Red Door (inventive cocktails) or a rooftop like Le Perchoir Marais when weather’s fair.

Day 2: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Masterpieces, and Montmartre at Sunset

Morning: Fuel up with buttermilk pancakes and strong coffee at Holybelly 5, or go classic at Carette Trocadéro for croissants near postcard views. Then head to the Iron Lady with timed, reserved entry to skip long queues:

Eiffel Tower Dedicated Reserved Access Top or 2nd floor by lift — Guides share spirited stories from construction to the Belle Époque. Summit access upgrades bring sweeping city panoramas; budget ~1.5–2 hours and from about $45–$80 per person depending on level and timing.

Afternoon: Make your rendezvous with the world’s greatest art museum via a focused, time-saving tour that hits icons and hidden gems. Note: the Louvre is closed Tuesdays, so swap days if needed.

Louvre Museum Masterpieces Guided Tour with Access — See the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, and Venus de Milo with an expert who keeps you moving efficiently. Small groups or private options; ~2.5–3 hours; typically $70–$95 per person.

Before or after, consider lunch near the museum: Le Fumoir (wood-paneled brasserie ideal for salads, tartares, and a glass of Sancerre), Café Verlet (legendary coffee and caramelized canelés), or Au Pied de Cochon by Les Halles (onion soup and porky classics; open late).

Alternate afternoon option (food lovers): Trade the Louvre for a delicious deep-dive into Parisian flavors in Montmartre. You’ll taste cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, chocolate, and wine while learning the neighborhood’s storied past.

Authentic Parisian Gourmet Food Tour with 10 Local Dishes & Wines — A guide-led tasting walk through markets and artisan boutiques; plan ~3–3.5 hours; commonly $95–$120 per person.

Evening: Climb to Sacré-Cœur for a golden-hour panorama, then wander cobbled lanes—Rue de l’Abreuvoir, Place du Tertre’s artists, and the windmill at Moulin de la Galette. For dinner, book Bistrot Paul Bert (steak au poivre, île flottante), try seafood-focused Clamato (no reservations; arrive early), or settle into Chez Toinette for cozy Montmartre fare. Cap the night with live jazz at Caveau de la Huchette in the Latin Quarter.

Where to Book and How to Get Around

Stay: Compare central apartments and family-friendly flats on VRBO Paris and search hotel deals (from boutique to palace) on Hotels.com Paris. Aim for walking distance to at least one major sight or a metro hub (Châtelet, Saint-Lazare, République, Montparnasse).

Arrivals & intercity travel: For flights to or within Europe, compare on Omio Flights. For trains and buses across Europe, search schedules and fares on Omio Trains and Omio Buses. Inside Paris, the metro is quickest; buy a reloadable card and tap in/out. Taxis are plentiful; rideshare is widely available.

Coffee, bakery, and dining cheat sheet:

• Morning greats: Holybelly 5 (Antipodean brunch energy), Du Pain et des Idées (celebrated escargot pastries—go early), KB Coffee Roasters (specialty pours up near South Pigalle).
• Lunch go-tos: Breizh Café (galettes), Frenchie To Go (lobster roll, cubanos), Marché des Enfants Rouges (multiple tasty stalls, limited seating).
• Dinner favorites: Le Servan (elegant, seasonal), Bouillon Pigalle (classic, budget-friendly), Les Arlots (sausage and stellar wine list), Juveniles (tiny wine bar bistro near the Louvre).

Insider tips: Book timed tickets for the Eiffel Tower and Louvre at least a week out in peak months. Many restaurants open reservations two to three weeks ahead. Sundays and Mondays can be tricky for dining; have a shortlist. Carry a small umbrella and comfortable shoes—Paris begs to be walked.

In two days, you’ll taste, gaze, and glide through the essentials—Eiffel views, the Seine at night, and either the Louvre’s icons or Montmartre’s flavors. Leave room to linger in a garden or café; that’s where Paris’ magic lingers longest.