Paris rewards even a short stay with a lifetime of impressions. Born along the Seine and shaped by kings, revolutionaries, artists, and artisans, the city pairs grand boulevards with intimate passages, haute couture with hidden courtyards, Michelin temples with humble bistros. This 2-day Paris itinerary is built to maximize your time without rushing the rituals that matter: a perfect croissant, a quiet bridge at sunset, a glass of wine you’ll remember long after your plane lands.

In two days you’ll trace a classic arc: masterpieces at the Louvre, ironwork vistas from the Eiffel Tower, a candlelit glide along the Seine, and the bohemian hills of Montmartre. You’ll also get neighborhood flavor—Marais falafel and crêpes, Saint-Germain cafés, and a stop at a historic covered market for picnic provisions. Timed-entry tickets and strategic routing cut lines and add breathing room.

Practicalities: Book the Louvre and Eiffel Tower in advance and note museum closures (Louvre closes Tuesdays; Musée d’Orsay closes Mondays). The Metro is fast and safe; carnet-style bundles or daily passes suit weekend visitors. Taxis/Ubers are reliable, and fixed-rate airport taxis simplify arrivals. Pack comfortable shoes—Paris is a city best met at walking speed.

Paris

Paris is a mosaic of villages: the literary Left Bank, the regal Right Bank, and islands that cradle Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle. In a day’s stroll you’ll brush past Roman ruins, royal palaces, and ateliers still handcrafting the city’s daily bread. The skyline is a graceful ballet of domes, spires, and the Eiffel Tower’s filigree.

Top sights include the Louvre’s Denon Wing and Cour Marly, Sacré-Cœur’s hilltop views, the Tuileries, and bridges like Pont Alexandre III. Food-wise, the city excels at the everyday: a tartine at the zinc counter, buckwheat galettes with cider, and a picnic of market cheeses, saucisson, and a baguette that crackles when you break it.

• Where to stay (curated picks):
• Search a wide range of apartments and homes on VRBO Paris or hotels on Hotels.com Paris.
• Hotel du College de France (Latin Quarter): Quiet, scholarly street steps from the Sorbonne; excellent value and walkability.
• Hôtel des Arts Montmartre (18th): Boutique, artsy vibe near Sacré-Cœur and cafés on Rue des Abbesses.
• Generator Paris (10th): Budget-friendly, design-forward hostel/hotel hybrid with private rooms and a sociable rooftop.
• Novotel Paris Centre Gare Montparnasse (15th): Modern rooms, family-friendly, great transport links for day trips.
• Hôtel des Grands Boulevards (2nd): Chic hideaway behind a gated passage; candlelit bar and easy access to the Opera/Grands Magasins.
• Le Meurice or Hôtel Plaza Athénée: For five-star art de vivre with destination dining and postcard addresses.

• Getting to Paris:
• Within Europe, compare trains, flights, and buses on Omio (flights), Omio (trains), and Omio (buses). Examples: London–Paris on Eurostar ~2h15 from ~$70–$160; Amsterdam–Paris ~3h20 from ~$60–$140; Lyon–Paris TGV ~2h from ~$35–$85.
• Flying long-haul from outside Europe? Search fares on Trip.com (flights) then connect by RER B (~35–50 minutes) or fixed-rate taxis (~€55–€65) from CDG/ORY.

Day 1: Arrival, Île de la Cité to Eiffel Tower, and a Seine Dinner Cruise

Morning: In transit to Paris.

Afternoon: Check in, freshen up, and start with a leg-stretch along the Seine. Pause by the re-opened Notre Dame Cathedral to admire its restored vaults and stained glass, then slip into the Latin Quarter for coffee: try Coutume (Left Bank roastery), Café Verlet (historic tea/coffee house near the Louvre), or KB CaféShop (for flat whites). For a late lunch, classic-value French awaits at Bouillon Pigalle (steak-frites, oeuf mayo, chocolate mousse) or a quick Marais bite: L’As du Fallafel for the famed pita or Breizh Café for buckwheat galettes and cider.

Evening: Book timed access to the Iron Lady just before sunset for golden-hour views.

Eiffel Tower Dedicated Reserved Access Top or 2nd floor by lift — dedicated entry and guide context make the ascent smoother, with a chance to reach the summit if available.

Afterward, glide under Paris’ bridges on a glass-canopy boat—watch monuments drift by as dinner arrives course by course.

Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise — expect live music, panoramic windows, and views of the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and the illuminated Eiffel Tower; typically ~2–2.5 hours, from about $100–$180 depending on seating and inclusions.

Nightcap ideas: Le Mary Celeste (natural wines, oysters) in the Marais; Experimental Cocktail Club (speakeasy-style classics) near Montorgueil; or a simple café calva at a zinc counter if you want to keep it very Parisian.

Day 2: Masterpieces, Montmartre, and Departure

Morning: Start with pastries worthy of a detour—try Du Pain et des Idées (legendary escargot pistache-chocolat), Bo & Mie (croissants and lemon tarts), or sit-down brunch at Holybelly (pancakes, eggs, filter coffee done right).

Then meet your guide at the Louvre to see star works efficiently: the Winged Victory crowning the Daru staircase, Delacroix’s Liberty leading the people, and of course the Mona Lisa—plus underrated gems in the sculpture courts.

Louvre Museum Masterpieces Guided Tour with Access — a concise, art-historian-led visit that keeps you on the highlights track in ~2–3 hours; especially useful on weekends.

Alternative for food lovers: swap the museum for a hands-on baking class and learn lamination from a Paris chef.

Paris Croissant Small-Group Baking Class with a Chef — craft croissants, pains au chocolat, and pains aux raisins in a small workshop; you’ll leave with techniques and treats.

Afternoon: Quick lunch near Les Halles/Marais before you head out: Au Pied de Cochon (onion soup, crispy pork—open all day), Frenchie To Go (lobster roll or reuben), or Marché des Enfants Rouges (historic covered market with Moroccan tagines, Japanese bentos, and stellar sandwiches). If time allows, ride to Montmartre for cobbled streets, street artists at Place du Tertre, and panoramic steps at Sacré-Cœur.

Pick up edible souvenirs: Pierre Hermé or Careté for macarons, La Maison du Chocolat for ganaches, or a wedge of Comté from Fromagerie Laurent Dubois. Aim for your train/airport 2–3 hours before departure; RER B to CDG/ORY or a fixed-rate taxi keeps things predictable.

Evening (if departing late or extending): Settle into Saint-Germain for an apéro at Le Bar du Marché (people-watching terrace) or a classic bistro dinner: Le Servan (sisters serving French with Asian inflections), Bistrot Paul Bert (aged steak au poivre, great cheese trolley), or Chez L’Ami Jean (Basque soul, famous rice pudding). Prefer another night on the river? Consider a different vibe with live music and a DJ set:

Paris Gourmet Dinner Seine River Cruise with Singer and DJ Set — a lively, modern take on the classic cruise for a celebratory finale.

Need-to-Know Tips

• Timing: Book Louvre and Eiffel Tower well ahead; check closure days. Early morning or late evening slots are calmer.
• Transport: Metro lines 1 and 14 are great for first-timers (automated, frequent). For contactless fares, just tap a credit card at the gate.
• Etiquette: Greet with “Bonjour/Bonsoir” before requests; cafés appreciate that you sit/stand in the right area (bar vs. terrace pricing varies).
• Weather backups: If it rains, swap a walk for covered passages (Passage des Panoramas, Galerie Vivienne) or an extra museum hour.

Optional extras if you add time: Step inside the renewed Notre Dame with a guide to appreciate the restoration work:

Notre Dame Cathedral: Interior & Exterior Small Group Guided Tour

Prefer a simple cruise without dinner? Consider a daytime loop with commentary:

Paris Seine River Sightseeing Cruise with Commentary by Bateaux Parisiens

For a boutique Left Bank stay near the Eiffel Tower, also consider Hôtel du Champ de Mars for village vibes by Rue Cler’s market street.

In just two days, you’ll sample the essence of Paris: world-class art, shimmering river views, neighborhood cafés, and timeless streets where everyday life is the main attraction. Return soon to dive deeper—Versailles, canal-side picnics, and new restaurants are always waiting.