2 Days in Paris: A Flexible Itinerary
The Perfect 2 Days in Paris Itinerary: A Flexible Guide
Paris is a city that captivates with its iconic landmarks, charming streets, and delicious food. Whether it’s your first visit or a short stop on a longer journey, two days in Paris can still offer an unforgettable experience. This itinerary provides a flexible approach, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the city without feeling rushed. I took this trip with my sister, but the itinerary can easily be adapted for children as well! If I had my kids with me, I would have spent more time in the gardens and planned extra breaks during the longer walks between landmarks.
All photos in this post were taken by me during my trip to Paris. I love capturing real experiences to give you an authentic look at what to expect.
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Day 1: Classic Paris & Eiffel Tower Views
Getting Around: Paris Visite Easy Go Pass
To make the most of your time, consider using the Paris Visite Easy Go Pass. This pass provides unlimited access to public transportation, including buses, the metro, trams, and even the funicular in Montmartre. It’s also valid for travel to and from the airport, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for navigating the city. This pass is valid for 1, 2, 3 or 5 consecutive days, making it the perfect pass for your 2 days in Paris. You can easily purchase the pass at the train station in the airport upon arrival, either from ticket machines or counters.
Morning: Eiffel Tower & Crepes
Start your day with one of the most famous sights in the world—the Eiffel Tower. While Champ de Mars is currently under construction, you can still admire the Eiffel Tower from various great viewpoints nearby. Whether you decide to admire it from the ground or take an elevator ride up, it’s the perfect way to begin your Parisian adventure.
After enjoying the tower, grab a ham and cheese crêpe from a nearby stand for a quick and delicious bite. Paris is known for its street food, and a warm crêpe is the perfect snack to fuel your morning explorations.
Afternoon: Notre Dame & Café Dining
Next, head over to Notre Dame Cathedral to take in its stunning Gothic architecture. The interior has recently reopened, allowing visitors to once again admire its breathtaking stained glass windows and intricate details. While entry is free, you can reserve tickets online in advance to skip the line. Tickets were sold out the day we planned to visit, so we waited in line instead. Fortunately, the line moved quickly, giving us time to admire the cathedral’s beautiful exterior while we waited.
After exploring, find a cozy café nearby to enjoy a leisurely Parisian meal. Whether you opt for a classic French dish or simply a coffee and pastry, this is the perfect time to relax and people-watch.
Evening: Louvre, Tuileries Garden & Eiffel Tower Light Show from Your Hotel Balcony
Before returning to your hotel, take a sunset stroll to see the Louvre Pyramid beautifully illuminated at dusk. Then, wander through the Tuileries Garden, a peaceful and picturesque spot to soak in the Parisian atmosphere. This was one of our favorite experiences during our 2 days in Paris.
As the evening settles in, head back to your hotel and take in the magical Eiffel Tower light show from your balcony. Every hour on the hour after sunset, the tower sparkles for five minutes, creating the perfect ending to your first day in Paris.
Day 2: Exploring Montmartre
Morning: Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
Start your second day in Montmartre, a neighborhood filled with history, art, and charm. Before heading up, be sure to take Metro line 12 to avoid a long climb up several flights of stairs. Once there, ride the funicular to the top and visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, where you’ll get one of the best panoramic views of Paris.
Breakfast at Félicité Bakery
After taking in the views, stop by Félicité Bakery and enjoy a chocolate croissant for breakfast. This charming bakery is a perfect place to start your day with a delicious pastry. Fun Fact: You can bring baked goods home as souvenirs! As long as the pastries don’t contain cream, fruit, or vegetables, they are safe to bring through security and customs when returning to the U.S. Since our husbands and children weren’t traveling with us, we brought home chocolate croissants and plain croissants so they could have a taste of Paris! We bought them on the day of our flight to keep them as fresh as possible.
Afternoon: Strolling Montmartre & Crepes for Lunch
Spend the rest of the morning and early afternoon wandering the streets of Montmartre, discovering local artists, quaint cafés, and hidden gems. Before heading back to the airport, stop at the crepe stand at the base of the funicular for a final taste of Paris.
Picking Up a Special Souvenir: Fragonard Perfume
No trip to Paris is complete without bringing home a special souvenir. We stopped by Fragonard, a wonderful perfume shop known for its elegant and affordable scents. The staff were incredibly helpful in guiding us to find the perfect fragrance, making the experience even more enjoyable. We stopped by the perfumer on our first day during our 2 days in Paris because it was near our hotel, but you could also stop by their Montmartre on day 2 of this itinerary.
Where We Stayed: Hôtel Pont Royal
We stayed at Hôtel Pont Royal, and it was incredible. The staff were very accommodating, and our room was spacious, clean, and featured a balcony view of the Eiffel Tower, Parisian streets, the Seine, the Louvre, and even Sacré-Cœur in the distance. The hotel is in a lovely part of town, just a short walk from the metro, making it an ideal base for exploring Paris. Read my full review here for more details on our stay, including a quick video tour!
Final Thoughts
This flexible 2 days in Paris itinerary gives you a taste of both the classic landmarks and the charming streets of Montmartre without feeling rushed. From iconic sights to delicious food, Paris offers something magical around every corner. Even with a short visit, you’ll leave already dreaming of your next trip back!
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