Itineraries for Your Trip to Paris
2 Days in Paris for First Timers
There’s nowhere else like Paris. It's suffused with a timeless, romantic feel, home to world-renowned monuments and masterpiece-packed museums, and offers visitors all manner of opportunities for culinary and cultural discovery. Yes, the City of Light is easy to lose yourself in. No one knows that better than me: I lived in the city for six months and still regret not spending more time there (luckily, my London home is a quick, direct train ride away, making it easy to return whenever the mood takes me).
While you could spend a lifetime getting to know the city, two days in Paris is still sufficient for exploring its best-known monuments, cruising along the Seine, and indulging in Parisian gastronomy. Here’s how.
If you only have time for one thing, make it exploring the Louvre—it’s the world’s most-visited art museum for a reason.
Paris is known for its overcast skies—be sure to bring chic layers and rain gear with you, just in case.
Begin your trip to Paris right in the middle of the action: That is, at the Louvre—one of the world’s largest and most popular museums. Greeting the Mona Lisa is a must, as is admiring the Nike of Samothrace,Venus de Milo, and the museum’s other priceless treasures. To make finding those highlights—and navigating the ever-present crowds—easier, a guided tour is the perfect way to explore.
Once you’ve paused for a lunch break—we recommend grabbing a still-warm baguette and wedge of cheese and enjoying a picnic along the Seine—continue to another Paris icon: the Eiffel Tower. Instead of waiting in the long entry lines, prebook your tickets to make visiting simple. Whether you ascend to the Second Level or Summit, aim for late afternoon to see how the City of Light earned its name.
Finally, finish your first day in town with a meal to remember. Seine cruises are an essential Paris experience, and on a dinner cruise, you can combine the riverfront sightseeing with a gourmet, multicourse meal. Toast your trip with a glass of Champagne as you marvel at the spectacular views (the Banks of the Seine happen to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Paris has long been loved by flâneurs (aimless wanderers and people-watchers), and its charms are still best enjoyed on foot. Begin your second day in town with a morning walking tour that will immerse you in the city’s romantic ambiance—and whisk you past many of its best-known landmarks. Seek out highlights from the Latin Quarter and Champs-Élysées to Sacré-Coeur Basilica, all while your guide shares insider facts and stories.
If all that walking has increased your appetite, then all the better: A food tour is an essential Paris experience and the perfect way to explore the ins and outs of French gastronomy. Follow your guide off the tourist trail and seek out locals-loved bakeries, cheese shops, and more. As you go, indulge in everything from pastries and cured meats to wine and chocolate.
If you want to end your Paris trip on a high note—or with high kicks—make the legendary Moulin Rouge your final stop. The iconic cabaret theater has been a staple since 1889, and today’s visitors can take in an entertaining and risqué variety show featuring dancers, singers, and other talented performers. Plus, with dinner and wine to accompany, the experience offers a complete evening out.
- I’m in Paris for two days. What are the must-see attractions that I should visit?
Two days is enough time to check off many of Paris’ top monuments, including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. You can also explore green spaces such as the Luxembourg Gardens, Tuileries Garden, and visit a highlight museum—opt for the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, or Musée de l’Orangerie.
- What are the top foods and drinks to try in Paris?
France is the land of bread and cheese, and no trip is complete without enjoying both (and even booking a baking class to heighten the experience). Add wine tasting to the equation, plus treats such as macarons to round it out. Or, for something different, opt for Moroccan or Vietnamese fare—you’ll find plenty of options here.
- How can I avoid the crowds in Paris?
You can start by avoiding the summer high season, when scores of visitors descend on the French capital. Spring and autumn tend to be quieter and more comfortable times to visit. Otherwise, visit popular attractions early in the morning on a weekday. Remember to book tickets and restaurant reservations in advance (or opt for guided tours that have skip-the-line privileges).
- Which Paris neighborhoods should I stay in if I’m in town for two days?
If you’re only in town for two days, it makes sense to stay somewhere central in one of the city’s top neighborhoods. Head to Le Marais if you’re after a stylish boutique hotel, book a hotel in the Latin Quarter for a lively experience, or stay in the 1st arrondissement to be within strolling distance of the Louvre and other highlights.
- What’s the easiest way for a first timer to get around Paris?
There’s no better way to get around Paris than via the city’s robust public transportation network. The Métro is fast, efficient, and widespread, while buses provide a good backup option—just pick up a Navigo Discovery Pass when you arrive and you’ll be on your way. If the weather is good, exploring on foot or by bicycle is also a great choice.