Paris is one of the most iconic cities in the world – and with good reason. Known for being the city of romance, exploration, fashion and glamour, it’s coated in history and has so much to discover. Whether you’re looking for a trip with your other half, family or as a solo visit, you’re sure to fall in love from the moment you arrive. In this article we take a look at a 2 day trip to Paris itinerary.
How to get to Paris from the UK
We recommend getting to Paris via the Eurostar. This high-speed train takes you directly from London to Paris in just over two hours and can cost as little as £35 each way. It’s easy, convenient and comfortable and makes for a relaxed start and end to your trip.
Where to stay in Paris
Paris is a city filled with every type of hotel you could wish for. From quaint boutique hotels such as boutique hotel Paris 11, to larger, sprawling resorts, it’s down to you to find one that ticks all the boxes. We recommend a boutique hotel when in the city as it offers a slice of personalised relaxation away from the hustle and bustle. Boutique hotels tend to have more character and personality, can be in better locations as they don’t need so much space and tend to offer a more tailor-made service.
What to do in your 2 day trip to Paris Itinerary
There are so many things to do in Paris that you want to ensure you don’t miss anything when you visit. We recommend getting the Paris open top bus tour as this can whisk you to all the main attractions without you having to navigate public transport! The main attractions we recommend you do include:
Day 1 – The Morning
- Start with a visit to the Eiffel Tower
- Begin your day early at the Eiffel Tower. By heading early you can avoid the queues and can sometimes get off peak tickets too. You can either go up to the observation decks for beautiful views of the city, or simply enjoy it from the ground.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Tip: Book tickets online in advance to save time. Book tickets here.
- Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe
- Stroll down the famous Champs-Élysées, exploring the many shops and cafés. You could stop here for lunch and don’t forget to drop your shopping back to your hotel to avoid lugging it round all afternoon!
- Reach the Arc de Triomphe and take in the panoramic views from the top.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Tip: Consider grabbing a quick snack or coffee along the avenue. Book tickets here.
Day 1 – The Afternoon:
- After lunch, take a meander to the Louvre Museum
- Head to the Louvre, one of the most famous art galleries in the world. Here you can explore its vast collection, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Tip: Use the main entrance at the glass pyramid for the full experience, but consider the underground entrance for shorter lines. Book tickets here.
Day 1 – The Evening:
- Enjoy a Seine River Cruise while the sun sets
- Spend your evening under the stars on an evening cruise on the Seine River. From here you can see Paris illuminated at night making for incredible photos as well as unforgettable memories. Many cruises also offer dinner options or drinks so make the most of this for something truly romantic!
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Tip: Opt for a cruise that departs around sunset for the best views. Book tickets here.
Day 2 – The Morning:
- Head to the art district of Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
- Start your day in the artistic Montmartre district. Visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for beautiful city views and a fantastic viewpoint of the city.
- Explore the quaint streets, artists’ stalls, and cafés of Montmartre.
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the area can be hilly and. you want to enjoy it without your feet hurting! Book tickets here.
- Engross yourself in the medieval architecture of Le Marais
- Wander through the Le Marais district, known for its medieval architecture, boutique shops, and vibrant culture.
- Visit the Place des Vosges and explore the nearby Jewish Quarter.
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Tip: Stop by a local bakery for a pastry or grab lunch at one of the many charming bistros. Book tickets here.
Day 2 – The Afternoon:
- Pay a visit to the Notre-Dame Cathedral & Île de la Cité
- Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral and explore the Île de la Cité. The Notre Dame was affected by a fire five years ago so you can’t go inside at present, however, The reopening of is expected to be the 8th December 2024.
- Walk around the island and see Sainte-Chapelle with its stunning stained glass windows.
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Tip: Keep and eye on restoration updates on Notre-Dame following the fire in 2019.
Day 2 – Evening:
- Head to the Latin Quarter for Dinner
- End your day in the vibrant Latin Quarter, one of the most stunning and historical parts of the city. Explore its narrow streets filled with bookshops, cafés, and bars where you can find plenty of places for an aperitif before dinner.
- Enjoy a traditional French dinner at a local bistro.
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Tip: Look for places with outdoor seating when the sun shines to really soak up the atmosphere.
Tips for a Successful 2 day trip to Paris Itinerary
- Transportation: Use the Paris Metro for quick and efficient travel between locations. Consider purchasing a multi-day pass as this can be cheaper and a lot easier to navigate
- Dress Comfortably: Paris involves a lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. Always check the forecast ahead of time too!
- Plan Ahead: Book your tickets for major attractions in advance to avoid long queues.
- Stay Central: Choose accommodation in a central location like the Marais, Latin Quarter, or near the Eiffel Tower to minimize travel time.
