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Couples Travel, Europe, France, Travel Itineraries, Weekend Getaways · October 20, 2021

Paris for 2 Days Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend Trip to Paris (Guide for First Timers)

Paris for 2 Days Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend Trip to Paris (Guide for First Timers)
Paris for 2 Days Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend Trip to Paris (Guide for First Timers)
Paris for 2 Days Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend Trip to Paris (Guide for First Timers)
Paris for 2 Days Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend Trip to Paris (Guide for First Timers)
Paris for 2 Days Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend Trip to Paris (Guide for First Timers)
Paris for 2 Days Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend Trip to Paris (Guide for First Timers)
Paris for 2 Days Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend Trip to Paris (Guide for First Timers)
Paris for 2 Days Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend Trip to Paris (Guide for First Timers)
Paris for 2 Days Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend Trip to Paris (Guide for First Timers)
Paris for 2 Days Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend Trip to Paris (Guide for First Timers)
Paris for 2 Days Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend Trip to Paris (Guide for First Timers)
Paris for 2 Days Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend Trip to Paris (Guide for First Timers)
Paris for 2 Days Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend Trip to Paris (Guide for First Timers)

Are you planning a quick weekend trip to Paris from the UK or somewhere in Europe? Perhaps you’re visiting for the first time and looking for a complete Paris 2 days itinerary. We’ve got you covered. 

Planning a weekend in Paris is a great way for first time visitors to experience the best of this charming city. After visiting too many times to count, we know exactly how to make the most of your time in Paris for 2 days. 

Most people will tell you that ‘seeing’ Paris in a weekend is just not possible. This is true. Cause let’s be honest, the French capital is a big city! To really get to know the city of love, you are going to need a lot longer than 2 days in Paris. 

But visiting Paris for a weekend or 2 days in the perfect amount of time to get a taste of the City of Lights!

If you’re a couple looking for a quick getaway, then a Paris weekend trip is one of the best romantic city breaks you can find! Our Paris weekend guide has everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip. From where to stay, to the best places to eat, and what to see in Paris for 2 days!

Let’s dive right in…

Read on for the perfect Paris 2 Day Itinerary that will inspire you to book a weekend trip to Paris right now!

Related content you might be interested in:

  • 15 Most Beautiful Cities of France to add to your Bucket List
  • 15 Romantic Weekend Trips from Paris for Couples
  • 13 Romantic Destinations for Couples Holidays Around the World

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Paris for 2 Days Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend Trip to Paris (Guide for First Timers)
Paris for 2 Days Itinerary: The Perfect Weekend Trip to Paris (Guide for First Timers)

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In This Post:

  • Is 2 Days in Paris Enough?
  • Where to Stay in Paris for a Weekend
      • Places to Stay around Champs-Elysées
      • Places to Stay in Saint Germain des Prés
      • Places to Stay in Le Marais
  • Planning Your Weekend Trip to Paris
    • Best Time to Visit Paris
    • Getting to/from the Airport
    • How to Get Around Paris
      • Metro:
      • Hop On Hop Off Bus:
      • Taxi or Rideshare:
      • Bike or Scooter:
    • 2 Days Paris Museum Pass
    • Things to Organise Before Your Weekend in Paris
  • What to Do in Paris for 2 Days – At A Glance 
  • Paris 2 Days Itinerary
    • Paris Itinerary – Day 1: Monuments & Montmartre
      • Morning: Eiffel Tower & Arc de Triomphe
      • Lunch: Champs-Élysées & Place de La Concorde
      • Afternoon: Sacré Coeur Basilica & Wander the Streets of Montmartre
      • Evening: Moulin Rouge Show or a Parisian Gastronomic Experience
    • Paris Itinerary – Day 2: Museums & Gardens
      • Morning: Musée du Lourve & Tuileries Garden
      • Midday: Musée d’Orsay
      • Afternoon: Explore the Left Bank
      • Evening: Sunset Picnic at Champ de Mars
  • Staying for a Long Weekend in Paris?
  • Ready to Book Your Weekend Trip to Paris?

Is 2 Days in Paris Enough?

As we mentioned earlier, a weekend trip or 2 days in Paris is a nice amount of time for first time visitors to get a little taster of everything the city has to offer. 

However, Paris is a big city. So, it’s not going to be enough time to see everything. You’ll probably fall head over heels for Paris and want to come back again and again, just like we did. But Paris has a way of doing that to most people!

If you’re only visiting Paris for the weekend we recommend being prepared. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This weekend guide will show you exactly how to see Paris in 2 days while getting the most out of your time. 

We’ve also listed everything you need to arrange before you go, so you can hit the ground running when you arrive.

If you do happen to have a few extra days up your sleeve, a long weekend in Paris is always a nice idea! We’ve listed a few options at the end of this article to extend your 2 days in Paris itinerary to 3 or 4 days.


apartment building in le marais in Paris with park in foreground

Where to Stay in Paris for a Weekend

Where should you stay to make the most of this Paris 2 day itinerary? 

The area you decide to stay in Paris for 2 days really matters in terms of travel time to get to the top tourist attractions. If you’re determined to visit all the places listed in this guide and want to get a feel for the real Parisian charm, then there are three main areas that I would recommend staying – Le Marais, Saint Germain des Prés, or around Champs-Elysées.

Accommodation around Champs-Elysées is generally pricier but is close to some of the most popular Paris attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe. It is probably the most logical choice to stay for a weekend in Paris if you have a higher budget and are short on time. 

If it’s your first-time visiting Paris, then staying around Saint Germain des Prés is a great option if you’re looking for a typical Parisienne vibe. Le Marais is generally a little quieter but offers some amazing boutique apartment-style accommodation, perfectly manicured parks, and traditional French bistros.

Wherever you choose to stay in Paris, I would highly recommend you book accommodation as early as possible as hotels fill up quickly, especially during spring and summer. 

Expert Tip: If you’re planning to do this full Paris in 2 days itinerary, we highly recommend arriving in Paris the night before and staying for 3 nights. This will allow you time to hit the ground running the next day and maximise your time sightseeing around Paris for 2 days without any transport delays.

Places to Stay around Champs-Elysées

Champs-Elysées is one of the most upscale neighbourhoods in Paris and is very close to some of the main attractions in this guide. 

There’s loads of restaurants, cafes and entertainment and it’s a great place to stay in Paris for 2 Days. However, the area is known to be somewhat of a tourist trap. 

Here are a few great options of where to stay around Champs-Elysées:

  • Hôtel Elysia
  • Hôtel Plaza Athénée
  • Régence Etoile
  • Splendid Etoile
  • Hidden Hotel
CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND BOOK ALL HOTELS AROUND CHAMPS-ELYSÉES

Places to Stay in Saint Germain des Prés

To really experience the best of Paris and immerse yourself in the traditional parts of the city, then Saint Germain des Prés on the Left Bank is the perfect place to stay in Paris. 

There are loads of great cafes and bars and boutique shopping around Saint Germain des Prés. It’s a great place to sit in a café and watch the locals go about their daily routine. 

Here are a few great options of where to stay in Saint Germain des Prés:

  • Hôtel D’Aubusson
  • Relais Christine
  • J.K. Place Paris
  • Esprit Saint Germain
  • Le Senat
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL HOTELS IN SAINT GERMAIN DES PRÉS

Places to Stay in Le Marais

Le Marais is on the Right Bank and is very close to most of the things you will want to see during a weekend in Paris. It’s clean, offers great shopping and is less touristy than other parts of the city. It is for this reason that many travellers on a weekend trip to Paris choose to stay in Le Marais. 

Here are a few great options of where to stay in Le Marais:

  • Cour des Vosges
  • Sinner Paris
  • Le Pavillon de la Reine & Spa
  • La Chambre du Marais
  • Hôtel Emile
CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND BOOK ALL ACCOMMODATION IN LE MARAIS

Paris streets and cafe vibe

Planning Your Weekend Trip to Paris

Best Time to Visit Paris

No matter what part of the year you visit, Paris is magical. However, certain times of the year are better suited for different activities you may enjoy there. 

If you want to experience the holiday season celebrations, visit late December or early January. New Year’s Eve in Paris is an unforgettable experience that will start your year off right. 

Another pleasant time to see Paris is in late spring when the flowers bloom, and there is mild weather. 

If you want to experience France’s largest celebration, Bastille Day, visit in mid-July. 

Finally, fall is a season filled with festivals and mild weather.

Getting to/from the Airport

Paris has three airports – Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Beauvais-Tillé. Your flight will likely arrive at Charles de Gaulle because it is Europe’s second-largest airport. 

There are multiple ways to get to and from the airport. 

The cheapest and fastest way to get to town (Gare du Nord station) is by the RER B train. The total journey takes just over 30 minutes. However, this option might not be ideal if you have a lot of luggage. 

A taxi is ideal if you are trying to reach a specific part of town and have heavy suitcases. Without traffic, it will take just half an hour to get to the city centre, but it could take you over two hours during rush hour! Make sure you get an official taxi.

montmartre cobblestone streets with pink building in foreground

How to Get Around Paris

Metro:

The Paris metro is well-connected, inexpensive, efficient and is the best way to get around paris for a weekend. It will get you everywhere in the city you want to visit. Advantages of taking the metro are that you don’t have to worry about traffic. The drawback is that you won’t be able to see everything while travelling. 

Hop On Hop Off Bus:

A hop on hop off bus is a fun way to get around town. You can typically buy a pass for a certain number of days, then get on and off when you want. In addition, buses have audio sets in different languages, so you can learn about Paris as you go. 

Taxi or Rideshare:

Taxis and rideshares are also popular in Paris. This method of transportation is ideal for those looking for a ride outside of peak hours – early in the morning or late at night. If you don’t speak French, be prepared to have cash on hand for taxis and a written address.

Bike or Scooter:

Paris is a very bike- and scooter-friendly city. On a bike, you can either explore on your own on a cycle path or take a guided bike tour. In addition, many motorists use scooters as an alternative to a car that you can rent by the day.

2 Days Paris Museum Pass

Paris has some of the most globally renowned landmarks and museums. If you plan on visiting a lot of museums, it’s worth it to buy a 2-Day Paris Museum Pass.   

The Paris Museum Pass grants you unlimited entry to a number of the city’s monuments and museums for two consecutive days. There are more than 60 places you can visit with the Paris Pass. 

Not only is it a better value than individually purchasing tickets, but it also saves time. You can avoid standing in a lengthy queue at the ticket desk with your pass.

Bridge in Paris

Things to Organise Before Your Weekend in Paris

The key to getting the most enjoyment out of your ‘Paris in a weekend’ itinerary is being prepared. Here are a few handy tips to help you have a stress-free experience while visiting Paris for 2 days or more:

  • Book Hotels – Accommodation in Paris can book up quickly, especially during peak season (spring and autumn). Search for accommodation for your weekend in Paris through Booking.com to take advantage of their Best Price Guarantee.
  • Book Transfers – If you’re travelling with a lot of baggage are not keen to navigate the taxis on arrival, or perhaps you’re looking for a seamless arrival into Paris then book a transfer with Blacklane or Super Shuttle from the airport or station to your hotel. 
  • Purchase a Paris Visite Pass – The Paris Visite travel pass covers all public transport networks in Paris including the Metro, tramway, bus, RER, and SNCF Transilian networks. They are valid for 1, 2, 3 or 5 consecutive days. Pick up a Paris Visite pass at the ticket desk or vending machine in all RATP stations or purchase one online here.
  • Book Tickets for Attractions – Purchase the Paris Museum Pass before you arrive. If you don’t plan to purchase the Museum Pass, then we recommend pre-purchasing tickets to these major attractions so you can skip the line upon entry:
    • Louvre entry with reserved access tickets
    • Eiffel Tower Summit + Skip the Line Tickets
    • Sunset Seine River Cruise
    • Arc de Triomphe + Skip the Line Tickets
    • Moulin Rouge Show + Dinner
    • Musée D’Orsay entry with reserved access
  • Book Tours – If you prefer to have a guide to show you around all the best sights of Paris then this Paris day tour covers a number of great attractions and also includes lunch! There is a list of other great tours in Paris listed at the end of this guide.
  • Purchase Pocket Wifi – You will use your phone a lot when navigating your way around Paris. If you don’t already have a sim card that works in France, then be prepared and pre-purchase a pocket Wifi device that can be used with multiple devices.
  • Download the Uber or Lyft App – As an alternative to taxis, you might use Uber or Lyft sometime during your weekend to Paris as they are the main rideshare services available around the city. Be sure to download the app before you arrive.
  • Arrange Visas – Depending on your nationality, you may require a Visa to visit France. Apply for a France Visa (or check if you need one) using iVisa.com.
  • Get Travel Insurance – As with anywhere you visit in the world, having travel insurance is a must to ensure that when things don’t go smoothly (and trust me it will happened eventually), you’re covered. We recommend World Nomads as one of the most comprehensive worldwide insurance products.
  • Useful Travel Guides – We always use Lonely Planet Guides everywhere we go. Grab the Lonely Planet Paris Guide which covers everything you need to know about visiting Paris.

Aerial view of paris from above

What to Do in Paris for 2 Days – At A Glance 

This Paris 2 day itinerary takes you to several locations around the city and gives you a little taster of what to see in Paris in 2 days. It has been carefully curated by us after taking several weekend trips to Paris ourselves. 

We’ve covered all the best things to see and do in a short amount of time to make the most out of your Paris weekend away. 

Here’s a quick rundown of all the places to visit in Paris in 2 days that are included in this guide:

Paris Itinerary Day 1 – Monuments & Montmartre:

  • Eiffel Tower
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • Champs-Élysées
  • Place de La Concorde
  • Sacre Coeur Basilica
  • Montmartre
  • Moulin Rouge Show

Paris Itinerary Day 2 Paris Itinerary – Museums & Gardens:

  • Musée du Lourve
  • Tuileries Garden 
  • Musée d’Orsay
  • The Left Bank
  • Notre-Dame Catherdral
  • Champ de Mars
  • River Seine Cruise

Paris 2 Days Itinerary

Paris Itinerary – Day 1: Monuments & Montmartre

View of the eiffel tower at sunrise from trocadero

Morning: Eiffel Tower & Arc de Triomphe

#1 | Make an early start for sunrise at the Trocadero steps  

They say that the “early bird gets the worm.” And on your first day in Paris, the early bird can watch an epic sunrise at the Trocadero steps. 

During the day, hordes of tourists crowd around this spot because it boasts one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower. As a result, it’s almost impossible to get a photo without someone blocking your view. 

Early in the morning, it’s empty enough to snap some solo shots and enjoy the views without other people blocking the way. It will also be golden hour, so your photos will have perfect lighting. 

You can get to this location by taking metro lines six or nine to the Trocadero stop. The metro is just steps from Trocadero. 

#2 | Walk across the Pont d’léna to the Eiffel Tower  

After watching the sunrise and snapping some photos, head towards Paris’ most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower, via the Pont d’léna. This stunning bridge will take you across the river towards the tower. 

You can capture some incredible photos from the bridge. The lighting should still be soft by the time you cross it, so you’ll have some well-lit pictures of the Seine, Eiffel Tower, and Trocadero steps. 

The bridge is a historic landmark that has been around since Napolean’s reign in the early 1800s. 

#3 | Ride the lift or climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower

After crossing the bridge, you’ll enter the park that holds the Eiffel Tower.

What was once a temporary exhibition for the Exposition Universelle is now one of the world’s most-visited landmarks. It is a worldwide symbol of romance and beauty. 

Take your time walking through the park and soaking up the views. 

You can also take a lift up to the top of the tower. There are fabulous views throughout the entire ride. When you arrive at the top of the lift, there is an observation deck with breathtaking views of Paris. 

Traveller Tip: Entry to the Eiffel Tower is not included in the Paris Museum Pass. Click here to pre-book skip the line tickets + elevator to the summit.

Arc de triomphe at sunset with cars in the foreground
#4 | Catch the bus, metro or scooter to Arc de Triomphe  

The most efficient mode of transportation to reach the Arc de Triomphe is by bus. It takes about twenty minutes on bus 92 (Porte de Champerret) to travel between the two landmarks. The 18-minute route is direct, and there is no need for any transfers. 

Alternatively, head to the metro station and take line six from Trocadero (about a 20-minute walk) directly to the Charles de Gaulle-Etoile station. The total journey is just under 30 minutes. 

Another option would be to take a scooter between the two locations. It’s a fun way to experience Paris and take your time seeing everything.

Traveller Tip: Entry to the Arc de Triomphe is included in the Paris Museum Pass. Alternatively, you can pre-purchase skip the line tickets here.

Lunch: Champs-Élysées & Place de La Concorde

Parisian cafe tables in saint germain des pres
#5 | Wander down the Champs-Élysées towards Place de La Concorde

The Arc de Triomphe is located at the top of the Champs- Élysées. This massive boulevard is world-famous for manicured storefronts, landscaping, and monuments. 

The wide sidewalks make this place very pedestrian-friendly. 

While there, you can do a little bit of retail therapy at French and international boutiques. Fashion lovers will be in heaven at the Louis Vuitton store. It isn’t a typical luxury clothing store – this location is like a museum with a showroom and exclusive collections. 

You’ll also find flagship stores for brands like Dior, Hermés, and other name brands. 

#6 | Grab a bite to eat on the Champs- Élysées

The Champs- Elysees is a great place to have lunch. You’ll find mouthwatering food everywhere you turn. 

Take a minute to stop off at one of these eateries and try some Parisian foods. You can dine al fresco at places like Le Fouquet’s brasserie or try celebrity chef Joël Robuchon’s famous L’Atelier Etoile restaurant. 

Don’t forget to wash your lunch down with a delicious dessert from Ladurée. 

#7 | Admire the Place de la Concorde

Next stop, you’ll end your walk down the Champs- Élysées at the Place de la Concorde, the city’s largest public square. 

You’ll know you’ve made it there when you see the iconic 3,000 year-old Egyptian obelisk at its centre.  

views of sacre coeur basilica from montmartre streets

Afternoon: Sacré Coeur Basilica & Wander the Streets of Montmartre

#8 | Catch a bus or taxi to Sacre Coeur Basilica

You’ll spend the next part of your afternoon in a different section of Paris. About six minutes away from the Place de la Concorde is a bus that can take you to Sacre Coeur Basilica. Or get there faster by hailing a taxi or Uber.

The bus ride on the N01 Gare de L’est line takes a little over 20 minutes. You’ll get off at the Anvers-Sacre Coeur stop and walk about 10 minutes. 

The Sacre Coeur Basilica sits on a hill overlooking Paris. It is an impressive architectural wonder that has even more remarkable views. 

You can see all of Paris from its viewpoints, including the Eiffel Tower in the distance. 

#9 | Wander around the charming Montmartre neighbourhood

After visiting Sacre Coeur, wander around the surrounding Montmartre neighbourhood. This hilly district full of character has surprises around every corner. 

The architecture here is everything you’d picture a Parisian neighbourhood to be. There are picturesque bistros, an eclectic collection of brightly coloured storefronts, and cobblestone streets. 

You’ll probably get lost walking around, and that is perfectly fine! If the scenery starts to look familiar, you may have seen this beautiful place before in the award-winning film Amelie. 

Alternatively, you can take a walking tour with a knowledgeable local and discover some of Montmartre’s hidden gems.

Montmartre is a great place to pick up a souvenir from a local artist selling their artwork at the Place du Tertre. The artworks are a little mainstream, but many artists selling their crafts there are very talented.

exterior or moulin rouge with all lights on

Evening: Moulin Rouge Show or a Parisian Gastronomic Experience

There are two options for ending your day. 

You can stay in Montmartre to watch a Moulin Rouge show or try one of Paris’ premier Micheline starred restaurants. 

The first option, watching a Moulin Rouge show, is one of those bucket list items many people have on their itinerary. It’s a little kitschy but is a fun time. 

You’ll have to do a little planning in advance and make reservations if you want to attend, as it books out quickly. However, you won’t have to think about dinner because there is a delicious meal included. 

Another way you can end day one is by enjoying a meal at a fine dining establishment. The city is literally filled with Michelin starred restaurants and no weekend in Paris would be complete without this experience. 

Check out Arpége, Le George, Septime, Akrame or Frenchie. But be sure to book ahead!


Paris Itinerary – Day 2: Museums & Gardens

While day one focused on a few sights and exciting neighbourhoods, day two will focus on the outstanding museums and landmarks that call Paris home. 

the louvre glass pyramid entrance with museum in the background and fountain in the foreground

Morning: Musée du Lourve & Tuileries Garden

#1 | Enjoy a typical Parisian Breakfast

Start the second day of your 2 days Paris itinerary by filling up on pastries. Yes, PASTRIES! 

Head to BO&MIE Boulangerie at Lourve Rivoli and take your pick from hundreds of beautifully crafted, 100% homemade artisan pasties, cakes or bread. Not only is BO&MIE one of the largest bakeries in Paris, it’s also a very popular spot.

#2 | Admire the vast collection of artworks in the Lourve

Just a short walk from BO&MIE, the Musée du Lourve is a must-visit destination. It’s the world’s second-largest art museum, holding over 38,000 objects representing thousands of years of history. 

The Louvre museum is one of the most popular attractions in Paris and is know for its long lines to get in. So you’ll want to get there a little before it opens at 9 am to beat the crowds. With a 2-day Paris Museum Pass, entering will be much easier. 

Use the metro and get off at either Louvre Rivoli or Palais Royal Musée du Louvre to get there.

Keep in mind the museum is not open on Mondays. 

The reality is, it’s impossible to see everything in the Louvre at once. It’s just too big! In fact, if you spent 30 seconds at each piece, it would take over 200 days to see each work of art on display.

There are a few ways you can plan your visit to maximize your time there. 

One would be to research the collections ahead of time to prioritize the ones you want to visit. The Louvre has a few permanent collections – including the famous Mona Lisa painting – and rotating temporary exhibitions. 

If there isn’t anything in particular you want to see, a guided tour might be an excellent option for you.

Traveller Tip: Entry to The Louvre is included in the Paris Museum Pass but you must pre-book your entry time. Alternatively, you can pre-purchase priority access tickets (including audio guide) here.

#3 | Wander through Tuileries Garden 

After a morning at the Louvre, visit the Jardin des Tuileries adjacent to the museum. It’s a lovely place to wander and enjoy some greenery within the bustling city. 

This impressive garden has been around since King Louis XIV’s gardener relandscaped it in 1664. Before turning into a garden, it was a tile factory and a palace. 

Throughout the year, many exciting events take place here. The most famous is the Fête des Tuileries. This festival, complete with fairground rides and candyfloss, takes place from June to August each year. 

women stands in front of the the iconic musée d'Orsay clock

Midday: Musée d’Orsay

#4 | Take a short walk across the river to the Musee d’Orsay

This museum is a unique place to visit because not only is the impressionist art collection incredible, but the building itself is breathtaking. 

With your Paris Museum Pass, you’ll have fast track entry so that you can bypass any crowds in the queue. 

Keep in mind that the museum is not open on Monday, so plan accordingly to see this attraction. 

Plan on spending at least a few hours (three is ideal) exploring the museum’s collections. It’s much smaller than the Louvre, so finding the exhibits you want to see won’t be as tricky. 

At this museum, you’ll find masterpieces from some of the most well-known impressionist and post-impressionist painters like Van Gogh, Monet, and Gauguin. 

Don’t forget to devote some time looking at the building’s details. Before it was a museum, it was a train station for about 40 years in the early 1900s. 

Look up, and you’ll see a stunning original clock in its main hall.  It’s a spectacular place to visit to see unique art and architecture.

Traveller Tip: Entry to Musée d’Orsay is included in the Paris Museum Pass. Alternatively, you can pre-purchase reserved access tickets separately.

jardin du luxembourg in autumn

Afternoon: Explore the Left Bank

#5 | Spend the Afternoon exploring the Left Bank

After the Musée d’Orsay, spend the afternoon exploring the charming and historic Rive Gauche (Left Bank). It’s a relaxed part of town that feels a little less formal than other parts of Paris. Back in the day, it was the home to artists, revolutionaries, and philosophers. 

This side of the river is home to Notre Dame, the Latin Quarter, St. Germain des Prés, and the Jardin du Luxembourg.

It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the Musée d’Orsay to the Saint Germain des Prés quarter. You can grab something to eat or a drink at one of the area’s many cafés and people-watch from an outdoor terrace. 

Continue your exploration of the Rive Gauche at the Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens). Marie de Medici commissioned this massive garden and park space in 1612. Today, it is a breath of fresh air within all of the urban sprawl that surrounds it. You can spend a few hours resting or walking around and exploring this garden. 

Once you’ve explored the garden to your heart’s content, you can wander over to see the exterior of Notre Dame. 

While the Notre Dame Cathedral is usually a top bucket list item, it remains under construction after it partially burned down in a fire in 2019. Even though you cannot enter, it’s still worth passing by and observing its exterior. 

Another cathedral worth visiting around that area is Sainte-Chapelle. It’s a gothic cathedral with breathtaking stained glass windows and high walls that seem to rise as high as the sky.

Traveller Tip: Entry to Sainte-Chapelle is included in the Paris Museum Pass. 

sunset picnic at champs de mars with eiffel tower views

Evening: Sunset Picnic at Champ de Mars

A dreamy way to end your 2 days in Paris is to have a sunset picnic at the Champ de Mars. 

After a day of wandering around the museums and landmarks, sitting down and enjoying a meal at this enormous greenspace while looking at the Eiffel Tower will be ideal. 

To get to the Champ de Mars from the Notre-Dame area, you can take the bus or the metro. 

The bus line starts at the Saint-Michele Notre Dame stop, and you would take Line C to Pont de l’Alma. An alternative would be to take the metro from the Maubert-Mutualité stop to the La Motte-Picquet-Grenelle stop.  

Once you get to the Champs de Mars area, you can pick up all the food you need for the picnic. 

There are companies near the Eiffel Tower that offer picnics to-go. You can order ahead and pick it up when you arrive. 

These packages typically include a blanket, wine, cutlery, dishware, glassware, and food. In addition, the meal usually has an assortment of charcuterie, wine, salad, a baguette, and a dessert. 

As the sun goes down over the horizon, you can enjoy your meal and toast to your fantastic Parisian adventure.


Staying for a Long Weekend in Paris?

We mentioned earlier that a weekend in Paris is not quite long enough to see everything. Why not book a long weekend in Paris? Extend your Paris 2 day itinerary to 3 or 4 days and book one of these day tours:

  • Purchase a 4 Day Paris Museum Pass and spend your 3rd and 4th day seeing some of the other attractions included in the pass that we have not covered in this Paris 2 day itinerary. Some options include the Palace of Versailles, the Paris Science Museum, the Panthéon, Centre Pompidou, or plenty of other attractions.
  • Take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles and tour the palace and surround gardens on your own with this audio guide.
  • After exploring Paris by foot, why not see the city from a different perspective – in an iconic Vintage Motorbike Sidecar.
  • Enjoy a romantic Seine River Cruise with 3-course lunch.
  • Discover Paris’ amazing food scene on a 3 hour gourmet food tour of Le Marais with a local guide.
  • Learn how to make bread the French way on this Parisian bread making class.
  • Take a day tour to Champagne and explore the historic villages, chateaus, have a gourmet lunch, and of course, champagne tastings.
  • Enjoy a full day tour to the Loire Valley to see beautiful castles and gardens and taste spectacular French wine.
  • Be a kid again for day at Paris Disneyland Park with transport included.
Planning to explore more of France after your trip to Paris? Check out our favourite trips to take from Paris!

Eiffel tower from Trocadero at sunrise

Ready to Book Your Weekend Trip to Paris?

Visiting Paris is one of the most popular things on most people’s travel bucket list. It’s one of our favourite cities in the world and a great place for a romantic weekend trip or 2 day getaway with your besties.

We hope this Paris Weekend Guide has given your loads of ideas for your own 2 days itinerary in Paris.

To make the most of your trip, be sure to check out what’s on in Paris by visiting the offical website of the Paris Tourist Office. And don’t forget to take a look at our other travel blog articles on great places to visit in Europe for a weekend or extended vacay! 

Did we leave anything out of our Paris 2 Days Itinerary? If you know any other great things to do in Paris in a weekend, let us know in the comments below!


Looking for Somewhere to Stay in Paris?

Use the search box below to take advantage of the Booking.com Best Price Guarantee and get the best rates on accommodation in Paris!

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Enjoy your weekend in Paris!

Feeling inspired? Here are 10 amazing destinations you must add to your Travel Bucket List


Planning a trip soon? Here is a list of the websites and resources we use for booking everything from flights, to accommodation, tours, and more:
  • Skyscanner for booking the best flight deals
  • Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com for the best rates on hotels
  • Airbnb | HomeAway to find the best apartment and home rentals
  • Rentalcars.com for quick and easy car rentals
  • Luxury Escapes | Expedia for luxury package holiday deals and tours
  • Get Your Guide  for a great range of day tours
  • Tourradar | Intrepid for multi-day experiential and adventure tours
  • Priority Pass for airport lounge access in hundreds of locations around the world
  • Skyroam to stay connected to WiFi everywhere I go 
  • iVisa to apply for entry visas for most countries in the world
  • World Nomads for the most comprehensive worldwide travel insurance

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About the Author:

Amanda Twine is the founder and creator of Bucket List Seekers – a luxury travel blog sharing informative travel guides, food guides, hotel reviews, itineraries, and tips about how to make luxury travel more affordable.

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In: Couples Travel, Europe, France, Travel Itineraries, Weekend Getaways · Tagged: 2 days, Couples Travel, Destinations, Europe, France, Itinerary, Paris, Romantic, Things To Do, Things To See, Weekend Trip, Where To Stay

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