Can you see Paris in 2 days? Yes, you can! There’s so much to see and do in this gorgeous city that we’ve put together a list of things to see in Paris in two days.
Of course, there are a million other things to see in Paris, but these top sights and attractions are not to be missed. We’ve put together some useful travel hacks to help you make the most of your limited time. You don’t want to waste his two days in Paris waiting in lines or getting lost in the crowds. Keep reading to find out how to see Paris in 2 days.
Paris is a city that will fascinate you for the rest of your life. Even as it continues to evolve, it has managed to regain its important historical and nostalgic charm. Secrets and excitement, known only through unheard whispers on the streets, are hidden around every corner and hidden in every corner.
I have visited Paris many times in different seasons and I absolutely love it. Most of my trips to Paris have been short, so I came here to make sure I could see a lot of Paris in two days!
For those visiting Paris for the first time, it is important to see the must-see spots, have fun and of course save the memories in the form of selfies!
Here are the attractions you need to visit to see the best of Paris in 2 days
#1. The Louvre
No one comes to Paris without visiting one of the world’s largest museums. Of course, it’s home to the timeless Mona Lisa. The exquisite beauty found within the many walls of the Louvre is perfectly matched by the grandeur and opulence of its exterior and earth. The glass pyramid is the museum’s newest icon, and its almost mystical atmosphere disappears at night.
Travel Hack Tip: The Louvre is open until 9:45pm on Wednesday and Friday nights, so we highly recommend visiting at night. If you arrive after 6pm, it will be less crowded and the illuminated pyramids may look gorgeous. If you don’t go during the day, you won’t miss anything and will be able to enjoy your short stay in Paris even more.
Tickets: We recommend pre-booking your skip-the-line ticket to the Louvre. We have timed reserved tickets so you don’t have to wait in line!
#2. Notre Dame
Notre Dame Cathedral suffered a tragic fire in 2019 that destroyed the iconic cathedral. You may be wondering why you need to visit here if your goal is to see the best of Paris in two days. Still, the impressive building can be seen from the outside.
Perched on the banks of the Seine, Notre-Dame Cathedral contains myths and fairy tales, as well as displaying one of the finest pieces of French Gothic architecture in the city, and is still worth a visit!
#3. Eiffel Tower from afar
The Eiffel Tower is the most visited paid monument in the world and the city’s most famous symbol. He is one of the must-see attractions, offering spectacular views both from the ground and from the air. Although controversial, we do not recommend getting too close to the Eiffel Tower or attempting to climb it!
The Eiffel Tower is known as a crowded area with many pickpockets and thieves. Additionally, this iconic tower is best observed from a distance, and is even more beautiful when you see it in its entirety with the city in the background.
Admire the Eiffel Tower from the Montparnasse Tower, once the tallest skyscraper in Paris. There is an observation deck on the 56th floor, and the terrace offers a panoramic view of the city. I love going here just before sunset so you can stand there, sip champagne and watch the city come to life with twinkling lights.
Alternatively, you can admire the Eiffel Tower from the Champ de Mars Park. This is the perfect place for a picnic and from time to time you can see icons of the world over your shoulder!
Read more: The best sunset views in Paris
#4. Arc de Triomphe
A monument honoring those who fought and died in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, the Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’ most famous symbols. Walking along the Champs Elysées and watching the arc from a distance is an amazing experience. Frequently used as a stage for great celebrations and demonstrations, the Arc de Triomphe is considered a central location in the city of Paris.
#5. Sacre Coeur
Sacre Coeur is the highest church in Paris. The front of the church offers a wonderful view of the city. The Sacre Coeur Basilica is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and is an important religious, cultural and political landmark of the city.
Travel Hack Tip: As you can imagine, Sacre Coeur Cathedral can get very crowded, so we recommend getting up early and visiting as early as possible. The dream is to arrive at sunrise, but seeing the best of Paris in two days requires a lot of effort. But you’ll be asleep right away when you get home, and you’ll definitely thank yourself later, especially if you pack some baked goods to enjoy when you get to the top!
#6. Pere Lachaise Cemetery
Pere Lachaise Cemetery is the most visited cemetery in the world and the final resting place of over one million people. Among them were Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Frédéric Chopin. The grounds are chock-full of ornate tombstones, luxurious crypts, and beautiful tree-lined avenues, creating a strangely warm and peaceful atmosphere.
Travel Hack Tip: You might be surprised at how much interesting history you can discover at this cemetery. So, if you have the time, I highly recommend joining his walking tour to learn more about the famous places where so many wonderful people sleep.
#7. River Seine boat trip
One of the best ways to see some of Paris’ most famous sights is from the water. The Seine, another of the city’s jewel rivers, offers another perspective for visitors who want to see more than just a quick glance at popular landmarks. Most boat tours last an hour, giving you time to stretch your legs and relax after a busy morning of exploring. It’s a great way to continue exploring the city without getting tired!
Travel Hack Tip: If you’re short on time, why not combine your Seine River boat trip with a dinner plan and enjoy a sumptuous dinner during your cruise? It’s a special treat and an unforgettable meal. Click here for information on Seine River Dinner Cruises.
#8. Palace of Versailles
Although this attraction is technically located on the outskirts of Paris, it is accessible via the city’s public transport network. The Palace of Versailles is the home of the French royal family. This luxurious and opulent building is as beautiful and charming as its importance as a symbol of France’s absolute monarchy.
Travel Hack Tip: If you’re short on time and don’t want to waste your time negotiating public transport in Paris, book a skip-the-line ticket that includes transfers from Paris.
#9. Palais Garnier
As the famous setting for Gaston Leroux’s novel The Phantom of the Opera, the Palais Garnier is considered one of the most famous opera houses in the world. This is his masterpiece of 19th century theater architecture, and it took him nearly 15 years to build. The grand staircase and grand entryway of this home have to be seen to be believed.
#10. Visit Paris’ parks and gardens
Finally, we would like to introduce you to the parks and gardens of Paris. A perfect place to relax after a long day exploring Paris. The Luxembourg Gardens is his second largest park in the city, and the Luxembourg Palace is home to the French Senate. The garden has lush grassy spaces and is the perfect setting to pull up a deck chair, eat an ice cream, relax and relive the Parisian experience in the form of a slightly busy daydream.
Another notable park is the Jardin des Tuileries, located near the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe.
These are my 10 favorite things to see if you are short on time when visiting Paris. I highly recommend plotting everything you want to see on Google Maps so you can move around the city and see all the sights you want to see in one place.
Here’s an example itinerary showing how you could see all of this in Paris in two days, assuming you arrive on a Friday afternoon and leave on a Sunday afternoon.
- Friday Night – Louve
- Saturday morning – Watch the sunrise at Sacré-Coeur and have breakfast at the top
- Palais Garnier
- Arc de Triomphe – Easy selfie!
- Walk to the Seine and admire the Eiffel Tower from across the river
- Tuileries gardens for coffee and ice cream
- Notre Dame Cathedral – quick stop
- Saturday night – Montparnasse Tower
- Sunday Morning – Pere Lachaise Cemetery
- palace of versailles
It certainly looks compressed when you type it like this, but it’s definitely possible. Your 2-day Paris itinerary may require the use of taxis to reduce travel time between attractions. The Palace of Versailles is quite far from the city, so we chose it as our last tourist attraction. It’s very gorgeous and worth seeing, but you can skip it if you don’t have time. There will always be next time!
You can read all my blog posts about Paris here
Citadines Suites is my favorite place to stay in Paris.
Here’s how to spend a relaxing weekend in Paris
Finally – read this before you go – First Paris Travel Hacks