If you are wondering how do I plan a 2 day trip to Paris, then you are in the right spot. For anyone planning their first visit to Paris, it can be overwhelming as there is so much to do and see. I have been to Paris couple of times and always found new things to do and experience the city in a new way.
Having said that, here are a couple of different itinerary options :
To make the most out of your 2-day trip, it’s important to prioritize the must-visit landmarks and attractions. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the top and snap some memorable pictures. After that, head to the nearby Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world. Take a leisurely stroll, indulge in some shopping, and don’t forget to grab a croissant or macaron from one of the charming pastry shops. You can also plan to visit the Eiffel Tower at night, especially when the lights show goes on.
For art enthusiasts, the Louvre Museum is a must-see. Home to thousands of priceless artworks, including the famous Mona Lisa, you can easily spend hours exploring the museum’s vast collection. If time allows, consider visiting other art hubs like Musée d’Orsay or Centre Pompidou.
In the evening, take a relaxing cruise along the Seine River. Admire the beautifully illuminated landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower, while enjoying the soothing ambiance of the boat ride. Alternatively, you can catch a performance at the famous Moulin Rouge or Lido cabarets for a night of entertainment and glamour.
Of course, these are just a few suggestions to get you started. Paris has so much more to offer, from charming neighborhoods like Montmartre to delightful patisseries where you can indulge in delectable pastries. And let’s not forget about shopping!
Here are some more suggestions to add to your Paris itinerary:
Museums- Palais de Tokyo, Musee Rodin, Musee de l’Orangerie, Musee YSL, Louvre
Shopping- Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, Galeries Lafayette, Galerie Vivienne, Champs-Elysees
Experiences- Catacombs, Moulin Rouge, Arc de triomphe, Seine River cruise, Palais Garnier
THINGS TO KNOW- HOW DO I PLAN A 2 DAY TRIP TO PARIS
How much money should I bring?
This truly depends on what you are planning to do during your 2 day trip in Paris. The entry fees to a lot of museums is pretty low, I’d say under $20 per person and you can absolutely use public transportation instead of expensive taxis. This helps you save a ton of money! As far as eating out is concerned, again if you are on a budget, there are a ton of inexpensive options to chose from. However, if you are planning to sit down and dine at nicer restaurants, then expect to spend $50+ per person on food only.
Another major expense is a hotel room. A decent hotel in Paris will cost you a lot more compared to other European destinations. I have stayed at a hotel and Airbnb while in Paris. I did find the Airbnb more cost effective and spacious for a group of 4 people, in comparison to a hotel.
When is the best time to visit Paris?
While this question is best answered by figuring out what type of Parisian vacation you are looking for, generally speaking, June to August and September to October. Even though, experts also suggest Spring season as a good time, my first visit was in the month of April and it was too cold for me. Summers can get brutally hot in the city, so be prepared for high temperatures.
You can also plan a trip around the holidays, in December. The city is decorated beautifully all over and makes a great end-of-year destination.
How to get around Paris?
While Uber and taxis are easily available in Paris, I highly recommend utilizing their public transportation to navigate around Paris. I found Paris to be a very crowded city, so I was not comfortable driving around and not to mention the hassle of finding a parking spot anywhere in the city. Another option is staying close to the main attractions and walking to most of the places. Just make sure to bring your most comfortable shoes!
What to pack for Paris?
In addition to the cute vacation outfits, there are some more essentials that I recommend packing with you.
- You can also checkout my Amazon storefront for some inspiration. Click here.
- Makeup- bare minimum, whatever fits in this bag . I have the gold colored one. Click here.
- Skin care- travel size only, the Origins travel skincare set was perfect, I use most of their products at home too. Click here.
- Sunscreen- again travel size only, I like the Neutrogena stick version which works for face & body. Click here.
- Camera- I have the Canon EOS T7i, there is a great bundle deal on Amazon. Click here.
- Tripod- solo traveler problems. Get something sturdy and lightweight, especially if you plan on taking pics when it is windy. Click here.
- Packing cubes- to keep things organized especially when you have limited space. Click here.
- For shoes, make sure you pack comfortable, walking shoes. You will walk a lot! Click here.
Restaurants in Paris- Best Places to eat
Below are some of the most recommended restaurants in Paris. I wanted to give you guys some more options just in case you are in the mood for something different. Keep in mind, there hundreds of restaurants and cafes to choose from in Paris!
- Bouillon Pigalle. Click here.
- Pink Mamma. Click here.
- Girafe Paris. Click here.
- Le Train Bleu. Click here.
- Terrasse de l’Alcazar. Click here.
- Cafe Kitsune- Palais Royal. Click here.
- Sunday in Soho. Click here.
- Carette. Click here.
- Angelina Paris. Click here.
- Cafe de Flore. Click here.
Bars- L’Epicier, Bisou, Perruche, Le Perchoir, Little Red Door
Where to stay in Paris?
According to Google, there are around 1500 hotels in in Paris! So how does one choose which hotel to stay at for a 2 day trip? Lucky for you, I have done some research and narrowed down some of the best hotels in city where I would stay at. These are mostly 4 or 5 stars hotels with excellent reviews and conveniently located.
- Hotel Paris Louvre Opera. Click here.
- Hotel La Lanterne & Spa. Click here.
- Hotel Georgette. Click here.
- Cheval Blanc Paris. Click here.
- Hotel Marais Grands Boulevards. Click here.
- Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel. Click here.
- Hilton Paris Opera. Click here.
- Hotel Panache Paris. Click here.
- Renaissance Paris La Defense Hotel. Click here.
- Hotel Gabriel Paris. Click here.
Conclusion- How Do I Plan a 2 Day Trip to Paris
I hope I have answered you if you were asking yourself how do I plan a 2 day trip to Paris. A 2 days visit to Paris is definitely not enough. In my opinion, you can easily spend a week here and still have tons left to do and explore. Paris has been a hot tourist spot for decades now and rightfully so. I hope you get to enjoy Paris and feel free to comment down below with any questions.
