What to see in Paris in 2 days?
If you’ve never visited Paris before or if you want to explore its must-see places, this post is for you! I have put together a program of the essentials to see in this beautiful capital. So here is an “express” program what to see in Paris in 2 days.
You are free to adapt it to your desires, your constraints, in order to make the most of Paris in 2 days, or more if you have the time! Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions!
Quick trip to Paris
Morning: The islands
Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis form the historic heart of the capital, where it all began. These two small islands are full of charm: take the time to stroll there, to wander from one shore to the other, crossing their bridges and along their docks.
Île de la Cité is touristy, with the famous Notre Dame Cathedral in particular, while Île Saint-Louis is more private, housing magnificent 17th century hotels. The quays of the Seine which border the two islands are also very pleasant.
Afternoon: from the Louvre to the Champs Elysées
After the islands, cross the Pont Neuf to reach the Louvre. Its square courtyard is impressive, surrounded on all sides by the Louvre Palace, the king’s former residence, and which is today the largest museum in the world! It would take weeks to see all of his works (more than 500,000, including 30,000 exhibited)!
Then join the Tuileries Garden, just opposite, for a gentle stroll to Place de la Concorde. Its high obelisk is, along with the Arènes de Lutèce, the oldest monument in Paris! It is also the starting point for the Champs Elysées, which climbs up to the Arc de Triomphe.
Evening: Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe
Nicknamed “the most beautiful avenue in the world”, the Champs Elysées is one of the must-sees on a first visit to Paris.
They nevertheless contain some nice surprises around, including the Grand and Petit Palais, built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition.
Things to do in Paris
For this second day in Paris, I take you to the famous Montmartre district, absolutely unique! At the foot of the Sacré Coeur stretch the sloping alleys and stairs of the Butte Montmartre. Neighborhood of Amélie Poulain, artists and poets, there is a small village atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else. I love this lively district full of cafes and cabarets, very touristy indeed, but deliciously cliché. I advise you to stroll through its alleys hidden behind the Sacré Coeur, to discover the soul and calm of Montmartre .
Paris Head south of Montmartre, to discover one of my favorite districts of Paris: the Grands Boulevards! The Haussmannian avenues, open, immense and surrounded by magnificent buildings, contain several tourist attractions. The Galeries Lafayette, the temple of Parisian shopping (come and admire its dome), but above all the incredible Opéra Garnier.
Magnificent from the outside, it will surprise you even more with its interior splendor, if you have time to visit it! Certainly one of the jewels of the capital. With the Opera and the French Comedy as symbols, it is also a very lively district at night with its many typically Parisian cinemas and theaters. Stroll through these Haussmannian streets, and get lost in its covered passages, you will be in for a treat!
Absolute must see in Paris!
To enjoy the evening as it should be, head to the Dame de Fer, the absolute must in Paris! Meet on the Trocadéro square to observe the Eiffel Tower from afar, then at its feet, to climb to the top! Even today, where I have the opportunity to see her regularly, I find this iron interlacing beautiful.
And you will see, it looks even more beautiful from above! Do not hesitate to take the stairs if you have the opportunity, you will be able to admire the carcass of this mythical tower. The early evening is ideal for enjoying the Eiffel Tower by day, and at night when it is illuminated!
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Must see places of Montmartre!
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