Paris in Two Days: A Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

  • Day 1: Visit Iconic Landmarks
    15 minutes (2.5 km) from your hotel

    Start your day at the Eiffel Tower, Paris's most iconic landmark. Take the elevator to the top to enjoy a panoramic view of Paris. Then, visit the Musée du Louvre, the world's most famous art museum, and marvel at masterpieces like the Mona Lisa. For lunch, enjoy a picnic at the Jardin du Luxembourg, a beautiful public garden. In the afternoon, walk to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece located on the Île de la Cité. End your day at the Moulin Rouge, a famous cabaret show.

  • Day 2: Immerse Yourself in Parisian Culture
    30 minutes (5 km) from your hotel

    Start your day at the Château de Versailles, a stunning palace located just outside Paris. Explore its beautifully landscaped gardens and lavish interiors. Afterward, travel back to Paris to visit the Montmartre Neighborhood, famous for its bohemian vibe and stunning views of the city. Walk around the charming streets and visit the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, a beautiful Roman Catholic church. For lunch, enjoy some traditional French cuisine like steak frites or croque-madame at a local bistro. In the afternoon, head to the Musée d'Orsay to see an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. End your day with a nighttime stroll along the Champs-Élysées, Paris's famous boulevard known for its luxury shops and theaters.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Eiffel Tower (2 hours, €16.60)
  • Musée du Louvre (3 hours, €15)
  • Jardin du Luxembourg (1 hour, free)
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral (1.5 hours, free)
  • Moulin Rouge (2 hours, €90-€190)
  • Château de Versailles (4 hours, €18)
  • Montmartre Neighborhood (2 hours, free)
  • Basilique du Sacré-Coeur (1 hour, free)
  • Musée d'Orsay (2 hours, €14)
  • Champs-Élysées (1.5 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €163.60-€263.60

Transportation

Public transportation in Paris is efficient, affordable, and widely available. The metro is the easiest way to get around the city. A single ticket costs €1.90 and can be used for one journey, including transfers. If you plan to use the metro frequently, consider purchasing a 2-day Paris Visite travel pass (€25.25) or a 2-day Mobilis pass (€13.20). Taxis and Uber are also available, but they can be more expensive.

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the Palace of Fontainebleau, the Champagne region, or the Palace of Versailles. If you have less time, consider skipping the Moulin Rouge show or the Château de Versailles. Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as walking is the best way to explore Paris.

Airports

Paris has two airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY). CDG is the largest airport and the main hub for international flights. Orly is smaller and primarily serves domestic and regional flights. CDG is located 25 km northeast of Paris, and ORY is located 14 km south of Paris.

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