I literally can’t get enough of Paris. The French capital is where it’s AT in terms of food, history, and bohemian atmosphere. Cafes, patisseries, and opulent buildings make it a literal wonderland to discover.
If you’ve only got one day, Paris has a good selection of iconic sights to see. However, if you’ve got two days, then that’s even more time to hit up the best of the best that Paris has to offer. Be sure to grab a Go City Paris pass to save money on top attractions.
If you’re stuck for ideas, never fear! I’ve created a guide of the best places to visit in Paris in 2 days to give you some inspiration for when you visit this romantic European city.
Pssst, heading to Paris? Don’t miss these travel guides to help you plan your trip!
The Best Area to Stay in Paris
The Best Places to Visit in Paris in 2 Days
Notre Dame Cathedral
Probably the most iconic site of Paris (aside from the Eiffel Tower, that is), Notre Dame is a beautiful cathedral—and it’s super historic too.
Construction on this medieval marvel began in 1160 and has sparked the imagination of creatives ever since. It was made even more famous when writer Victor Hugo wrote The Hunchback of Notre Dame in 1831. It was so famous, Disney even made a film about it (obvs).
Since it was severely damaged in 2019 during a huge fire, the cathedral isn’t looking its best right now. It’s still an icon to see; in fact, seeing it as it is now will be a pretty poignant experience.
It is hoped, however, that Notre Dame will be restored for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Just across the river from Notre Dame is the historic Latin Quarter, a great option for book lovers thanks to all the stores here.
Walkthrough the Latin Quarter, through Place Saint Michel, to tour Montparnasse. This area is famous for its macabre catacombs; if that’s your jam, then it’s walkable from this iconic location.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower obviously has to be on your Paris itinerary.
Virtually the international symbol of Paris and romance, how could you go to Paris without seeing the breathtaking Eiffel Tower?
This stark tower, made even more beautiful when it’s lit up at night, becomes even cooler when you head up it for a view of Paris. You get to see a view of the streets of Paris from above, which is definitely worth it.
If you have a Paris Pass, this will include entry to the tower—score! Hit it up on your first day to get a super iconic lay of the land.
In fact, there is a restaurant at the top of the Eiffel Tower. It’s reached by elevator on the second story and boasts a Michelin star! If you’re not hungry, you could always swing by the champagne bar that is also at the top.
Sainte Chapelle
Sainte Chappelle is literally amazing.
This Gothic-style church may not be as famous as Notre Dame, but it sure packs a punch. Unlike Notre Dame, you’ll have to go inside to see what all the fuss is about.
It is nothing short of stunning, trust me!
Inside, you will find 1,113 stained glass windows arranged into 15 sections—depicting scenes from the Old and New Testament of the bible—all soaring 15 meters tall, right to the ceiling. It makes for an insanely beautiful sight to see.
Seine River Cruise
What trip to Paris would be complete without a Seine River Cruise?
There are a bunch of different tours and sightseeing cruises you can take along the river, so my advice is to do your research and see which one suits you, what you want to see, and your budget.
A short river cruise is a pretty nice way to see the sights from the water, admiring the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Paris’ stunning architecture while going under bridges, too. It’s cool!
If you want a more unique experience, then flip this boat ride on its head and make a beeline for Canal Saint-Martin. Get a boat through underground canals to the River Seine instead.
Louvre Museum
Probably one of the most famous museums in the entire world, the Louvre is the largest art museum in the world.
With its iconic glass pyramid in the sprawling courtyard of surrounding historic buildings, the Louvre was originally a palace built in the 13th century.
It first opened in 1793, during the French Revolution, as a place to bring together historic monuments from the arts and sciences.
Most famously, however, the Louvre is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, the Mona Lisa.
If you’ve got a Paris Museum Pass, then that’s great, but if not, the Louvre is still worthwhile. You should definitely put it on your itinerary for your Paris trip!
Once you’ve soaked up all there is to see at the Louvre, reflect on your artistic journey in the Jardins Tulieres next door and, if you’ve got time, stroll along the Champs Elysees towards the Arc de Triomphe.
Opera Garnier
Opera Garnier is a supremely beautiful building. Set in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, this opera house—also known as the Paris Garnier—is known for its opulence, both inside and out.
Just as Notre Dame was made into a star of the city by a Victor Hugo novel, the Opera Garnier, too, was center stage for another novel by the French writer—The Phantom of the Opera, of course!
With its Baroque stylings and the chance to see an actual performance there, you could also just go inside on a tour to see the treasures of it yourself. The foyer alone is INSANE!
Hot tip: Head to nearby Rue Sainte Anne and take your pick of Japanese restaurants that have made this street a veritable Little Tokyo!
Sacre Coeur
Near the Moulin Rouge, you don’t have to use the Metro to get to the incredible Sacre Coeur, meaning you can take your very own walking tour of this area.
And it’s an area you should definitely wander, with a vibe similar to the Latin Quarter. It’s here that you’ll be able to soak up all the ambiance of the Belle Epoque.
Montmartre, as this area is called, was famous for the group of creatives who lived here at the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Everyone from Monet and Van Gogh to Picasso and Renoir lived here at some point!
Wander the charming streets, sit on the steps by the Sacre Couer, and enjoy.
If you didn’t already know—I love Paris!!
I hope you do too, and I hope my list of things to do in Paris if you’ve only got a couple of days gives you a good idea of what to expect in the French capital.
As ever, please tag me in your Insta stories and pics (hi I’m @wtfab!) and let me live vicariously through your travels!
Be sure to explore my other Paris content here.
The Best Area to Stay in Paris
Places to Visit in Paris: The Ultimate Paris Travel Guide
7 Most Delicious Doughnuts Paris has to Offer
FAQs
The cheapest months to visit Paris are from April to June and October to early November.
The rainiest month in Paris is in December.
Paris is generally very safe and is safe at night. It is important to always be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas that make you feel unsafe.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
