Bonjour, fellow adventurers! If you’ve got 2 days in the City of Light, get ready for a whirlwind of culture, fashion, and cuisine. Paris might feel like a treasure trove of endless things to do, but with this perfectly curated 2-day itinerary, you’ll hit some of the best spots while leaving room for delightful moments to simply enjoy Parisian life.
Your Paris Travel Plan
Planning the perfect trip to Paris is all about balancing iconic experiences with moments of discovery and relaxation. I have created this itinerary for you by creating a list of must-see landmarks while also mixing in some of my favorite shops and restaurants, from charming boulangeries to elegant bistros. Keep in mind, some of the best moments in Paris happen when you simply wander and stumble upon hidden gems. A well-rounded itinerary that blends sightseeing, dining, shopping, and a little downtime will ensure your Parisian adventure is truly unforgettable!
Day 1: Soak in the Sights and Flavors
Morning – Tour the Eiffel Tower
Start your Parisian adventure with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. No trip to Paris is complete without seeing this architectural wonder up close. For the best experience, book a guided tour with City Wonders which includes a tour guide that will tell you all about the history and interesting stories surrounding this monumental tower. If you really want to go all out, take a trip to the summit or eat at one of the 2 exquisite restaurants, Madame Brasserie and Jules Verne Restaurant. The panoramic views will leave you breathless (as will the climb, if you opt for stairs!). Snap those Insta-worthy shots from every angle, because trust me, you’ll want to remember this forever!
Before you go, there is heavy security at the Effie’s Tower. Be sure to check their website to make sure you do not have any of the banned items in your bag!
Lunch at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte
After the Eiffel Tower, take a leisurely stroll to Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, a restaurant known for its legendary steak frites. Don’t bother looking for a menu—this Parisian favorite serves up one dish: perfectly cooked steak smothered in their secret sauce with crispy fries on the side. It’s simple, it’s classic, and it’s so French.
Afternoon – Explore the Louvre
Next, dive into the art and culture at the Louvre Museum, home to the Mona Lisa and countless other masterpieces. While the museum is massive (you could spend days here!), be sure to see the highlights like the Venus de Milo and Winged Victory. Consider booking a guided tour to get a deeper understanding of the history behind the art. Pro tip: Pre-book your tickets online to skip the lines and save time.
Le Marais Shop
End your afternoon with a stroll through the charming Le Marais district. Known for its trendy boutiques, this area is perfect for indulging in a little retail therapy. Stop by Merci for chic, eco-friendly finds or The Broken Arm for high-fashion pieces. This area also has hidden gems for vintage lovers, so take your time and explore!
Browsing these unique boutiques, I couldn’t help but think of how unique and personal it would be to have a Parisian icon—the Eiffel Tower, a macaron, or the window of Shakespeare and Company—rapidly and exquisitely design Custom Enamel Pins and pin them to a backpack or denim jacket.
They’re more than just accessories; they’re memories, a playful way to capture those moments—the café you fell in love with, the street corner you stopped at, the treasure you stumbled upon. Each pin carries a personal Parisian story. They make perfect gifts and cherished mementos of your travels. Even after your trip is over, you can wear them long afterward, a clever way to capture the beauty of your journey.
Pre-Dinner Snack at La Fromagerie Du Louvre
La Fromagerie Du Louvre is a must-visit destination for cheese lovers in Paris. Nestled near the iconic Louvre Museum, this charming cheese shop offers an exceptional selection of artisanal French cheeses, ranging from creamy Brie to robust Roquefort. With its inviting atmosphere and knowledgeable owner, Tibault, it’s the perfect place to discover unique flavors and regional specialties. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or planning a gourmet picnic by the Seine, La Fromagerie Du Louvre provides an authentic taste of French culinary tradition. You can even choose a few cheeses to take home with you. We did!
Dinner at L’As du Fallafel
For dinner, swing by L’As du Fallafel, a must-try spot in Le Marais. Their falafel wraps are the stuff of legend, and the casual vibe makes it a great spot to relax after a busy day. It’s a fantastic option if you want a break from typical French cuisine, and vegetarians will especially love it!
Day 2: Fashion, History, and Parisian Charm
Morning – Stroll Through Montmartre
Start your second day in the artistic neighborhood of Montmartre. Meander through the cobbled streets and climb the hill to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for a stunning view of the city. Montmartre was once the heart of the bohemian movement, so you’ll find plenty of street artists selling their work and quaint cafés to sip your morning coffee. Consider a walking tour to learn about its fascinating history, from Picasso to Amélie.
Breakfast at Boulangerie Patisserie
A visit to a boulangerie-pâtisserie in Paris is a quintessential part of the French experience. These bakery-pastry shops are where locals and visitors alike can indulge in freshly baked baguettes, buttery croissants, and exquisite pastries like éclairs, macarons, and tarte aux fruits. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite in the morning or picking up a sweet treat for later, the aroma of warm bread and sugar fills the air, tempting you at every turn. Many boulangerie-pâtisseries also offer light meals, making them a perfect stop for a leisurely lunch or a café break in between sightseeing. With their beautifully crafted desserts and signature French flair, these spots are a delicious way to taste the essence of Paris.
FUN FACT: To Use the word boulangerie-pâtisserie is protected in France. In order to claim that you are a boulangerie-pâtisserie, you must hand make you pastries and use only approved ingredients.
Lunch at Café de Flore
After a morning of exploring, make your way to Café de Flore, one of Paris’ most famous cafés. Once frequented by intellectuals like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, this spot is perfect for a leisurely lunch and some top-notch people-watching. Try their croque-monsieur or a classic French onion soup for a meal that’s both comforting and delicious.
Afternoon – Discover Notre-Dame and Île de la Cité
Next, head to the Île de la Cité, the heart of Paris, where you’ll find the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral. Though under renovation, it’s still a sight to behold, and you can learn about its incredible history on a guided walking tour. Afterward, explore the charming streets around the cathedral, stopping at local pâtisseries for a sweet treat (macarons, anyone?).
Shop Stop – Galeries Lafayette
For an upscale shopping experience, head over to Galeries Lafayette. This department store is a wonderland for fashion lovers, with a breathtaking stained-glass dome and endless luxury brands. Even if you’re not planning on splurging, it’s worth visiting just to take in the beauty of the store itself. Don’t forget to visit the rooftop terrace for another stellar view of Paris!
Dinner at Le Comptoir du Relais
Cap off your trip with a meal at Le Comptoir du Relais, a bistro known for its traditional French cuisine and cozy atmosphere. Located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area, this is the perfect spot to savor dishes like confit duck and escargot. Make sure to book a reservation in advance, as it’s a popular choice for both locals and visitors.
Shop Stop – Shakespeare & Company
Shakespeare & Company is one of Paris’ most beloved literary landmarks. Nestled along the banks of the Seine, just steps from Notre-Dame Cathedral, this charming English-language bookstore has been a haven for writers, artists, and book lovers since the 1950s. With its cozy, labyrinthine layout, shelves stacked with classics and contemporary works, and nooks perfect for reading, it feels like stepping into a literary wonderland. Known for its bohemian atmosphere and rich history, Shakespeare & Company has hosted legendary figures like Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce. Today, it’s not just a bookstore but a cultural icon, hosting readings, workshops, and events that keep the spirit of Paris’ literary golden age alive.
Evening – Seine River Cruise
End your Parisian adventure with a magical Seine River Cruise. The city truly sparkles at night, and you’ll get to see iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre beautifully illuminated. It’s the perfect, romantic way to say au revoir to Paris. We enjoyed the champagne cruise with City Wonders Tours.
Voilà! With this 2-day itinerary, you’ll hit some of Paris’ top spots while still soaking in the city’s incredible atmosphere. Between the culture, the shopping, and the food, Paris will steal your heart—and leave you dreaming of your next trip back!
Extra Tip: If you have an extra day in Paris, try the City Wonders full day Loire Valley Tour where you will visit two very beautiful and very historically significant French castles!
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