Effortless Guide to 2 Days in Paris

2 days in Paris? Absolutely! While you could easily spend more time in this iconic city, two days are perfect to dive into its culture, see some key sights, and soak up the charm that makes Paris unforgettable. Whether exploring multiple countries or enjoying a quick European getaway, this guide and itinerary starter is designed to give you the best of Paris without the rush. Yes, even with just 24 hours in Paris.

We will start by determining which area (arrondissement) in Paris you want to stay and finding a hotel near the activities you want to experience during this quick stay. You will want to be within walking or metro distance from your key attractions. Yes, you’ll need tickets for some spots, but when it comes to food and drinks, let the day take you where it may—just like a true Parisian. Let’s dig in, and keep things simple.

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Visit our travel insider resources if you want easy and effortless travel overall.

The Key to an Effortless Trip to Paris: Your Mindset

The key is to have a plan, but not be afraid to miss out on anything or not to see it all. Especially if you have 2 days in France, you will not see it all. That’s okay. Pick one favorite highlight to see, a few other sights near you, one tour, and then eat and drink where it’s convenient. See our guide on the Top 10 Instagrammable Restaurants in Paris to get inspired. You will get all the good Paris vibes this way.

Don’t let all the build-up to visiting Paris and seeing it all stop you from actually experiencing and appreciating the things you do see. Prepare for walking and activity, get an eSIM for travel so you can access maps and tickets, etc. on your trip, but most importantly slow down and take in every stop. The Parisians think of all of the rushing as off-putting. So let’s try to fit in, n’est pas? We say this in a supportive way, of course.

Step 1: 2 Days in Paris — Pick an Arrondissement (Neighborhood)

Pick the Right Parisian Neighborhood/Arrondissement

Below is an overview of our recommended arrondissements for 2 days in Paris, along with the top attractions in that area. (Wikipedia has a simple map that will help ground you as well — the numbering sort of twists around like a snail.) Paris is divided into two halves by the Seine River: the Right Bank (Rive Droite) to the north, historically known for its elegance and commerce, and the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) to the south, often associated with artsy, intellectual vibes. Narrow your list to 1-2 arrondissements on either bank and then let’s select a hotel from there. You’ll want some of your favorite things to see to be near your hotel.

p.s. Underlined in each overview is the overarching unique quality of each place. You will find bits of each everywhere. Again, no worries, you’ll love wherever you go!

2 days in Paris guide and itinerary Streets of Paris

If you’re overwhelmed, our favorites to stay are the 5th, 6th, and 7th arrondissements. They have walkable attractions and are tourist-friendly. To us, the 5th and 6th arrondissements feel a little bit more local and the 7th just a bit more touristy. Those traveling with their families will likely find better floorplans in the 5th and 6th arrondissements.

1st Arrondissement (Louvre)

Top Attractions: Louvre Museum, Palais Royal, Tuileries Garden, Place Vendôme
Overview: The 1st arrondissement is a must for museum lovers, offering iconic landmarks like the Louvre and Tuileries Garden in the heart of Paris.

2 days in Paris guide and itinerary The Louvre — The Louvre Main Entrance

4th Arrondissement (Marais)

Top Attractions: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Place des Vosges, Le Marais, Pompidou Centre
Overview: Shoppers will appreciate the 4th arrondissement, known for its historic charm, trendy boutiques, and vibrant cultural spots.

2 days in Paris guide and itinerary notre dame — Notre Dame

5th Arrondissement (Latin Quarter)

Top Attractions: Pantheon, Jardin des Plantes, Sorbonne University, Rue Mouffetard
Overview: The 5th arrondissement is where classic culture meets vibrant student life, offering a lively mix of history, botanical gardens, and bustling markets.

2 days in Paris guide and itinerary Pantheon — Pantheon

6th Arrondissement (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)

Top Attractions: Luxembourg Gardens, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Odéon Theatre, Eglise Saint-Sulpice
Overview: The 6th arrondissement is a cafe lover’s paradise, filled with historic cafes, lush gardens, and charming streets perfect for a leisurely day.

2 days in Paris guide and itinerary Luxembourg Gardens — Luxembourg Gardens

7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower)

Top Attractions: Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Les Invalides, Rodin Museum
Overview: The 7th arrondissement is the most classic Paris location, home to the Eiffel Tower and world-class museums steeped in history.

2 days in Paris guide and itinerary Eiffel Tower from below — Eiffel Tower

8th Arrondissement (Champs-Élysées)

Top Attractions: Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, Palais de l’Élysée
Overview: The 8th arrondissement is the epitome of luxury, from the upscale boutiques on the Champs-Élysées to the grandeur of the Arc de Triomphe.

2 days in paris guide and itinerary arc de triomphe arial view — Arc de Triomphe – Photo by Rodrigo Kugnharski on Unsplash

18th Arrondissement (Montmartre)

Top Attractions: Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Montmartre, Place du Tertre, Moulin Rouge
Overview: Get your hiking shoes ready for the 18th arrondissement, famous for its artistic flair, bohemian vibe, and breathtaking views from the hilly Montmartre.

2 days in Paris guide and itinerary streets of Montmartre and Moulin Rouge — Moulin Rouge, Montmartre – Photo by Nhi Dam on Unsplash

Note: We did not cover every Arrondissement you could consider. For example, consider the 11th Arrondissement if you are a French Revolution lover and want to be close to the Place de la Bastille, or if you are a music lover interested in the Edith Piaf Museum. There is no shortage of options for each day in Paris.

Step 2: 2 Days in Paris — Find a Hotel

Now that you’ve pinpointed your favorite arrondissements, it’s time to choose the perfect place to stay for your two days in Paris. Paris offers a seemingly endless number of hotel options on sites like Booking.com and Expedia, so we’ve curated a list of our favorite mid-range and boutique hotels in each neighborhood. And for those who prefer a little extra luxury, we have included some top-tier choices as well.

Book a Hotel

Finding the right hotel can set the tone for your Parisian adventure. While luxury hotels have their appeal, we love the charm of boutique hotels in Paris—they’re authentic, intimate, and quintessentially Parisian, often with just a couple of rooms on each floor and those lovely, cozy views. Since you’ll likely be out exploring most of the day, the location of your hotel is key.

2 days in Paris guide and itinerary hotel d'aubusson — Hotel d’Aubusson, 6th Arrondissment