Paris needs no selling, but it does reward a plan. Two days is enough to see the cathedral on its island, one great museum, the Eiffel Tower lit up and Montmartre at dusk, without sprinting. This route suits first-timers and returning visitors who want the classics in a sensible order, with time left for a long lunch.
Why go
Few cities pack so much into a walkable centre. The Seine ties it together: follow the river and you pass the Louvre, Notre-Dame, the Musée d’Orsay and the Eiffel Tower in an afternoon. In between are the things that make Paris feel like Paris: zinc-topped bars, bakeries with queues out the door, markets and squares where nobody is in a hurry.
Notre-Dame has been open again since December 2024 after its restoration, which gives a weekend here a fresh focus. It’s also an easy trip by train from London, Brussels, Amsterdam and much of France, so you can arrive on a Friday evening and lose no time.
The 48-hour route
Day 1
Morning: Start on the Île de la Cité. See Notre-Dame first, while the square is calm, and look up at the restored spire before you go in. Check the cathedral’s official site for the day’s visiting times. Then walk round the corner to Sainte-Chapelle, a jewel box of thirteenth-century stained glass. Tickets are sold on the Monuments Nationaux site; go on a bright morning, when the windows glow.
Afternoon: Cross to the Left Bank and wander through the Latin Quarter to Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Pause at Café de Flore on boulevard Saint-Germain, in business since around 1887, for a coffee and some people-watching. Then spend the rest of the afternoon at the Musée d’Orsay, a former railway station holding the world’s best collection of Impressionist painting. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays, with a late opening on Thursdays. Major works are under way in the building, so check the access notes on the museum’s site before you go.
Evening: Walk west along the river as the light fades, then head for the Eiffel Tower. Book your ticket on the official site and choose your level when you buy, since a second-floor ticket can’t be upgraded to the summit later. The tower suggests 8pm onwards as one of its quieter windows, and the view of the city lights is the reward. If you’d rather stay on the ground, watch it sparkle on the hour from the Trocadéro.
Tip: Buy Eiffel Tower tickets only through toureiffel.paris. The tower warns about unofficial resellers in busy periods.
Day 2
Morning: Be at the Louvre for opening. The museum is closed on Tuesdays, and the Louvre recommends booking a time slot online, so check the official site before you go. Pick two or three wings rather than trying to see it all. Afterwards, walk out through the Tuileries Garden towards Place de la Concorde.
Afternoon: Take the metro to the Marais for lunch. Breizh Café does proper Breton buckwheat galettes and crêpes, washed down with cider. Then explore the neighbourhood’s mansions, small museums and boutiques, and sit for a while in the Place des Vosges, the city’s oldest planned square.
Evening: Go up to Montmartre in time for sunset. The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur is open daily and free to enter, and the steps in front give one of the best views across Paris. Walk down through the lanes of the old village, past the Moulin Rouge on boulevard de Clichy, then have dinner at Bouillon Chartier, a grand belle-époque dining room serving French classics since 1896.
With a third day
Spend it at Versailles. The palace is closed on Mondays, while the gardens and park open every day. Alternatively, explore Canal Saint-Martin and Belleville for a more local, creative side of the city.
Where to stay
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th): Classic Left Bank streets, cafés and galleries, a short walk from the islands and the Orsay. Best for first-timers and couples.
- Le Marais (3rd and 4th): Central, lively and full of places to eat, with good metro links. Best for food lovers and shoppers.
- Montmartre and South Pigalle (18th and 9th): Village feel, cocktail bars and more space for your money. Best for return visitors and night owls.
- Canal Saint-Martin (10th): Close to Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est, with a younger, local crowd. Best for Eurostar arrivals and brunch fans.
What to eat and drink
- Croissant and pain au chocolat: Breakfast standing at the bakery counter is a Parisian ritual.
- Steak frites and other bistro classics: Onion soup, snails and crème brûlée, done well and served fast.
- Galettes and crêpes: Savoury buckwheat pancakes with egg, ham and cheese, then a sweet crêpe and a bowl of cider.
- Cheese and wine: Ask a fromagerie to build you a picnic plate for the Seine.
- Hot chocolate: Thick, rich and best on a cold afternoon.
Where to go:
- Bouillon Chartier (Grands Boulevards, with branches at Montparnasse and Gare de l’Est): Open every day, with non-stop service and no reservations. One of the best-value classic meals in the city.
- Café de Flore (Saint-Germain): The Left Bank café institution.
- Breizh Café (Le Marais and other neighbourhoods): Buckwheat galettes and cider from Brittany.
- Angelina (rue de Rivoli): The belle-époque tea room, famous since 1903 for its hot chocolate and Mont-Blanc pastry.
For more places by neighbourhood, see our where to eat in Paris guide.
Getting around
The metro is fast and covers the whole centre; the RER links the airports and Versailles. Charles de Gaulle is on RER B, and Orly is now on metro line 14. Buy tickets in the RATP app or at machines and load them onto a Navigo Easy card. For short hops, Vélib’ bikes have docking stations across the city. Above all, walk: the stretch from the islands to the Eiffel Tower along the river is one of the best walks in Europe.
Tip: Bir-Hakeim, the closest metro stop to the Eiffel Tower, is closed on some Sundays this autumn while line 6 works are under way. Check RATP before you set out, or walk over from Trocadéro or École Militaire.
Good to know
- Museum closing days: The Louvre closes on Tuesdays; the Orsay, Rodin museum and Versailles palace close on Mondays. Plan your days around them.
- Centre Pompidou: The building is closed for renovation from 2025 to 2030. Parts of its collection appear at partner venues such as the Grand Palais.
- Arc de Triomphe: The lift is out of service until further notice, so the rooftop is stairs only.
- Book ahead: Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Sainte-Chapelle tickets are best booked online before you travel.
- Tipping: Service is included in restaurant bills; rounding up is a courtesy, not an obligation.
- This weekend: For exhibitions and events, see this weekend’s picks.
FAQ
Is two days enough for Paris?
Two days covers the islands, one major museum, the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre at a good pace. Add a third day for Versailles or a slower look at the Marais and Canal Saint-Martin.
Which Paris museums are closed on Mondays?
The Musée d’Orsay, the Musée Rodin and the Palace of Versailles all close on Mondays. The Louvre is open on Mondays but closed on Tuesdays.
Is Notre-Dame open to visitors?
Yes. The cathedral reopened in December 2024 after the restoration that followed the 2019 fire. Check its official site for current visiting times before you go.
Do I need to book the Eiffel Tower in advance?
It’s strongly advised. Book on the official site to skip the ticket queue, and choose your level when buying because you can’t add the summit later.
Is Paris a good city for a romantic weekend?
It’s the classic choice, and it tops our list of the most romantic destinations in Europe. For more ideas, see our things to do in Paris and best city breaks in Europe.
