Two days in Paris sounds short. It is, but it's also enough to fall for the city, as long as you don't try to see everything.
The trick is to group sights by neighbourhood. You walk more, ride the metro less, and actually remember what you saw.
Day one morning: the islands and Notre-Dame
Start where Paris started, on the Île de la Cité. Notre-Dame is here, and the square in front of it is one of the best places to get your bearings.
Look up at the three carved portals before you go in. Entry rules can change, so check the official website before you go.
From there, cross a bridge to the Latin Quarter. Small streets, bookshops and cafés make it an easy place for a coffee break.
If you have time, Sainte-Chapelle is a short walk away on the same island. Its upper chapel is mostly stained glass, so a sunny morning is the best moment to see it. Booking ahead is wise here too.
Day one afternoon: the Louvre or the river
Pick one big museum per day, not three. If it's the Louvre, book a timed entry in advance and choose a short list of works you really want to see.
If museums aren't your thing, walk along the Seine instead. The quays between the islands and the Louvre are free, flat and very Parisian.
Either way, finish the afternoon in the Tuileries Garden next to the Louvre. Grab a chair by a fountain and rest your feet. Parisians do exactly the same thing, so you'll blend right in.
For dinner, stay close to where you end the day. After a lot of walking, a simple bistro around the corner beats a long metro ride to a famous address.
Day two morning: Montmartre
Go early, before the crowds climb the hill. Montmartre rewards slow walking: stairs, village squares, painters and views over the rooftops.
Sacré-Cœur sits at the top. Take the stairs if you can, then wander the back streets rather than heading straight down.
Place du Tertre, the painters' square, is a few minutes from the basilica. Keep going past it and the streets get quieter, with old houses, small gardens and the hill's own vineyard.
Have lunch on the hill, then take the metro across town. It saves your legs for the afternoon.
Montmartre is steep in places, so pace yourself. There's no prize for reaching the top first, and the view is just as good after a coffee stop.
Day two afternoon: the Eiffel Tower
Save the Eiffel Tower for your last afternoon. Going up is optional; the view of it from across the river is half the fun.
If you do want to climb or ride up, reserve your entry time ahead. Ticket types and times change, so check the official website before you go.
How do you keep two days in Paris relaxed?
A few habits make a big difference on a short trip:
- Book the big sights ahead, then leave gaps between them.
- Stay in one area per half day.
- Eat lunch away from the main squares; prices and quality both improve.
- Keep your last evening free for a walk by the river.
You won't see it all. Nobody does. You'll leave with a list for next time, which is the best sign of a good first trip.
If you'd like a local to plan the walking and the timing for you, a private tour takes the guesswork out of a short stay.
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Want more ideas first? Read 12 things to know on your first time in Paris or see our private Paris walking tour. New to the city? Start with our first time in Paris page.