Explore Paris in 2 Days: A Parisian Tour Under 20,000 Steps

Day 1: Iconic Landmarks and Classic Parisian Cuisine

Morning: Eiffel Tower & Trocadéro Gardens

• Breakfast: Start your day with a classic Parisian breakfast near the Eiffel Tower at a charming café. Look for a spot offering freshly baked croissants, pain au chocolat, and a steaming café au lait for an authentic experience.

• Activity: Head to the Eiffel Tower to take in the stunning views and capture those picture-perfect moments. Spend some time at the nearby Trocadéro Gardens, where you’ll find excellent photo opportunities with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

Late Morning: Seine River and the Louvre

• Activity: After soaking in the Eiffel Tower's views, make your way along the Seine River towards the Louvre Museum. The riverside walk is beautiful, or if you’re on a tight schedule, opt for public transport.

• Explore the Louvre: Spend about two hours discovering iconic works like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Note that the Louvre is vast, so prioritize your favorite sections to make the most of your time.

Lunch: Traditional Bistro Near the Louvre

• For lunch, look for a cozy bistro close to the Louvre. Many offer prix fixe menus with French classics like duck confit, quiche, or soupe à l’oignon (French onion soup). Enjoy your meal and rest your feet for the afternoon.

Afternoon: Notre-Dame Cathedral & Sainte-Chapelle

• Activity: After lunch, head over to the Île de la Cité, where you’ll visit Notre-Dame Cathedral. While the cathedral’s interior may still be under restoration, the gothic architecture is still breathtaking from the outside.

• Sainte-Chapelle: Located nearby, Sainte-Chapelle’s stained glass windows are one of Paris’s most mesmerizing sights. It’s worth the brief walk and time to explore this gothic masterpiece.

Evening: Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

• Explore Sacré-Cœur: Climb the steps to Sacré-Cœur Basilica, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Paris, especially stunning as the city begins to light up at dusk.

• Stroll Around Montmartre: Wander through the winding streets, passing by artists at Place du Tertre. It’s a lively area with a rich history and charming vibe.

Dinner: Montmartre Brasserie

• Choose a traditional French brasserie in Montmartre for dinner. Look for classics like coq au vin or boeuf bourguignon, paired with a glass of wine. This area is filled with options that offer a warm, authentic atmosphere perfect for a relaxing evening meal.

Optional: Evening Seine River Cruise

• If you still have energy, consider ending the day with a Seine River cruise to see Paris’s illuminated landmarks from a different perspective. The Eiffel Tower’s lights shimmering in the evening are a magical sight.

Late Night in Paris: Magical Sights and Parisian Nightlife

Evening Stroll Through Montmartre

• After dinner, wander around the quieter streets of Montmartre. At night, this artsy neighborhood takes on an entirely different character—calmer, more intimate, with fewer crowds and softly lit cobblestone streets. Take some time to admire the glowing Sacré-Cœur Basilica from below as it’s beautifully illuminated, making for a serene view.

Explore Paris’s Lit-Up Landmarks

• Make Your Way Back to Central Paris: Head back to the heart of Paris by public transport. Many metro lines run until about midnight, making it easy to return to central spots.

• Champ de Mars or Trocadéro Gardens: If you haven’t had your fill of the Eiffel Tower yet, there’s nothing like seeing it at night. The Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour on the hour, creating a romantic and iconic scene. The nearby Champ de Mars or Trocadéro Gardens offer excellent viewpoints for watching this light display.

A Late-Night Dessert Stop

• Parisian bakeries and dessert shops around the city serve delectable pastries well into the evening. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, seek out a patisserie or a café for a classic treat like crème brûlée, tarte au citron, or éclairs to enjoy before calling it a night.

Experience Paris’s Nightlife in Le Marais

• If you’re up for some nightlife, head over to Le Marais. Known for its vibrant bar scene, this area is popular with locals and offers a great range of trendy bars, cozy wine cellars, and casual cafés. Even a short walk through Le Marais offers lively sights and sounds that showcase Paris’s dynamic night scene.

Wind Down with a Seine River Walk

• End your night with a final stroll along the Seine, especially near Île de la Cité or Île Saint-Louis. The softly lit bridges and historical buildings cast reflections on the water, creating an ambiance that’s peaceful and inspiring.

Day 2: Art, History, and Parisian Charm

Morning: Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

• Breakfast: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at a café near the Champs-Élysées. Choose a café that offers classic French breakfast options like a buttery croissant, scrambled eggs, and freshly squeezed orange juice to fuel your morning.

• Activity: Begin your sightseeing by walking down the iconic Champs-Élysées, lined with luxury boutiques, theaters, and lively cafés. Make your way towards the Arc de Triomphe, one of Paris’s most famous monuments, and take in the grand architecture and intricate details. You can climb to the top for panoramic city views and an impressive perspective on the city’s historic layout.

Late Morning: Musée d'Orsay

• Activity: Dive into the world of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art at the Musée d'Orsay. Housed in a beautiful former train station, this museum showcases masterpieces by artists like Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and Renoir. Allocate about two hours here to explore its highlights and appreciate the vast collection.

Lunch: Café on the Left Bank

• For lunch, pick a café on the Left Bank, known for its intellectual history and creative atmosphere. A quiche, salad, or French onion soup are classic choices. Pair it with a glass of wine or a sparkling water, and soak in the laid-back, artsy vibe of the neighbourhood.

Afternoon: Luxembourg Gardens & Saint-Germain-des-Prés

• Activity: After lunch, head to the Luxembourg Gardens, one of the most beautiful green spaces in Paris. Take a leisurely stroll through its manicured lawns, fountains, and tree-lined paths. You’ll see locals relaxing and students chatting, giving you a glimpse into Parisian life.

• Saint-Germain-des-Prés: From the gardens, make your way to the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés district. Known for its literary and intellectual legacy, this area is home to famous cafés like Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore, where writers like Hemingway and Sartre once gathered.

Evening: Le Marais District

• Explore the Marais: Spend some time exploring this eclectic district known for its trendy boutiques, art galleries, and the Jewish Quarter. Don’t miss Place des Vosges, a stunning square that’s ideal for a quick break or a few photos.

Dinner: Authentic French Dinner in Le Marais

• Le Marais offers a variety of dining options, from traditional French bistros to modern, fusion-style eateries. Choose a cozy restaurant for your final dinner in Paris and indulge in some French classics like escargots, steak frites, or a creamy gratin

Late Evening: Rooftop View or Night Walk

• Rooftop View: For a memorable night view, head to a rooftop bar or terrace for a final look over the Parisian skyline. Some hotels and department stores in central Paris offer rooftop access with stunning views of the city’s illuminated landmarks.

• Night Walk Along the Seine: Alternatively, enjoy a serene walk along the Seine River. The city’s bridges and iconic monuments take on a magical glow at night, creating the perfect backdrop for ending your Paris adventure.