Two focused days hit the icons without rushing. Use the Metro, buy a carnet / contactless, go early for landmarks, and keep meals simple in neighborhood bistros.
Before you go (quick prep)
- Arrive with basics: A contactless card or Navigo Easy works for visitors.
- Book the time-sinks: Louvre and Eiffel time slots if these are must-dos.
- Pack light: Comfortable shoes; a compact umbrella.
New to Paris? Read our Paris Travel Essentials:
Day 1 — Right Bank Icons & the Seine
Morning – Île de la Cité & Notre-Dame area
- Walk the riverbanks, see Notre-Dame exterior and Pont Neuf.
- Coffee & pastry stop nearby (save our Best Bakeries in Paris map:
Late morning – Louvre Courtyard & Tuileries
- Photos at the glass pyramid, then stroll the Tuileries Garden to Place de la Concorde.
- Lunch – Budget bistro
- Keep it simple with a prix-fixe lunch formule. For value picks, see Best Affordable Bistros in Paris:
- Afternoon – Champs-Élysées to Arc de Triomphe
- Metro to Charles-de-Gaulle–Étoile; optional Arc rooftop view.
Getting around is easy by Metro/RER—see our guide:
Golden Hour – Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro
- Best classic photos at Trocadéro; walk down the gardens to the tower.
Evening – Seine Cruise or Left Bank stroll
- Short Seine cruise at sunset or café hopping in the 7th/6th.
- Dinner in a neighborhood bistro; reserve if it’s Fri–Sun.
Day 2 — Montmartre, Marais & Night Lights
Morning – Montmartre
- Start at Sacré-Cœur for panoramic views; wander Rue des Abbesses.
- Grab a croissant or pain au chocolat (see our bakeries map above).
Late morning – Opéra / Covered Passages (optional)
- Quick peek at Palais Garnier exterior or stroll the Passages (Vivienne, Jouffroy).
Lunch – Canal or Marais
- For relaxed, good-value food near locals, keep our bistro list handy:
Afternoon – Le Marais & Île Saint-Louis
- Boutiques and galleries; ice-cream stop on Île Saint-Louis; golden hour along the Seine.
Evening – Night views
- Return to the Eiffel or head to Pont Alexandre III for lights reflected on the river.
- Toast the trip with a final crème brûlée or mousse au chocolat.
Practical notes (save these)
Tickets & time-saving
- Book one headliner per day; mix with free outdoors.
- Most museums closed one day/week—check hours.
Metro basics
- Buy a carnet/contactless, keep the ticket until exit.
- RER is suburban express; great for airports and Versailles.
Getting around is easy by Metro/RER—guide here: https://eatwalkrepeat.com/paris-metro-rer-explained/
Food & coffee
- Lunch formule is your friend (value).
- Tap water = carafe d’eau; house wine is usually best value.
- Need pastry intel? Best Bakeries in Paris: https://eatwalkrepeat.com/paris-best-bakeries-map/
Budget sanity check
- Coffee €2–3, bakery pastry €1.5–3, lunch formule €15–25, simple dinner €20–35 pp.
Map & routing tip
Drop all stops into one Google Map and color-code Day 1/Day 2. Use Metro for leaps, walk the rest—your feet see more of Paris.
Further reading
- Food on a budget? Best Affordable Bistros in Paris:
- Need basics? Paris Travel Essentials:
FAQ
Can I do Louvre + Eiffel in one day?
Yes, but book timed entry and keep slots far apart; expect crowds.
Is the Seine cruise worth it for 48 hours?
At sunset, it’s a quick way to see many sights—good value if it’s your first time.
Should I get a day pass for Metro?
Often single rides/contactless are cheaper for 48 hours unless you ride many times per day.
