Weekend in Paris Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Perfect Days [2026]
Looking to spend a weekend in Paris? Here’s the perfect 2 day itinerary for your trip—from a Paris lover and frequent visitor.
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What can be more romantic (partner or not) than a weekend in Paris?
From London, it’s one of the easiest European city breaks you can do—just over two hours on the Eurostar, straight into the city, and suddenly your weekend looks like café breakfasts, long walks, museums, good bread, wine, and rooftops. To name a few…
I first visited Paris for a weekend trip and, while two days is definitely not enough to “finish” the city, it is enough to have a very lovely first taste.
In this guide, I’m sharing how I’d spend 2 days in Paris, including where to stay, how to get there, what to see, where to eat and a few easy day trip ideas if you have more time.
Shall we?
About the Author
Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.
On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.
P.S. – For more trip inspiration, travel videos, and behind-the-scenes adventures, be sure to follow along (and say hello, if you fancy) on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.
🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.
🇫🇷 Paris, France Quick Tips
🚉 How to Get to Paris, France
From London, the easiest way to get to Paris is by train.
The Eurostar goes from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord in just over two hours, which makes it perfect for a weekend. You leave from one city centre and arrive in another, without having to faff around with airport transfers on either side.
Read more: How to Find the Cheapest Train From London to Paris (Every Time!)
And if you’re flying don’t forget to check Skyscanner…
🗓️ Best Time to Visit Paris
Contrary to popular belief, there’s no bad time to visit Paris, but I’d personally recommend spring and autumn.
April to June is lovely for warmer weather, café terraces and long walks. September to November is also a good time to visit, especially if you want slightly fewer crowds than peak summer.
Summer is still gorgeous, but it can be busy and hotel prices are usually higher. Winter can be lovely too, especially around Christmas, but you’ll want to pack warm and plan more indoor stops.
⏳ How Long to Spend in Paris, France? (Can you do 2 days in Paris?):
Is 2 days enough for Paris? Not really.
But is a weekend in Paris still worth doing? Absolutely.
Paris is one of those cities you can keep coming back to, so I wouldn’t try to do everything in one trip. For a weekend, I’d focus on a few classic sights, good food, one or two museums, and enough walking time to actually enjoy where you are, Paris!
🎨 Top Attractions in Paris
If it’s your first time in Paris, the classics are always worth doing.
The Eiffel Tower , Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Notre-Dame, Montmartre, the Seine, Arc de Triomphe and Galeries Lafayette rooftop are all worth having on your list for a first trip!
🏨 Where to Stay in Paris
I highly recommend staying in the Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel during your trip.
Located within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower and with a 4 Star ⭐️ and fit with contemporary and spacious rooms, an indoor heated swimming pool and a fitness room.
P.S. – It’s also very close to the metro.
2 Days in Paris Itinerary
Day 1
Paris is a city that rewards an early start, and today you’ll see why.
Wear comfy shoes, leave a little room for café stops, and prep for a very full first day of art, gardens, Montmartre views, and a lovely dinner.
Morning
Start the Day at a Parisian Cafe
Visiting Paris for 2 days doesn’t mean you start the day like a Parisian would, in other word coffee, breakfast and a bit of people-watching before getting your steps in.
On my trip, I went to Café Carrousel near the Louvre, which worked really well location-wise. You can copy me, or just find a cute café near your hotel or first stop of the day.
Decisions, decisions… The Louvre or D’Orsay?
Now for your first proper stop: a museum.
Paris is a city of art—in fact, there’s over 130 museums and galleries to choose from. But alas, we can’t have everything, including visiting every museum the city has to offer (although you can try).
For two days in Paris I would narrow it down to the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay.
For a classic Paris museum experience, go for the Louvre. It’s huge, famous for a reason, and home to the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo and more art than you’ll know what to do with.
If you prefer Impressionist art, or just want a less-crowded museum, go for Musée d’Orsay instead. It’s set inside a former railway station and has works by Monet, Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh and more.
Afternoon
Have Lunch at Jardins Des Tuileries
After a morning lost in art, head over to Jardin des Tuileries or a walk and lunch.
You can keep it simple with a picnic-style lunch, or find a nearby café if you’d rather sit down properly. Either way, it’s a lovely place to pause between the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Place de la Concorde and the Seine.
I know I said only two museums but the Musee De L’Orangerie is right by the gardens and especially worth it if you want to see Monet’s Water Lilies.
Head to Montmartre
After lunch, make your way over to Montmartre.
Set on a hill in the 18th arrondissement, Montmartre was once its own village outside Paris before becoming one of the city’s most famous artistic neighbourhoods. This is where painters, poets, cabarets and cafés helped build the bohemian side of Paris—Picasso, Modigliani, Renoir and Van Gogh all have ties to the area.
Start around Sacré-Cœur, the white basilica at the top of the hill, then wander towards Place du Tertre, the little square known for its portrait artists and painters.
After that, give yourself time to wander the side streets, stop for a coffee (I like this one), or make your way down towards Pigalle if you’re staying in the area for the evening.
P.S. It’s hilly, so make sure you’ve got comfy shoes on!
Evening
Feel Parisian at Moulin Rouge or a Jazz Bar
For your first evening in Paris, I’d stay around Montmartre, Pigalle or head somewhere for music.
For a classic cabaret experience, Moulin Rouge is right nearby on Boulevard de Clichy. It first opened in 1889 and is still one of the most famous cabarets in the world, with dinner and show options if you want to make a proper evening of it.
If you’d rather do something a little more low-key, go for a jazz bar instead. Le Caveau de la Huchette in the Latin Quarter is a good one to keep on your list—it’s been around since 1946, set in a 16th-century cellar, and still has live jazz and swing nights today.
Another good one I’ve heard about is Bab-Ilo!
Read More: Speakeasy Bars in Paris: How to Find the BEST Secret Bars in Paris
Day 2
Ready for round two? Today’s your last day in Paris so we need to make it count—with rooftop views, a few major sights, a walk by the Seine and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.
Morning
Take in the View from Galeries Lafayette
Our first stop: the dazzling Galeries Lafayette, specifically, its rooftop terrace.
It’s free to visit and gives you a gorgeous view over Paris, including the Eiffel Tower and Opéra Garnier.
It’s also very central, so it works well as a morning stop before heading towards the opera, shopping streets or the Champs-Élysées.
Afternoon
Enjoy the Chic Champs-Élysées
Next, make your way towards the Champs-Élysées.
It’s not my favourite street in Paris, but if it’s your first visit, it’s worth walking once—especially because it leads you straight to the Arc de Triomphe.
Don’t forget to pop into Ladurée while you’re here for macarons. You can have them now if you’re cheeky, or save a few for later when you’re sitting near the Eiffel Tower.
Spot the Iconic Arc de Triomphe
At the end of the Champs-Élysées, you’ll reach the Arc de Triomphe.
You can admire it from street level, but if you want one of the best views in Paris, climb to the top. It gives you a great view down the avenues, with the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
If you’re tight on time or don’t fancy another climb, seeing it from the outside is still worth the stop.
Go to Notre Dame and Walk the River Seine
Next I recommend catching the Metro and making your way over to Notre-Dame.
After years of restoration, the cathedral has reopened, so you can visit inside again if you’d like. You can also book a walking tour with entry to the Archaeological Crypt, where you’ll learn more about the cathedral’s history, its construction and the 2019 fire.
After that is my favourite part: taking a relaxed stroll along the River Seine, with Notre-Dame behind you and the Eiffel Tower waiting at the end of the route…
Enjoy the Sunset at the Eiffel Tower
And now for the star of the show—the Eiffel Tower.
If it’s your first time in Paris and you really want to go up, book tickets in advance. If you’ve already done it, or you’re happy with the view from below, find a spot nearby and enjoy it from the ground instead.
Remember those Ladurée macarons from earlier? This is where they come in handy. Bring a little picnic, sit nearby, and watch the tower light up as the evening settles in.
It’s obvious, yes, but still such a lovely way to end your sightseeing in Paris.
Evening
Enjoy a French Dinner
Hungry, are you? Fabulous, it’s time for dinner!
For your final evening, I’d end with dinner at Le Suffren, a classic French bistro just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower.
It works especially well if you’re ending your day around this part of Paris and want somewhere easy for French classics without having to trek across the city again.
Don’t worry if it’s fully booked, though. Paris is full of good places to eat, so you can also find somewhere nearby or book a cosy spot closer to your hotel.
2 Days in Paris Itinerary Map
The Best Tours and Activities in Paris
Where to Eat in Paris
Asking where to eat in Paris is a bit like asking which restaurant to visit in London—there’s far too many good options (and everyone will have their favourites).
But from my trip, these are three spots I’d recommend keeping on your list.
Bouillon Chartier
For classic French food without spending a fortune, head to Bouillon Chartier.
It’s a busy, old-school Paris dining rooms, where the atmosphere is absolutely part of the experience, fit with French dishes, fast service and affordable prices.
It’s not the place I’d go for a quiet romantic dinner, but it’s a great one if you want something lively, traditional and very Paris.
Pink Mamma
For something fun and a little more buzzy, book Pink Mamma.
It’s an Italian restaurant from the Big Mamma group, known for its huge interiors, pasta, cocktails and very pretty dining room. Yes, it’s popular online, but it’s still a good one if you want somewhere lively for dinner, especially if you’re staying around Pigalle or Montmartre.
There’s also a hidden bar downstairs, so worth knowing if you want to make more of the evening.
Stohrer Patisserie
For something sweet, pop into Stohrer Patisserie.
It’s one of the oldest patisseries in Paris, dating back to 1730, and is a lovely little stop for a pastry while you’re wandering the city.
P.S. – If you’re looking for the popular Paris food spots you’ve probably seen online, Angelina is known for hot chocolate, and Relais De L’Entrecôte is the classic steak frites stop.
Places to Visit Near Paris
If you have a spare day leaving Paris for a short trip outside the city is a gorgeous idea.
Versailles Palace
Versailles is probably the easiest classic day trip from Paris—one of France’s most famous royal residences, with the Hall of Mirrors, grand apartments, gardens and fountains to explore.
It’s a very full day out, so I’d book tickets ahead and go early if you can. If you’re visiting on a weekend, check whether the fountain shows are running too.
Mont Saint Michael
Mont Saint-Michel is much further from Paris, but it’s one of the most memorable trips you can do if you want to see more of France.
Set on a tidal island in Normandy, it’s known for its medieval abbey, steep village streets and views across the bay.
Just know this is a long day trip, not something I’d casually add to a short Paris weekend. If you really want to go, I’d either book an organised tour or save it for a proper Normandy trip.
Loire Valley Castles
The Loire Valley is another lovely option if you want castles, countryside and wine.
It’s known for its châteaux, including Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise, and a good choice if you want a day outside the city that still feels very classic France.
Again, I’d only add this if you have more time. For a first 2 days in Paris, I’d stay in Paris and save this for another trip.
Paris, France FAQs
💭 Is it worth going to Paris for a weekend?
Yes, absolutely.
You won’t see everything, but a weekend is still enough time for cafés, museums, good food, a few classic sights and a walk by the Seine.
(Plus if you’re coming by Eurostar from London to Paris it’s incredibly easy to pair)
💭 How much is a weekend in Paris?
A weekend in Paris can be as modest or as lavish as your wallet allows.
It depends how you travel, but I’d budget around £400–£600 per person for a weekend, not including shopping or anything very luxury.
A decent hotel room might be around £150–£250 per night depending on the season and area. Food can be around £60–£100 per person per day if you’re mixing cafés, casual meals and one nicer dinner.
Then add Metro tickets, museum entries, attractions and anything else you want to book.
💭Why is Paris important?
Because Paris has played a huge role in art, fashion, food, literature, architecture and European history.
💭Why is Paris a good place to visit?
Because in one trip you can have a weekend of museums, food, shopping, romantic walks, solo wandering, wine bars, theatre, fashion and history—plus it’s easy to reach from London and many European cities, so a very practical city break.
💭Is Paris still worth visiting?
Of course. Paris is busy, expensive in parts and not always as polished as people imagine, but it is also one of the best cities in the world that in my opinion, is always worth a trip.
Thanks for reading my Weekend in Paris Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!
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Happy Travels,
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