For those seeking their next short break, Paris is an incredible destination with many things to see and do. Very few cities in the world can live up to this place and any opportunity to visit needs to be grasped with both hands.
Whether it is the whole tourist experience you’re after or attempting to fade into the background and soak up the atmosphere, Paris won‘t let you down. You might want to spend the day wandering around Notre Dame and along the river or just sit in a roadside café and watch the world go by, the choice is yours.
Paris indeed holds certain drawbacks for the backpacker on a financial front, but there are always ways to make your stay cheaper. A great way to do this is by visiting for a short amount of time. If you plan to spend a couple of days wandering through this lovely part of Europe, you’re sure to save some money and still see lots of the top attractions. We’re here to help give you a little more information on the best things to see in Paris so that you can plan a quick break without missing a thing!
To help get your planning started, we have put together the best things to do in Paris in 2 days below. Keep reading to learn more about the top sights and attractions around this breathtaking city, alongside some extra tips for making the most out of your stay.
Once your plane has landed and you’ve settled into your new accommodation, likely, you’re next wondering what to see in Paris. On our 2 day itinerary, day 1 consists of some of the top sightseeing spots around the bustling streets. From the renowned Louvre to the famous Eiffel Tower, the stunning Notre Dame and much more, you’re sure to find something for all on your short break in the city.
The Louvre is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Paris. Many tourists spend a full day seeing all that this fascinating museum has to offer and for good reason! However, we recommend planning around 2 hours here to ensure you allow enough time to experience all of the other attractions throughout the city.
Due to its popularity, the Louvre can get very busy, especially during the peak tourist season. To help limit your queueing time, we recommend purchasing your tickets for the museum before your visit. There are also options to get a fast-track pass, meaning you won’t waste a minute of your time here.
Visitors can also enjoy some of the great tours around the Louvre, providing an excellent way to see the museum and learn as you go. It’s worth checking these out before your visit to ensure that the time frame fits in with the rest of your itinerary.
Spend some time wandering around the museum, where you will find iconic art such as the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, The Raft of Medusa, Liberty Leading the People, plus many more. A trip to the Louvre museum is one not to be missed when staying in Paris, allowing for an insightful cultural experience for all.
Just a 20-minute walk from the Louvre is the Cathedral Notre Dame, another of the renowned sightseeing spots in the city. This is one of the top things to do in Paris, not only for its iconic status and fame but also for its impressive architecture and fascinating history.
During your visit to Notre Dame, be sure to climb the impressive towers. Here you can take in the breathtaking views over Paris, allowing for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Much like the Louvre museum, this attraction also brings lots of tourists. With this in mind, it’s best to get here early to avoid the long queues, especially for those staying here in the summer months.
The cathedral was built in the 12th century allowing for a great insight into the city’s history. Plus, not only is this one of the most spectacular structures in Paris but also in Europe. For those staying in the beautiful capital for a short period, Notre Dame is one sight not to miss on your itinerary!
After you have spent some time soaking up the history and heritage of Cathedral Notre Dame de Paris, there’s even more exquisite architecture to uncover throughout the city. Be sure to visit the Sainte Chapelle where you will discover another of the most popular attractions here, alongside a historical building that dates back to the 13th century.
Sainte Chapelle was formerly a royal chapel and once a part of the first royal palace in Paris. Today, much of the Chapelle remains, allowing guests to marvel over its impressive structure and fascinating history. Spend some time soaking up the intricacy of the stained glass windows, shining an array of colours throughout the lovely building.
For history buffs, culture enthusiasts and anyone looking to check out the top attractions around Paris, be sure to include the Sainte Chapelle on your sightseeing list! Much like many of the other popular spots, getting your tickets for Saint Chapelle before your trip will save time during your visit.
It comes as no surprise that the Eiffel Tower is on our list of must-see attractions in Paris. This is one of the most famous sights in the city and goes hand in hand when you think about the bustling capital of France.
As you have made your way around the other attractions in Paris, likely, you have already spotted the Eiffel Tower somewhere in the distance. Its presence hangs over the city, making your trip here feel authentic as the iconic structure stands tall in the backdrop. However, we highly recommend checking it out up close as its sheer size and magnificence is something not to be missed.
There are different ways to visit the Eiffel Tower, the one you choose ultimately comes down to preference. Head to the Trocadero on the other side of the Seine River or see the tower at sunset from the Champ de Mars. The latter is a great option for those visiting in the warmer months as the pretty gardens create the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a drink, bite to eat, or simply sit back and relax whilst taking in the impressive tower.
You will also discover that it is possible to climb the Eiffel Tower where you can take in some outstanding bird eye views of the city. However, for those staying for a short time, it is wise to book your tickets ahead of your visit. This will help avoid the tourist crowds and queues, meaning you won’t waste any time.
As you wander through the romantic streets, you will likely discover many sights and attractions that are worth checking out. However, to help you explore all of the highlights in Paris we have included more must-visit spots below. You can spend as much time at each of these places as you wish, allowing you to cater your itinerary to suit your own short break in the capital.
Paris is known for its vast collection of museums, there are enough here to spend your whole break scouring the galleries and history throughout the city. However, for those with only 2 days to spare, the Musee D’Orsay should be top of your list when looking to experience these spots.
When visiting the Musee D’Orsay expect to encounter a fantastic selection of Western Art from around 1848 to 1914. Alongside its impressive range of impressionist art and other wonderful paintings, the building itself also provides guests with even more of Paris’s outstanding architecture. After you have marvelled over the collection here, be sure to spend some time soaking up the beauty surrounding this building. You can purchase tickets before your visit to help avoid long waiting times.
Another top attraction for those pondering what to see in Paris, France is the Arc de Triomphe. This is another of the city’s iconic structures that help make the metropolis even more recognisable upon your visit. Not only does the arch itself provide guests with beautiful architecture and more of the history and heritage here, but you can also spot the renowned sights of the Champs-Elysees, the Louvre, La Defense and the impressive Eiffel Tower. This allows visitors to soak up more of the fascinating sights, all from the same spot.
As you take in the remarkable structure of the Arc de Triomphe, you will also find yourself surrounded by the hustle and bustle of Paris. Its position on a large, busy roundabout allows guests to immerse themselves in the energy that moves throughout the city. It’s a great way to stop and take in the world as it passes by, all while marvelling over a beautiful part of the history that makes Paris what it is today. You can enjoy a bus tour in Paris that will take you to the top sights including the Arc de Triomphe.
As mentioned above, you can take in the beauty surrounding the Champs Elysees from the Arc de Triomphe. However, if you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in this wealthy part of Paris, we highly recommend checking it out up close.
The bustling shopping street is one of the most famous areas in Europe, comprising high-end shops and lavish boutiques. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a spending spree, or simply stroll and take in the atmosphere, a trip here is sure to impress.
Before ending your final day in Paris, there’s one more thing you must do during your trip and that is take in the lovely sunset. There’s no better way to finish your adventure here than by visiting the beautiful Sacre Coeur, one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the sun as it goes down.
The Sacre Coeur dates back to 1919, allowing for even more insight into the historical architecture throughout this city. When visiting here for sunset, guests can relish the breathtaking glow cast along the white church. This provides an excellent way to end your time in Paris, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime.
Now you know a little more about the best of Paris and the top places to visit during your short break here, we’ve included a few extra tips to help organise your stay. Below you can learn more about the best time to visit the city, alongside what to pack for your break.
When you decide to visit Paris will ultimately depend on how you plan to spend your time here. Spring is a great season for those seeking pleasant weather, comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. Autumn is lovely for seeing the sights without the crowds, all whilst soaking up the pretty scenery and charming aura around the city. Winter is also excellent for those planning a festive break, or perhaps looking to do some Christmas shopping. Whereas summer presents a warmer climate, with plenty happening throughout the streets.
No matter when you decide to stay in Paris, you’re sure to be impressed by all that this wonderful part of Europe has to offer. Whether you stay for 2 days or longer, there is plenty to do here to suit a range of holiday itineraries.
Depending on the season you visit Paris will determine what to pack. We recommend bringing plenty of comfortable clothing and footwear as there is often a lot of walking when scouring the attractions here. Plus, for those trying to see as much as possible in 2 days, you’ll likely find yourself out early and back late, so comfort is essential.
You can expect temperatures of around 24°C in Paris in summer, so light clothing is ideal. Winter temperatures rarely drop below 2°C, but be sure to pack warm clothing and snug jackets for those occasional colder days. Spring and autumn temperatures range from 11°C to 19°C with some rainfall, so you’ll want to pack layers and waterproofs when visiting during this time.
Electronics, chargers, toiletries and medication are other items you might want to put on your packing list. As you make your way through the stunning Parisian streets, you’ll find plenty of photo opportunities. With this in mind, we also recommend taking a camera or smartphone on your trip!
There are plenty of amazing places to stay in Paris, making it a great city for a range of travellers. Whether you’re looking for hotels, apartments, plus many more accommodations you can find something here for all. We recommend planning your itinerary before your visit so that you can stay in a location that is near the top sightseeing spots.
We hope that after reading this article you now know more about what to do in Paris. This beautiful city is home to many famed attractions, creating a true bucket list destination. However, one of the best things about visiting here is that you can see many of the top sights in just a couple of days. No matter how you choose to spend your break, you’re sure to be impressed by all of the beauty surrounding this wonderful part of France.
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