2 days in Paris itinerary
A balanced 2-day Paris plan mixing museums, local neighborhoods, parks, markets and well-regarded local cafés/bistros. Moderate walking, realistic transfer times by metro/walk, and paced meals/breaks to keep the days enjoyable.
Highlights
- Le Marais & Marché des Enfants Rouges
- Canal Saint-Martin
- Musée d'Orsay & Musée Rodin
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
- Local bistros and neighborhood strolls
Itinerary
Day 1
Classic central Paris neighborhoods with local food, a charming canal walk, a major chapel and a lively Latin Quarter evening.
Breakfast at Du Pain et des Idées
Start with a quintessential Parisian pastry and coffee at a beloved local boulangerie.
Local tips:
- Arrive early — pastries sell out fast.
- Try the pain aux raisins or escargot pastry.
- Cash accepted but card is fine.
Stroll along Canal Saint-Martin
Relaxed walk along the canal, local shops and iron footbridges — great for photos and mellow local life.
Local tips:
- Walk toward Rue de Lancry for lively cafés and boutiques.
- Keep an eye on bicycles on the towpath.
- If weather is good, sit on a canal edge bench.
Transfer to Place des Vosges (Le Marais)
Short transfer (walk/metro) into Le Marais to reach Place des Vosges and the neighborhood markets.
Local tips:
- Walking is about 25–30 minutes; metro is faster (several lines).
- Watch your belongings during the transfer.
- Use local apps or station maps to pick the best metro connection.
Lunch at Marché des Enfants Rouges
Choose from a variety of high-quality market stalls (Moroccan, Japanese, French) and eat at communal seating — a local favorite.
Local tips:
- Popular at midday; arrive by 11:30–12:00 to avoid the longest queues.
- Bring cash for some stalls and share plates to sample more.
- Check stall hours — some close mid-afternoon.
Musée Picasso
Explore Picasso's works in a manageable visit focused on highlights and the museum's collection.
Local tips:
- Reserve tickets in advance if possible to minimize queueing.
- Allow 60–90 minutes for the main collection.
- Audio guides are available.
Coffee break at Café Charlot
Classic Parisian café terrace — rest, people-watch, and recharge.
Local tips:
- Outdoor seating when weather permits for good people-watching.
- Order a light snack if still peckish.
- Service can be leisurely — enjoy the pause.
Sainte-Chapelle visit
Visit Sainte-Chapelle to admire its iconic stained-glass windows (short, focused visit).
Local tips:
- Pre-book a timed ticket if possible; windows are best seen with daylight.
- The main chapel is relatively compact — 30–45 minutes is usually enough.
- Security checks can add a few minutes; plan accordingly.
Stroll by Shakespeare and Company & Île de la Cité
Wander the literary bookshop façade, nearby Notre-Dame area, and riverside lanes.
Local tips:
- Photos outside Shakespeare and Company are customary; the inside has limited space and a queue.
- If interested in independent bookstores, stroll the nearby left-bank streets.
- Be mindful of pickpockets in crowded tourist zones.
Relax / pause at Place Saint-Michel
A short rest to freshen up before the evening — sit, hydrate, or return to base if needed.
Local tips:
- Good spot to regroup and decide on any small detours.
- Nearby bakeries and cafés if you want a small snack.
- Public restrooms are available in nearby cafés (purchase may be required).
Transfer to dinner (short walk/metro)
Move to the restaurant area for dinner — short transfer by foot or metro depending on your exact location.
Local tips:
- Allow time for a short metro ride or a 10–20 minute walk depending on pace.
- Check opening hours and reservation confirmation for the restaurant.
- Use a navigation app for the fastest route in real time.
Dinner at Le Procope
Enjoy a classic Parisian dinner at one of the city's historic cafés with traditional French dishes.
Local tips:
- Book ahead when possible; it's popular in the evening.
- Try a classic dish like confit or a seasonal special.
- Evening service can be relaxed — savour the meal.
Evening walk along the Seine (Quai de la Tournelle)
Finish the night with a gentle riverside stroll and views of illuminated bridges and buildings.
Local tips:
- The Seine is lovely at night; watch for quieter spots away from major bridges.
- If you want a sit-down view, pick a quai bench or low stone wall.
- Stay aware of opening hours if you plan to stop into riverside cafés.
Day 2
A museum morning and relaxed afternoon: Seine views, elegant sculpture gardens, a large local park, and evening neighborhood dining.
Musée d'Orsay visit (morning)
Focused visit to Impressionist and Post-Impressionist highlights; arrive at opening to avoid crowds.
Local tips:
- Buy timed tickets in advance to skip the longest lines.
- Prioritize 1–2 favorite artists to keep the visit to about 2 hours.
- Lockers available for large bags.
Walk through Jardin des Tuileries
Calm garden walk between Musée d'Orsay and the Louvre/Tuileries area — sculptures, ponds, and shaded paths.
Local tips:
- Great spot for quick photos and a short rest on the green chairs.
- The garden is expansive; keep to your chosen path to remain on schedule.
- Seasonal flower displays vary throughout the year.
Lunch near the Eiffel: Café Constant
Comfortable bistro lunch with well-prepared French dishes in a neighborhood favorite setting.
Local tips:
- Reservations recommended for a relaxed midday meal.
- Menu changes seasonally; ask about today's specials.
- Short walk to the Eiffel Tower if you want a quick viewpoint after lunch.
Musée Rodin and garden
Enjoy Rodin's sculptures and the serene sculpture garden — ideal for a peaceful cultural afternoon.
Local tips:
- The garden is as rewarding as the indoor collection; allow time for both.
- Tickets often include access to both museum and gardens.
- Benches in the garden are great for a contemplative break.
Trocadéro viewpoint visit
Short stop at the Esplanade du Trocadéro for classic views of the Eiffel Tower and photo opportunities.
Local tips:
- Best for photos of the Eiffel Tower; arrive before peak afternoon crowds if possible.
- If you want a closer view, walk down to the Champ de Mars afterwards.
- Be mindful of sellers and crowds around the viewpoint.
Transfer to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Longer cross-city transfer (metro + walk) heading to a very local, hilly park known for its views and relaxed local vibe.
Local tips:
- Allow ~60 minutes by metro; check real-time schedules for the quickest route.
- Bring a bottle of water for the uphill sections in the park.
- Consider a seat on the right side of the metro for scenic glimpses on some lines.
Explore Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Wander the park's paths, waterfalls, viewpoints and local picnic spots — a favorite among Parisians.
Local tips:
- Climb to the Temple de la Sibylle for one of the park's best views.
- Relax on the lawns or find a café nearby for a refreshment.
- Good spot for light photography and watching local life.
Transfer to dinner (short metro/walk)
Quick transfer toward a lively evening neighborhood with several good wine bars and bistros.
Local tips:
- Short metro or taxi ride recommended to save time.
- Confirm the restaurant's reservation and opening time before leaving the park.
- Have your navigation ready for the final walk from the station.
Dinner at Le Barav (wine bar & small plates)
Relaxed wine-focused dinner with small plates — a good local choice for a convivial evening.
Local tips:
- Reserve ahead for a table, especially for groups.
- Ask the staff for wine pairings with small plates.
- Portion sizes suit sharing — order a few plates to sample.
Evening stroll and snacks on Rue Montorgueil
Finish with a lively food-street stroll — bakeries, cheese shops and casual bars make this a great local evening option.
Local tips:
- Ideal for a relaxed final evening: sample a cheese shop, pick up dessert, or sit at a small bar.
- Street remains lively in the evening; watch for market deliveries earlier in the day.
- Good for finding last-minute edible souvenirs.