2 days in Paris itinerary for friends
A lively 2-day Paris plan for a group of friends: social food halls and lively neighborhood strolls, a playful escape room + arcade, an active bike tour, Seine cruise, group-friendly restaurants and two nightlife options (live music and rooftop cocktails). Pacing balances daytime exploring and evening social energy with easy transfers and short breaks.
Highlights
- Le Marais food scene
- Escape room team challenge
- Afternoon bike tour
- Seine river cruise
- Arcade and rooftop cocktails
- Live music at New Morning
Itinerary
Day 1
Marais, active team play, evening music
Brunch at Marché des Enfants Rouges
Start together at Paris's oldest covered market — many stalls and shared plates make it perfect for groups to graze and split costs.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive before 11:30 to grab a communal high table inside; stalls fill fast on weekends.
- Order 2–3 different stalls and share plates — most vendors accept card and cash; split payments via Venmo/PayPal/Lydia to keep it simple.
- If anyone has dietary needs, the Lebanese and Japanese stalls are great group-friendly options and label ingredients clearly.
Walk Le Marais & Place des Vosges
Stroll the Marais: independent shops, galleries, and the beautiful Place des Vosges — easy, social wandering with photo ops and coffee stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Pick a meeting point (e.g., Place des Vosges center benches) in case people split up for shops.
- Look for local shops on Rue Vieille du Temple for unique group gift shopping — many shops hold items while you grab coffee.
- Avoid the busiest Rue des Rosiers lunchtime hours for photos; head to the quieter north side of Place des Vosges for better shots.
Escape game (team challenge) at HintHunt
Group-focused escape room — ideal for 4–6 friends to collaborate on puzzles and celebrate a shared win.
Tips from local experts:
- Book the 13:15 slot in advance for a midday energy boost and to avoid evening crowds.
- Ask for a room with a moderate success rate if you want a fun challenge that’s still winnable for mixed-experience groups.
- Wear comfortable clothes and keep phones in pockets; teams that assign roles (leader, clue-taker) finish faster and have more laughs.
Coffee break at Fragments (short recharge)
Small specialty café — great spot to regroup, debrief the escape room and charge devices.
Tips from local experts:
- The shop is small — order at the counter and grab a nearby bench to keep your group together.
- If you need power, ask staff for a table near the counter; they’re used to working groups and often accommodate.
- Order a shared pastry plate to keep energy up between activities and split the bill at the counter.
Afternoon guided bike tour (Fat Tire Tours)
Guided bike tour around central Paris — active, social, and great for seeing more ground with a fun group dynamic.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes and layers — Paris wind can be cool along the Seine later in the afternoon.
- Bring a light fanny pack or small bag; guides usually have a safe spot for backpacks, but keep essentials on you.
- Confirm group rate and ask to be near the same guide so you stay together; Fat Tire runs group-friendly e-bikes/safety gear when requested.
Dinner of shared plates at Le Mary Celeste
Casual, buzzy spot in the Marais with oysters, small plates and cocktails — perfect for sharing and splitting the bill.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table for 4+ in advance and mention you're a lively group; they can often arrange long tables.
- Order a selection of small plates and one or two bottles of wine to share — staff are used to splitting checks for groups.
- Arrive early for seats at the bar if your reservation is delayed; the bar area is convivial and friendly for groups.
Transfer: short ride to New Morning (metro/taxi)
Quick transfer from the Marais to the New Morning concert venue in the 10th — take metro or taxi based on luggage and energy.
Tips from local experts:
- Metro: take Line 8 or Line 9 connections — cheaper and often faster than taxis during peak traffic.
- If you prefer door-to-door, ride-hail apps work well; split the fare among the group in-app to avoid cash fumbling.
- Arrive 15–20 minutes before doors to grab a group spot; New Morning has a small foyer but gets crowded fast before shows.
Live music at New Morning
Catch a high-energy live show — well-known intimate venue for jazz, funk and indie acts; a lively way to end day one.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the concert start time in advance and buy tickets online to guarantee entry for your group.
- Aim for standing/near-stage spots if your group likes energetic shows; otherwise arrive early to secure small tables near the back.
- If someone wants a drink during the set, designate two people to fetch rounds — bar lines can be long between sets.
Day 2
Seine sights, playful afternoon, big food-hall dinner and rooftop cocktails
Breakfast at Holybelly 5 (Canal area)
Popular group-friendly brunch spot with hearty plates and great coffee — perfect pre-activity meet-up.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a 20–40 minute wait at peak times; arrive at opening or be ready to queue as a group to stay together.
- Split large pancake or egg plates between 2 people to sample more menu items without overspending.
- They seat groups inside and outside; ask staff for a single long table if you're 4–6 to keep bills consolidated.
Seine sightseeing cruise with Bateaux Parisiens
Relaxing 1.5-hour boat cruise to see central monuments from the water — social, scenic and easy on the feet.
Tips from local experts:
- Book the daytime cruise for clearer views and easier group photos; seating is first-come so arrive 15 minutes early to sit together.
- Ask for the starboard side for better sunset-facing views if timing swings later; audio guides are available in multiple languages.
- If you want a drink onboard, check group drink prices beforehand — you can bring small snacks but confirm rules when booking.
Lunch & drinks at Le Comptoir Général
Eclectic venue with big communal tables, Afro-Caribbean small plates and cocktails — a social, Instagram-ready spot built for groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve or call ahead for a group table; the venue is spacious but popular for larger groups and events.
- Try several plates to share and order a carafe or pitcher so splitting the bill is straightforward.
- Hang around the back courtyard if available — quieter and great for group photos and longer conversations.
Montmartre stroll & Sacré-Cœur photo stop
Wander the steps, narrow streets, and lookouts of Montmartre — lively artists, great skyline views and group photo ops.
Tips from local experts:
- Avoid the stair bottleneck by approaching from Rue de la Bonne at a slightly different angle for easier group movement.
- Bookend the visit with a quick stop at a patisserie on Rue des Abbesses for a sweet treat to share.
- If anyone wants souvenirs, head off the main square to smaller boutiques on Rue Norvins for better prices and less pressure.
Arcade & games at La Tête dans les Nuages (Forum des Halles)
Huge multi-level arcade with classic machines, VR and group games — playful, energetic and perfect for friendly competition.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy a game card for the group and top it up to avoid repeated cash transactions; split costs by assigning one person to manage the card.
- There are both nostalgic arcade machines and VR experiences — split into pairs to rotate through popular games.
- Weekends get busy; aim for a late-afternoon slot to avoid school groups and have better access to high-demand machines.
Dinner at La Felicità (Big Mamma) — food hall feast
Massive food hall with multiple kitchens and huge communal tables — ideal for groups who want variety and a lively atmosphere.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a group table if possible or arrive early to secure a communal spot; it’s best for groups that want to sample many kitchens.
- Order several mains and sides to circulate family-style; choose one person to handle payment and have others reimburse to keep things simple.
- The space is loud and energetic — perfect for friends; consider booking an outdoor spot if anyone prefers less echo.
Rooftop cocktails at Le Perchoir Marais
End with skyline views and cocktails on a popular rooftop — social, photogenic, and a relaxed cap on the trip.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a rooftop table in advance for groups; terraces are limited and book up on weekend nights.
- Get there near opening or during golden hour for the best light and slightly smaller crowds; split bottles or pitchers to keep costs down.
- If the rooftop is full, ask the host about indoor bar spots — Perchoir staff are used to seating groups flexibly and may offer alternatives.
