Paris Travel Itinerary 2026
Experience the best of art, cuisine, and culture in Paris over 2 unforgettable days
Day:
Category:
Classic Paris Highlights
From the Eiffel Tower to a Seine River cruise — the best of Paris in 2 days
Estimated 2-day budget: €150-300
Day 1
1
Eiffel Tower
LandmarkTour Eiffel
Built for the 1889 World's Fair, this 330-meter iron tower is the ultimate symbol of Paris. The observation decks offer sweeping 360-degree views of the city.
Time09:00-11:00 (120 min)
Access10-min walk from Bir-Hakeim station (Metro Line 6), or RER C Champ de Mars station
Budget€26.80 (summit via elevator)
TipsBook tickets online in advance — it's essential. Early morning has shorter queues. Taking the stairs to the 2nd floor can also save waiting time.
2
Arc de Triomphe
LandmarkArc de Triomphe
A monumental arch built to commemorate Napoleon's victories. The rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the Champs-Elysees and the radiating boulevards of Paris.
Time11:30-12:30 (60 min)
AccessDirectly connected to Charles de Gaulle-Etoile station (Metro Lines 1, 2, 6)
Budget€16 (rooftop terrace)
TipsAccess is via an underground tunnel only. Climb 284 steps to the rooftop for spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower and Paris skyline.
3
Champs-Elysees
WalkingAvenue des Champs-Elysees
Stretching nearly 2 km from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde, this iconic avenue is lined with luxury boutiques, cafes, and cinemas.
Time12:30-14:00 (90 min)
AccessGeorge V or Franklin D. Roosevelt stations (Metro Line 1)
BudgetFree (strolling only)
TipsWatch out for pickpockets — keep valuables in front pockets. For lunch, side-street bistros offer much better value than avenue-facing restaurants.
4
Louvre Museum
MuseumMusee du Louvre
One of the world's largest and most visited art museums, housing over 35,000 works including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. The glass pyramid entrance is iconic.
Time14:30-18:00 (210 min)
Access3-min walk from Palais Royal-Musee du Louvre station (Metro Lines 1, 7)
Budget€22
TipsOpen late on Wednesdays and Fridays until 9:45 PM. Book online in advance. Focus on highlights and plan for 3-4 hours to cover the essentials.
Day 2
5
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Church & ArchitectureCathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris
A Gothic masterpiece whose construction began in the 12th century. After the 2019 fire, restoration is complete and the cathedral has reopened in its full splendor.
Time09:00-10:30 (90 min)
Access5-min walk from Cite station (Metro Line 4)
BudgetFree (interior visit)
TipsReopened in December 2024. Visit early morning to avoid crowds. Don't miss the gargoyle sculptures on the exterior.
6
Sacre-Coeur Basilica
Church & ViewpointBasilique du Sacre-Coeur
A stunning white basilica perched atop Montmartre hill. The steps in front offer panoramic views of Paris, and the square bustles with local artists and performers.
Time11:00-12:30 (90 min)
Access10-min uphill walk from Anvers station (Metro Line 2), or take the funicular
BudgetFree (dome viewing platform €7)
TipsTake the funicular to skip the steep climb. Beware of pickpockets and bracelet scammers who try to tie friendship bracelets on your wrist.
7
Montmartre
WalkingMontmartre
Paris's historic artists' quarter. Place du Tertre is filled with portrait painters, while cobblestone lanes are dotted with charming cafes and galleries.
Time12:30-14:30 (120 min)
Access5-min walk from Sacre-Coeur
Budget€20-40 (including lunch)
TipsAgree on portrait prices before sitting down. Nearby you'll find Cafe des Deux Moulins, the filming location from the movie 'Amelie.'
8
Seine River Cruise
CruiseCroisiere sur la Seine
See Paris from the water — the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Musee d'Orsay, and more glide by as you relax aboard a sightseeing boat.
Time16:00-17:30 (90 min)
Access10-min walk from Trocadero station (Metro Line 9), near the Eiffel Tower
Budget€16-20
TipsA sunset cruise is the most scenic option. Bateaux Mouches is the classic choice, but Bateaux Parisiens is equally good.
Want to book tickets for these spots in advance? Browse Paris activities on Klook for discounted tickets and skip-the-line passes.AD
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1
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2
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Medical costs in France can be very high for uninsured travelers — a simple ER visit can exceed €1,000, and hospitalization can run into tens of thousands of euros. Paris also has a high rate of pickpocketing and petty theft. Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers both medical expenses and loss or theft of personal belongings before your trip.