2-day Paris Itinerary That Will Not Overwhelm You!

Bonjour, fellow travelers! Last month, my friend and I embarked on a girls’ trip to Paris. We were in London and decided to fly into the City of Light. We wanted a simple itinerary, not one packed with lots of activities. It was my first time in Paris; however, Paris is known for its iconic landmarks, artistic treasures, and undeniable aura of romance. We managed to explore the majestic Palace of Versailles, immerse ourselves in the charm of Parisian streets, and marvel at landmarks like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Champs-Élysées within just two days. Here’s a glimpse into our 48-hour Parisian adventure.

Day 1: The Royal Splendor of Versailles

Morning: Journey to Versailles

Our Parisian escapade began with a flight from London to Paris. Unable to get a train ticket, we opted for a flight, which was cheaper and faster. In about 45 minutes, we were in Paris. We hopped on a train to Versailles upon arrival, excited for the grandeur that awaited us. Versailles is a city outside of Paris, and it took us about 50 minutes by train to get there.

Afternoon: Exploring the Palace of Versailles

Upon arriving at Versailles, we went straight to the tour company from which we had booked our tickets. They assigned us a guide who led us and other tourists to the Palace. Stepping into the Palace of Versailles was like walking into a page of history. The palace’s opulence was breathtaking, with its fancy architecture, gold-plated walls (actually adorned with real gold), and lavish gardens. The guide walked us through the palace while explaining the history behind the architecture and how it has been preserved for over 100 years. The palace was magnificent, and we couldn’t contain our excitement. We strolled through the Hall of Mirrors, imagining the royal soirees once held there. The gardens, with their beautifully manicured lawns, sculptures, and fountains, were a masterpiece. I haven’t stopped talking about my visit to the Palace of Versailles.

Evening: Return to Paris and Leisurely Dinner

We returned to Paris in the evening, checked into our cosy hotel close to the city centre, Hôtel D’Aubusson, and enjoyed a leisurely dinner at a nearby nice restaurant just two blocks from our hotel. The restaurant was recommended by one of the hotel workers. The Parisian culinary scene was delightful, with its perfect blend of ambience, flavour, and hospitality. I loved every part of it. It seemed like everyone in Paris was living a carefree life without a worry in the world. I felt like Emily in Paris and loved every bit of it.

Day 2: Iconic Landmarks and Parisian Streets

Morning: Bus Tour of Paris

The next day, we embarked on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour – a perfect way to see the city’s layout and major landmarks. We caught a train to Trocadero station, where the Eiffel Tower is located. We quickly strolled around the Eiffel Tower before getting on the tour bus. The tour provided a comprehensive overview of Paris, allowing us to explore at our own pace. There were bus stops where we could hop off to see the landmarks ourselves.

Midday: The Louvre and Lunch

Our first stop was the Louvre, the world’s largest art museum. Home to thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the museum was an art lover’s paradise. We bought tickets online from GetYourGuide, which granted us seamless entry; we purchased an audio guide that explained the history and artwork. Seeing the famous Monalisa painting face-to-face was a beautiful experience. Post-museum visit, we grabbed a quick lunch at a charming café, savouring croissants and coffee.

Afternoon: Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars

We returned to the Eiffel Tower again with the tour bus to soak in the beauty of this famous landmark and take pictures. We marvelled at this architectural wonder and strolled in the nearby Champ de Mars, a vast green space perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

Evening: Champs-Élysées and a Seine River Cruise

Our day concluded with a walk down the famous Champs-Élysées, lined with renowned designer boutiques, theatres, and cafés. I even heard it’s possible to encounter celebrities here, as this avenue is a shopping haven for the rich and famous. We ended our Parisian journey with a serene Seine river cruise, witnessing the city’s landmarks illuminated under the night sky – a fitting finale to our short but memorable trip.

Our two-day Paris itinerary was a whirlwind of culture and history. From the regal splendour of Versailles to the iconic sights of Paris, each moment was a blend of awe and enchantment. With its timeless charm and elegance, Paris left us longing for more. We flew back to London with hearts full of memories and a promise to return to this enchanting city.

Things to Know Before Visiting Paris

When to Visit Paris: The best time to visit Paris is during spring (April to June) or fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the city isn’t overcrowded with tourists. Summer can be quite busy, and winters, though charming, can be cold and damp.

Getting Around Paris: Paris has an excellent public transportation system, including the Metro, buses, and trams, which are efficient ways to navigate the city. Consider purchasing a Paris Visite travel card for unlimited travel within a specified time. Walking and cycling are also great options to explore the city’s charm.

Currency and Power in Paris: The currency used in Paris is the Euro (€). Cash for smaller establishments is advisable, though most places accept credit cards. France uses Type E plug sockets for power; the standard voltage is 230V. Travelers from outside Europe will likely need a power adapter.

Tips for Travelers:

Plan Ahead: Book tickets for attractions like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower in advance to avoid long queues.

Stay Central: Choose a hotel in the city centre to minimise travel time. We booked our hotel through Booking.com

Use Public Transport: Paris has an excellent public transport system that is both efficient and economical.

Savour the Cuisine: Don’t miss out on the local culinary delights. Take time to enjoy a meal at a Parisian café.

Take it Slow: While seeing everything is tempting, enjoy each moment without rushing.

For train travel across 45 Countries in Europe, you can use Trainline.