Paris, the City of Light, is a dream destination that perfectly balances history, culture, romance, and world-class cuisine. This detailed 2-day Paris itinerary covers the best places in the city that you can visit over a perfect weekend.

Paris is a compact yet incredibly rich city with surprisingly so much to see! Charming boulevards wind through historic neighborhoods, iconic monuments stand tall along the Seine, breathtaking museums house priceless masterpieces, and cozy cafés dot every corner. Therefore, exploring Paris on foot combined with efficient metro rides is by far the best way to experience this enchanting French capital.

With a well-planned itinerary, you will be able to explore the best places in Paris conveniently. Although some sights can be reached by various means, the combination of walking and using the Paris Metro allows you to maximize your time and truly feel the pulse of the city.

Based on my multiple visits to this wonderful city, I put together this comprehensive 2-day Paris itinerary covering both the iconic landmarks and hidden gems. It includes practical tips on transportation, provides an interactive map, and suggests the best places to stay in Paris.

Essential Paris Travel Tips:

Metro Pass: Purchase a Paris Visite Pass or Navigo Easy Card for unlimited metro travel. I recommend getting a 2-day pass for convenience.
Skip-the-Line Tickets: Book tickets in advance for major attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum through GetYourGuide or Tiqets to save hours of waiting time.
Stay: I booked all my accommodation in Paris on Booking.com for the best rates and flexible cancellation.
Travel Insurance: Purchase reliable travel insurance at Heymondo or SafetyWing (this one is the cheapest on the market).
Check the best guided tours in Paris on Viator or GetYourGuide.

Summary of My 2-Day Paris Route

Day 1: Île de la Cité (Notre-Dame)- Sainte-Chapelle- Latin Quarter- Panthéon- Luxembourg Gardens- Saint-Germain-des-Prés- Orsay Museum- Seine River Cruise- Eiffel Tower at Sunset

Day 2: Louvre Museum- Tuileries Garden- Place de la Concorde- Champs-Élysées- Arc de Triomphe- Trocadéro- Montmartre- Sacré-Cœur- Moulin Rouge

If I had Only One Day in Paris, my itinerary would include: Notre-Dame (exterior)- Sainte-Chapelle- Louvre Museum- Eiffel Tower- Seine River Cruise at sunset.

If I had 3 Days in Paris, I would add: Versailles Palace day trip- Musée Rodin- Le Marais district- Canal Saint-Martin- Père Lachaise Cemetery.

Paris Trip Planning Tips

Getting Around Paris

Paris has one of the best public transportation systems in Europe. The Metro is fast, efficient, and reaches every corner of the city. I highly recommend purchasing a multi-day travel pass rather than individual tickets.

The city is also incredibly walkable, and some of the best experiences come from wandering through charming neighborhoods. I found that combining walking with strategic metro use allows you to see the most while soaking in the Parisian atmosphere.

Transportation Tips:

Download the Citymapper or RATP app for real-time metro directions
Metro operates from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM (2:00 AM on weekends)
Walking between nearby attractions often takes the same time as taking the metro
Comfortable walking shoes are essential – you’ll walk 15,000-20,000 steps daily

Where to Stay During Your Paris Visit

On every trip to Paris, I try to find centrally located accommodation that provides easy access to major attractions while still offering a local neighborhood feel. Hotels can be expensive in Paris, so I often opt for well-reviewed boutique hotels or charming apartments in residential areas.

When looking for accommodation in Paris, location is crucial. I prioritize neighborhoods with good metro connections and safe, walkable streets with local cafés and bakeries.

Accommodation: I always book my stays through Booking.com. This accommodation search site provides a variety of places to stay for any budget. Also, as a returning customer, you get great Genius discounts (10-30%) and special mobile-only prices when booking through their app.

Tip: Always check the booking cancellation policy, and if possible, choose accommodation with flexible cancellation terms. I usually book places that I can cancel close to the trip to be on the safe side in case my plans change.

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Paris:

Le Marais (3rd/4th arrondissement) – Trendy, central, excellent restaurants and nightlife
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement) – Elegant, literary history, upscale cafés
Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement) – Student area, lively, affordable dining options
Montmartre (18th arrondissement) – Artistic, romantic, slightly removed but charming
Near the Louvre (1st arrondissement) – Most central, easy access to everything

I booked all my Paris accommodation through Booking.com. You can find more detailed comments on recommended places later in this post, at the end of each day section.

What to Expect in Paris?

In Paris, you will be treated to world-renowned museums housing masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, iconic monuments including the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, charming café culture where time slows down over coffee and croissants, and romantic walks along the Seine River. You’ll discover hidden courtyards in Le Marais, climb the bohemian streets of Montmartre, marvel at Gothic architecture at Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, and indulge in the finest French cuisine from street crêpes to Michelin-starred restaurants.

The city effortlessly blends its rich 2,000-year history with contemporary art, fashion, and innovation. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, foodie, or hopeless romantic, Paris delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn.

How Many Days Do You Need in Paris?

Based on my experience from several visits to the city, if you want to explore the essential highlights, two days in Paris is sufficient time to see the major attractions. However, Paris is a city that rewards slow exploration – you could easily spend a week and still discover new treasures.

In this post, I also highlight the absolute must-see places in Paris for those who have limited time. Moreover, I mention places that can be skipped if you’re on a tight schedule.

Note: This itinerary assumes you’re starting and ending in central Paris. If you’re arriving by train at Gare du Nord or flying into Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can easily adjust the itinerary accordingly.

When to Visit Paris?

The best time to visit Paris is during the shoulder seasons of April-June and September-October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, attractions are less crowded, and hotel prices are more reasonable.

Summer (July-August) brings warm weather and long days, perfect for evening strolls and outdoor dining. However, this is peak tourist season – expect crowds at major attractions and higher prices. Many Parisians leave the city in August, so some restaurants and shops may be closed.

Spring (April-June) is magical with blooming flowers in Luxembourg Gardens and along the Seine. The city feels fresh and romantic.

Fall (September-October) offers beautiful autumn colors, comfortable temperatures, and cultural events like Nuit Blanche.

Winter (November-March) is quieter with shorter days and colder weather, but Christmas markets and holiday lights create a magical atmosphere. This is also when you’ll find the best hotel deals.

Budget for Your Paris Trip

Paris can be expensive, but it’s possible to enjoy the city on various budgets. Here’s a rough breakdown of expected costs:

Accommodation: €80-€150/night for a comfortable 3-star hotel or apartment
Food: €40-€80/day depending on where you eat (budget €15-20 for lunch, €25-40 for dinner)
Attractions: €15-20 per major museum/monument (consider the Paris Museum Pass at €62 for 2 days)
Metro Pass: €16.90 for a 2-day Paris Visite Pass (zones 1-3)
Coffee/Snacks: €3-5 for coffee, €5-8 for a crêpe or sandwich

Money-Saving Tips:

Many museums are free on the first Sunday of each month
Picnic with items from local markets instead of always dining out
Free attractions include Notre-Dame exterior, Sacré-Cœur, window shopping on Champs-Élysées
Walk whenever possible to save on metro fares

Paris 2-Day Itinerary Day by Day

For those of you who want to have a good grasp on what the City of Light has to offer, here is my day-by-day breakdown of the route I took during my two-day trip to Paris.

Day 1: Historic Heart of Paris, Left Bank & Eiffel Tower

Distance covered: 8 KM walking + metro rides
Total walking time: 2-3 hours (spread throughout the day)
Overnight in: Le Marais or Latin Quarter

The first day focuses on the historic center of Paris, the charming Left Bank, and culminates with the iconic Eiffel Tower at sunset. I started early to beat the crowds and make the most of the day.

Morning: Île de la Cité & Latin Quarter

NOTRE-DAME CATHEDRAL

I began my Paris adventure at the heart of the city – Île de la Cité, the island where Paris was born over 2,000 years ago. Notre-Dame Cathedral stands as the crown jewel of this historic island.

Important Note: Following the devastating fire in April 2019, Notre-Dame is currently under reconstruction and not open to visitors inside. However, the exterior remains one of the most photographed landmarks in Paris, and witnessing the ongoing restoration is historically significant. The cathedral is expected to reopen in December 2024.

Even from the outside, Notre-Dame’s Gothic architecture is breathtaking. The flying buttresses, gargoyles, and the magnificent rose windows (visible from outside) showcase medieval craftsmanship at its finest. I walked around the entire perimeter to appreciate different angles of this 850-year-old masterpiece.

USEFUL TIP: Visit early morning (7-8 AM) when the island is peaceful and you can take photos without crowds. The morning light hitting the eastern façade creates beautiful photography opportunities.

What to see around Notre-Dame:

Walk along the Seine on both sides of the island for classic Parisian views
Visit Square Jean XXIII behind the cathedral for the best view of the flying buttresses
Check out the “Point Zéro des Routes de France” – the bronze marker in front of Notre-Dame that marks the official center of Paris

SAINTE-CHAPELLE

Just a 5-minute walk from Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle is an absolute must-see that many tourists skip – don’t make that mistake! This 13th-century Gothic chapel houses the most spectacular stained glass windows I’ve ever seen.

Built by King Louis IX to house Christ’s Crown of Thorns, the upper chapel features 15 stunning stained glass windows reaching 15 meters high, depicting 1,113 biblical scenes. When sunlight streams through these windows, the entire chapel glows in brilliant blues, reds, and golds – it’s absolutely mesmerizing.

Entrance fee: €13 (or included in Paris Museum Pass)

CRITICAL TIP: Book your tickets online in advance through the official website or GetYourGuide. The security line can be very long, sometimes 1-2 hours during peak season. Skip-the-line tickets are worth every penny. I arrived right at opening time (9 AM) and had the chapel almost to myself for 15 magical minutes.

Best time to visit: Late morning (10-11 AM) when the sun illuminates the southern windows most beautifully. Avoid rainy days if possible – the windows lose their magic without natural light.

LATIN QUARTER

After Sainte-Chapelle, I crossed to the Left Bank and wandered into the Latin Quarter, Paris’s historic student district. This neighborhood has maintained its bohemian character for centuries.

Things to do in the Latin Quarter:

Explore Rue Mouffetard – One of Paris’s oldest streets, this market street comes alive with food vendors, cheese shops, bakeries, and cafés. I grabbed a warm croissant and continued exploring.

Visit Shakespeare and Company Bookshop – This legendary English-language bookstore across from Notre-Dame is a must for book lovers. The quirky, labyrinthine shop has been a haven for writers since 1951. Browse the crammed shelves, read in cozy nooks, and soak in the literary atmosphere. It’s free to enter and truly enchanting.

Lunch at a Local Café – The Latin Quarter is filled with affordable student-friendly restaurants. I had lunch at Café de la Nouvelle Mairie (hidden gem!) or grabbed crêpes from a street vendor. Budget €12-18 for lunch.

THE PANTHÉON

After lunch, I walked uphill to the Panthéon, France’s temple to its greatest citizens. This neoclassical mausoleum houses the remains of Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, and other French luminaries.

The interior is stunning with soaring domes and Foucault’s Pendulum demonstrating Earth’s rotation. The crypt below is where you’ll find the tombs of France’s heroes.

Entrance fee: €11.50 (or included in Paris Museum Pass)

My take: If you’re pressed for time, you can admire the impressive exterior for free and skip the interior unless you’re particularly interested in French history. I spent about 45 minutes inside.

LUXEMBOURG GARDENS

Just a 10-minute walk from the Panthéon, Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) is my favorite park in Paris. This 23-hectare oasis offers the perfect mid-afternoon break.

I loved watching Parisians enjoying their afternoon – children sailing toy boats in the octagonal pond, couples lounging in the signature green chairs, old men playing chess, students reading under trees. It’s quintessentially Parisian.

What to do:

Rent a chair (free!) and relax by the fountain
Admire the Luxembourg Palace (now the French Senate)
Explore the Medici Fountain – a romantic, shaded spot
If traveling with kids, the playground and puppet shows are delightful

Time to spend: 30-60 minutes depending on how much you want to relax

Afternoon: Saint-Germain-des-Prés & Musée d’Orsay

SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS

From Luxembourg Gardens, I strolled through the elegant Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, the intellectual and artistic heart of Paris in the 20th century. Hemingway, Picasso, Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir all frequented these streets.

Must-visit cafés (even just for coffee):

Café de Flore – The most famous literary café in Paris
Les Deux Magots – Another legendary spot where intellectuals gathered

Yes, these cafés are touristy and expensive (€8-10 for coffee), but sipping an espresso where Sartre wrote his philosophy is worth it for the experience. I spent 30 minutes people-watching from Café de Flore’s terrace.

Window shopping on Boulevard Saint-Germain – Even if you’re not buying, the luxury boutiques, art galleries, and bookshops make for excellent browsing.

MUSÉE D’ORSAY

By late afternoon (around 3-4 PM), I headed to the magnificent Musée d’Orsay, housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station. This museum holds the world’s finest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.

Highlights not to miss:

Monet’s “Water Lilies” series
Van Gogh’s “Starry Night Over the Rhône” and “Self-Portrait”
Renoir’s “Bal du moulin de la Galette”
Degas’s ballet dancer sculptures
Whistler’s “Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1” (Whistler’s Mother)
The top-floor café with clock windows overlooking Paris

Entrance fee: €16 (or included in Paris Museum Pass)

USEFUL TIP: Book timed entry tickets online to skip the often 2-hour queue. I recommend arriving around 3 PM when morning crowds have left. Allow 2-3 hours to properly explore. Thursday evenings the museum stays open until 9:45 PM – a magical time to visit with fewer crowds.

The museum layout is intuitive – start on the ground floor with earlier works, take the escalator to the top floor for Impressionists (the highlight), then work your way down.

Evening: Seine River Cruise & Eiffel Tower at Sunset

SEINE RIVER CRUISE

After the museum, I walked along the Seine to one of the many boat cruise departure points (Bateaux Parisiens near the Eiffel Tower or Bateaux Mouches near Pont de l’Alma).

A Seine River cruise is the perfect way to rest your tired feet while seeing Paris’s landmarks illuminated at dusk. The one-hour cruise passes Notre-Dame, the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and of course, the Eiffel Tower.

Cost: €15-20 for a standard 1-hour cruise

TIMING TIP: Book a cruise that departs 1-1.5 hours before sunset. This way, you’ll see Paris in daylight, at golden hour, and illuminated at night – three different experiences in one cruise. In summer (June-August), this means departing around 8 PM. Check sunset times and plan accordingly.

I booked my cruise through GetYourGuide and found it incredibly relaxing and romantic.

EIFFEL TOWER AT SUNSET

No visit to Paris is complete without seeing the Iron Lady. After the cruise, I walked to the Eiffel Tower to experience it at the most magical time – sunset and the sparkling light show.

The Eiffel Tower sparkles for 5 minutes every hour on the hour after sunset. Watching this glittering spectacle is absolutely enchanting. I positioned myself at Trocadéro Gardens (across the river) for the best view, though the Champ de Mars park at the tower’s base is also wonderful.

If you want to go up the Eiffel Tower:

Book tickets months in advance – tickets sell out quickly
Summit tickets: €28.30 (elevator to top)
Second floor tickets: €18.10 (elevator) or €11.30 (stairs)
Evening visits are less crowded and offer spectacular night views
Book through the official website or GetYourGuide

My recommendation: Unless you’re passionate about going up, viewing the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro or Champ de Mars is just as memorable and free. The tower is more impressive from outside than the view from inside.

I spent about an hour at the Eiffel Tower area, watching it sparkle multiple times, taking photos, and soaking in the atmosphere. Street vendors sell wine and snacks – grabbing a bottle of wine and sitting on the grass watching the tower is a perfect Parisian experience.

SAFETY TIP: Be cautious of pickpockets around the Eiffel Tower, especially during the light shows when crowds gather. Keep valuables secure.

Where to Stay in Paris (Day 1)

For your first night in Paris, I recommend staying in either the Le Marais district or the Latin Quarter. Both neighborhoods are central, safe, atmospheric, and filled with restaurants for dinner.

Le Marais is trendier with excellent nightlife, while the Latin Quarter is more historic with a bohemian vibe. Both have good metro connections.

I stayed at a charming boutique hotel in Le Marais (Hôtel Jeanne d’Arc Le Marais) – perfectly located, clean, comfortable, and affordable at around €120/night. The staff was incredibly helpful, and the neighborhood had endless dining options.

Other excellent options:

Hôtel Saint-Paul Rive Gauche (Latin Quarter) – €110-140/night
Hôtel du Temps (Le Marais) – €100-130/night
For budget travelers: Generator Paris (near Place de la République) – €30-50/night for hostel beds

Book your accommodation through Booking.com for the best rates and flexible cancellation policies.

Dinner recommendations near Le Marais:

L’As du Fallafel – The best falafel in Paris (€8-12)
Breizh Café – Excellent Breton crêpes (€15-25)
Chez Janou – Classic Provençal cuisine (€25-40)

After dinner, I took a leisurely evening stroll through the illuminated streets of Le Marais before calling it a night. Tomorrow would be another packed day!

Day 2: Louvre, Champs-Élysées & Montmartre

Distance covered: 6 KM walking + metro rides
Total walking time: 2 hours (spread throughout the day)
Metro stops: Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre, Charles de Gaulle-Étoile, Anvers or Abbesses
Overnight in: Same accommodation or near Montmartre

Day 2 covers the world’s most famous museum, the grand boulevards of Paris, and the artistic hilltop village of Montmartre. This day requires an early start to maximize your time at the Louvre.

Morning: The Louvre Museum

THE LOUVRE – WORLD’S MOST VISITED MUSEUM

I woke up at 7 AM on day 2 to be at the Louvre by 9 AM opening time. This is absolutely crucial – the Louvre receives 30,000 visitors daily, and by 11 AM, it becomes uncomfortably crowded.

The Louvre is housed in a former royal palace and is the world’s largest art museum, with 35,000 works of art displayed across 72,735 square meters. You could spend days here, but with strategic planning, you can see the highlights in 3-4 hours.

Entrance fee: €22 (or included in Paris Museum Pass)

CRITICAL TIPS FOR THE LOUVRE:

Buy timed entry tickets online at least a week in advance – this saves 1-2 hours of queue time
Enter through the Porte des Lions entrance (near Pont Royal) – it’s much less crowded than the main pyramid entrance
Download the Louvre app before your visit for maps and audio guides
Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll walk several kilometers inside
Bring a water bottle – the museum has fountains to refill

My Strategic Route Through the Louvre (3.5 hours):

I followed this efficient route to see all the major masterpieces without backtracking:

First Stop: Denon Wing (Italian Paintings)

Head straight to the Mona Lisa (Salle des États, 1st floor) – go immediately at opening before the crowds arrive. I had a relatively clear view for about 15 minutes before the room filled up. Yes, it’s smaller than you expect and behind bulletproof glass, but seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece in person is surreal.
After the Mona Lisa, see Veronese’s massive “Wedding at Cana” in the same room
Visit the Italian paintings gallery: works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian

Second Stop: Still in Denon Wing

Winged Victory of Samothrace – This stunning Hellenistic sculpture at the top of the Daru staircase is one of the Louvre’s most dramatic pieces
Venus de Milo (Sully Wing, Ground Floor) – The ancient Greek sculpture of Aphrodite is breathtaking in its grace

Third Stop: Richelieu Wing

French paintings including works by Delacroix
Napoleon III’s Apartments – opulent rooms that show how French royalty lived

Fourth Stop: Egyptian Antiquities (Sully Wing)

The Louvre has one of the world’s finest Egyptian collections
See the Great Sphinx of Tanis and numerous sarcophagi
The Egyptian galleries are fascinating and often less crowded

Other Notable Works (if you have time):

“Liberty Leading the People” by Delacroix
“The Raft of the Medusa” by Géricault
Vermeer’s “The Lacemaker”
The Louvre’s medieval foundations (in the basement)

USEFUL TIP: The Louvre’s beautiful courtyard with the glass pyramid makes for fantastic photos. I returned after my visit to photograph the pyramid without crowds (best at sunrise or late afternoon).

I spent exactly 3.5 hours in the Louvre and felt satisfied that I’d seen the essential masterpieces without museum fatigue. By the time I left at 12:30 PM, the entrance lines were enormous – I was glad I’d arrived early.

Lunch suggestion: The museum’s food court is convenient but overpriced. Instead, I walked to Rue Montorgueil (10 minutes away), a charming pedestrian market street with bakeries, cheese shops, and cafés. I grabbed a jambon-beurre (ham and butter baguette) and ate it in the nearby Jardin du Palais Royal – a hidden peaceful garden with beautiful arcades.

Early Afternoon: Tuileries Garden to Arc de Triomphe

TUILERIES GARDEN

After lunch, I strolled through the Tuileries Garden, the beautiful formal garden between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. Originally created in the 16th century for Catherine de Medici, these gardens are perfect for a post-museum rest.

I rented one of the iconic green chairs (free!) near the fountains and took a 20-minute break. The tree-lined paths, sculptures, and views make this one of Paris’s loveliest parks.

Photo tip: The view looking back toward the Louvre through the gardens is iconic – shoot it from the raised terrace near Place de la Concorde.

PLACE DE LA CONCORDE

At the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde is Paris’s largest public square. The 3,300-year-old Egyptian obelisk at its center came from Luxor Temple.

This square witnessed some of French history’s darkest moments – it’s where the guillotine stood during the Revolution, executing Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and thousands of others.

I spent just 10 minutes here admiring the obelisk and the fountains before continuing up the Champs-Élysées.

CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES – THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS AVENUE

I walked up the entire 1.9 km length of the Champs-Élysées from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. This took about 30-40 minutes with window shopping stops.

The “most beautiful avenue in the world” is lined with flagship stores, cafés, and theatres. It’s undeniably touristy and commercial, but it’s also quintessentially Parisian.

What to do on the Champs-Élysées:

Window shop at flagship stores (Sephora, Louis Vuitton, Cartier)
Stop for coffee at Ladurée – famous for macarons (expensive but iconic)
Browse books at the FNAC megastore
Simply people-watch from a café terrace

My honest take: The Champs-Élysées is worth walking once, but it’s quite commercialized. The experience of strolling this famous avenue is more valuable than the actual shops. I enjoyed it more than I expected, particularly the tree-lined upper section near the Arc.

ARC DE TRIOMPHE

At the western end of the Champs-Élysées stands Napoleon’s magnificent Arc de Triomphe, honoring those who fought for France. Twelve avenues radiate from this triumphal arch, creating the famous “Étoile” (star) traffic roundabout – one of Europe’s craziest intersections to watch!

Going up the Arc:

Entrance fee: €13 (included in Paris Museum Pass)
Stairs: 284 steps to the top (no elevator)
The view: Absolutely spectacular 360-degree panorama of Paris

I climbed to the top and found the view arguably better than from the Eiffel Tower. You can see the perfect symmetry of Hausmann’s Paris, with avenues radiating in all directions, the Eiffel Tower in the distance, and the Louvre at the other end of the Champs-Élysées.

CRITICAL SAFETY TIP: To reach the Arc de Triomphe, NEVER try to cross the traffic circle on foot! Use the underground pedestrian tunnel entrance on the Champs-Élysées side. I saw tourists attempting to cross the street – absolutely do not do this!

Inside the Arc, there’s also a small museum about its history and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath, with an eternal flame rekindled every evening at 6:30 PM.

Time to spend: 45 minutes to 1 hour including the climb and views

TROCADÉRO

From the Arc de Triomphe, I took metro line 6 to Trocadéro (or you can walk 20 minutes). The Trocadéro esplanade offers THE BEST view of the Eiffel Tower.

If you didn’t get your perfect Eiffel Tower photo last night, this is your chance. The elevated terrace provides an unobstructed view with the Jardins du Trocadéro fountains in the foreground.

I spent 15-20 minutes here taking photos and watching street performers. If you have time, the Trocadéro Gardens below are beautiful for a stroll.

Photo tip: For the classic Eiffel Tower shot, stand on the elevated terrace between the two Trocadéro palace wings. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light.

Late Afternoon/Evening: Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

MONTMARTRE – PARIS’S ARTISTIC HILLTOP VILLAGE

The final highlight of your Paris trip is the enchanting neighborhood of Montmartre, perched on a hilltop in the 18th arrondissement. Once a separate village, Montmartre was the heart of bohemian Paris in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Picasso, Van Gogh, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, and countless other artists lived and worked here. The neighborhood retains its village atmosphere with cobblestone streets, ivy-covered buildings, and hidden squares.

Getting there: Take the metro to Abbesses station (the deepest in Paris!) or Anvers station. From Anvers, you can take the funicular (included in metro tickets) or climb the stairs to Sacré-Cœur.

I arrived in Montmartre around 5 PM, giving me plenty of time to explore before sunset.

SACRÉ-CŒUR BASILICA

The white-domed Sacré-Cœur Basilica crowns the highest point in Paris (130 meters). Built in 1914, this Romano-Byzantine basilica is visible from across the city.

The basilica interior is free to enter and features beautiful mosaics, particularly the apse mosaic of Christ in Glory. However, the real draw is the view from the dome (€7, 300 steps) – even better than from the Arc de Triomphe in my opinion.

But honestly, the view from the basilica’s front steps is spectacular and completely free. I sat on the steps for 30 minutes watching the sunset over Paris – it’s a magical experience. Street performers play music, artists draw portraits, and locals and tourists alike gather to watch the city turn golden, then light up as night falls.

USEFUL TIP: Visit Sacré-Cœur in late afternoon to see Paris in daylight and stay through sunset for the illuminated city view. It’s romantic, peaceful, and absolutely free.

Warning: The area directly in front of Sacré-Cœur has aggressive bracelet scammers. Politely decline and keep walking. Once you’re in the actual Montmartre streets, it’s much more relaxed.

EXPLORING MONTMARTRE STREETS

After Sacré-Cœur, I wandered the charming streets of Montmartre. This is where the magic happens – the hidden squares, winding staircases, and village atmosphere make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Must-see spots in Montmartre:

Place du Tertre – The main tourist square where artists paint and sell portraits. It’s touristy and overpriced, but also charming. I spent 10 minutes wandering through and admiring the artwork.

La Maison Rose – This pink corner café/restaurant is one of the most photographed spots in Paris. Built in 1905, it was painted by Utrillo and frequented by Picasso. I took the obligatory photo (it’s at the corner of Rue de l’Abreuvoir and Rue des Saules).

Rue de l’Abreuvoir – Arguably Montmartre’s prettiest street, lined with ivy-covered houses and wisteria.

Le Mur des Je t’aime (The Wall of I Love You) – A wall featuring “I love you” written in 250 languages. It’s in Square Jehan Rictus, a small park off Place des Abbesses. Cute photo opportunity.

Au Lapin Agile – The iconic pink cabaret where Picasso and other artists hung out. It’s still an active cabaret today.

Moulin de la Galette – One of the last remaining windmills in Montmartre, immortalized in Renoir’s famous painting.

I spent about 1.5 hours just wandering Montmartre’s streets, getting delightfully lost, and discovering hidden corners. This is the best way to experience the neighborhood – no set route, just exploration.

USEFUL TIP: Download an offline map or pick up a paper map at a tourist office. Montmartre’s winding streets can be confusing, and you’ll want to find specific spots like La Maison Rose.

MOULIN ROUGE

If you’re still energetic, walk down to Boulevard de Clichy to see the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret (metro: Blanche). The iconic red windmill has been entertaining audiences since 1889.

I didn’t attend a show (tickets are €90-200 and should be booked in advance), but seeing the famous windmill lit up at night is free and worth the short detour.

The Pigalle neighborhood around Moulin Rouge is the red-light district – it’s safe but can feel seedy at night. I simply snapped a photo of the windmill and headed to dinner.

Where to Dine in Montmartre

Montmartre has countless bistros and restaurants. I had dinner at Le Consulat, a charming historic café that’s been around since 1891. The food was good (French classics), reasonably priced (€20-30 for a main), and the atmosphere was wonderfully Parisian.

Other excellent dinner options:

Le Coq Rico – Upscale rotisserie chicken (€40-60)
Chez Toinette – Cozy bistro with excellent French cuisine (€25-40)
La Bonne Franquette – Traditional French restaurant where Van Gogh ate (€30-45)
Bouillon Pigalle – Budget-friendly French brasserie (€10-20)

After dinner, I took one last stroll through the illuminated streets of Montmartre before taking the metro back to my hotel. What a perfect ending to two incredible days in Paris!

Getting Back to Your Hotel

From Montmartre, the metro connections are excellent:

Abbesses station (line 12) – deepest station in Paris
Anvers station (line 2)
Pigalle station (lines 2 and 12)

The Paris metro runs until 1:00 AM on weekdays and 2:00 AM on weekends, so you’ll have no trouble getting back to your accommodation.