The Eiffel Tower lit up against a black night sky.
Day 1: the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower
Start the day with a visit to the Louvre. This massive museum is home to some of finest art in the world. This museum is a staple of tourism in Paris, but for good reason. Begin early in the morning. There is so much to see, so you need a lot of time to even brush the surface of this museum. At minimum, expect at least 2 hours for a very quick skim of the most popular exhibits. However, it is much more likely you will spend closer to 4 hours at this museum. For visiting the Louvre, tickets should be reserved before arriving in Pais. Tours are also available to better understand the art and museum, and to move more quickly through the museum and the lines to the museum.
Grab lunch near the museum where you can find restaurants, shops, the beautiful Tuileries Gardens, and the river Siene.
In the evening, head to the Eiffel Tower. This iconic site is a world-famous icon of Paris built in 1889 for the World’s Fair. Take a tour of this iconic location for sweeping views over the city. Have fun spotting other landmarks throughout the city. The Eiffel Tower has different tickets depending on whether you ride the elevator or take the stairs to the second floor, and whether you ride the elevator all the way to the top or do a combination. Make sure to book ahead, and book the exact experience you want. The Eiffel Tower is a site well worth a visit.
I would recommend visiting around sunset. This way you get to see beautiful views in the light, during golden hour, and when the city is lit up at night. This is also perfect if you want to be up close when the tower ‘sparkles’ on the hour.
Reserve dinner at a restaurant with street seating or at a rooftop bar with views over the city. If you decide to dine on the street, definitely head to a rooftop bar for fantastic views.
A pond with a carved statue and facade tucked into a corner of the Luxembourg Gardens surrounded by trees.
Day 2: Luxembourg Gardens, the Panthéon, Notre Dame, Le Marias, and Sacré-Cœur
Begin the morning by visiting the Panthéon in the Latin Quarter. This neoclassic monument is also well-worth a visit. It has both an interesting history and it is architecturally stunning. Enjoy the monumental architecture on the main floor and the crypt below.
Once done, head over to the Luxembourg Gardens to wander and rest on the iconic green chairs. With beautiful lawns, groves of trees, sculptures, and some water features, this garden is a beautiful place to relax.
Continue on your way to Notre Dame, which is free to enter and another key site to visit in Paris. By heading through the island Notre Dame is located on, you will find yourself in Le Marais for a late lunch. Spend a bit of time here eating and choose a street to browse.
In the evening, head to Sacré-Cœur, the stunning basilica in Montmartre. This church looms over all from its perch at the top of Montmartre. It stands facing the sprawling city of Paris below. Live music is often played on the steps leading up to the church, and this is a very popular spot for sunset. With winding streets, bustling crowds, and many restaurants, this is a lovely place to stop for dinner, visit the church, and enjoy sunset to a background of live music. This is a romantic, charming area of Paris whose charm truly shines from simply strolling through the streets.
With that, a very busy but worthwhile day in Paris is complete.
