What to See in Paris, France in 2 Days
Many people consider Paris, the City of Love, to be a dream destination. Filled with its beautiful and charming streets, world class museums, fantastic landmarks, millions of people visit this city each year. If your trip to Paris is only a short one and you want to make the most of the time you have, this is a guide of what to see in 2 days.
Day 1: Exploring the City Center
If you are visiting Paris for the first time then spending the first day exploring Paris and soaking in the city’s busy atmosphere should be on the agenda. So, start your day by taking a visit to the Eiffel Tower, the main Paris landmark. You can either go up to the top to see the city in a spectacular way or simply sit by the Champ de Mars park and enjoy a picnic.
Then, go for the Notre Dame Cathedral. It is a must see, but it is a magnificent masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Enjoy the view strolling along Seine River. Also on the list of things to do is the nearby Shakespeare and Company bookstore which is a well known literary place.
Then, proceed to the Louvre Museum. It has a huge collection of art and historical artifact and seeing it all in a day will be overwhelming. Plan your visit by seeing the best of the museum from the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Skip the line ticket (if available) will save time.
Take the night to wander through charming neighborhood of Montmartre. Go up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city and climb up the hill. Have a slow stroll through the small streets, visit the local artists’ studios and have some nice French food in one of the caffes or restaurants.
Day 2: Art and Culture
On your second day, dive deeper into the art and culture scene of Paris. A good starting point is to head over to the former railway station, Musée d’Orsay. Among the museums in the world, this one has a nicely set up impressive collection of Impressionist and Post Impressionist masterpieces by prestigious artists like Monet, Van Gogh and Renoir.
Head from there to the picturesque neighborhood of Saint Germain des Prés. These boutiques are good for shopping and the art galleries are lively. Don’t forget to drop by to the historic Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, where intellectual and artists have been gathered for centuries.
In the afternoon, discover a unique modern art museum, such as Centre Pompidou, for their groundbreaking building. Optional include other contemporary art exhibitions, and panoramic views of Paris from the rooftop terrace.
Take a relaxing cruise all the way along the Seine River and end your day. This gives you an opportunity to view many of Paris’ famous landmarks in a new light, such as the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. After a long day of excursion, it is the perfect way to unwind.
Extra Tips
1. Plan and Prioritize:
List down the places you would like to see and rank them to make the most of your time. When skipping the lines is optional, pay to pre book tickets.
2. Get an Early Start:
Get up and take it early to avoid the crowds and squeeze your time. Towards the end of the day many of the popular attractions also become crowded.
3. Utilize Public Transportation:
The public transportation is superior in Paris. The city has the metro or buses to get around quickly and efficiently.
4. Experience Parisian Cuisine:
Don’t forget to take the chance to taste delectable French cuisine while you stay here. But not if you’re not in the mood for pastries, baguettes, cheeses, and such traditional dishes as escargots or coq au vin.
5. Enjoy the Evening Atmosphere:
In evening, have a leisure stroll along the Seine River and watch the city going romantic. Paris is always alive at night.
6. Stay Safe:
As with any large city feel of your belongings and be aware of where you are going.
With this, you will have a chance to make the most of your two days in Paris. Although it is impossible to experience everything this way in such a short time, these recommendations will provide you with a hint of the city’s beauty, art, and culture. Bon voyage!
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