2 Days in Paris: Iconic Sights + Hidden Gems

This carefully crafted itinerary balances Paris’s must-see landmarks with enchanting hidden treasures that most tourists never discover. You’ll experience the grandeur of world-famous monuments alongside intimate local secrets, creating a perfect introduction to both tourist Paris and authentic Parisian life.

Day 1: Classic Paris with Secret Discoveries

Morning (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM): Louvre District & Hidden Passages

9:00 AM – Palais Royal Gardens Start your Parisian adventure at this secret oasis in the heart of the city. The peaceful arcaded courtyard, hidden behind the busy Rue de Rivoli, features Daniel Buren’s iconic striped columns and manicured gardens where locals read newspapers and children play.

Getting there: Metro Line 1 to Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre Hidden gem: The garden’s northern end houses vintage shops and cozy cafés frequented by Parisians, not tourists

9:45 AM – Galerie Vivienne Walk 5 minutes to this stunning 19th-century covered passage featuring mosaic floors, glass ceiling, and boutique shops. This architectural marvel showcases Second Empire elegance while providing shelter from weather.

Secret tip: Look for the spiral staircase at the gallery’s center – it’s one of Paris’s most photographed architectural details, yet most visitors miss it entirely

10:30 AM – The Louvre Museum Spend 2 hours focusing on the museum’s greatest hits: Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace. Use the Lions Gate entrance (Porte des Lions) to avoid pyramid crowds.

Insider strategy: Visit the Mona Lisa first, then explore Egyptian antiquities while tour groups cluster around famous paintings

Lunch (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)

Loulou Restaurant (Tuileries Garden) This chic terrace restaurant overlooks the Tuileries with views toward Place de la Concorde. The Mediterranean-inspired menu features fresh salads, grilled fish, and excellent people-watching opportunities.

Alternative: Café Marly inside the Louvre offers pyramid views and French bistro classics without leaving the museum

Afternoon (1:30 PM – 6:00 PM): Iconic Landmarks & Literary Secrets

1:30 PM – Tuileries Garden Walk Stroll through these formal French gardens, passing octagonal ponds and tree-lined pathways toward Place de la Concorde. The 15-minute walk provides peaceful transition between attractions.

Hidden discovery: The garden’s southwestern corner features Monet’s water lily paintings in the renovated Orangery Museum (if time permits)

2:15 PM – Place de la Concorde & Champs-Élysées Marvel at the Egyptian obelisk and panoramic views stretching from the Louvre to Arc de Triomphe. Walk the famous avenue’s tree-lined sidewalks, window shopping at luxury boutiques.

Local secret: Duck into Galeries Lafayette’s smaller Champs-Élysées location for rooftop views without the crowds of the main department store

3:30 PM – Arc de Triomphe Climb the 284 steps for spectacular 360-degree city views. The vista encompasses twelve radiating avenues and distant landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur.

Metro: Line 1 to Charles de Gaulle-Étoile, use underground tunnel to reach monument safely

5:00 PM – Promenade Plantée (Hidden Gem) Take Metro Line 1 to Bastille, then discover this elevated park built on former railway tracks. The tree-lined walkway offers unique perspectives of eastern Paris neighborhoods while providing peaceful escape from street-level crowds.

Secret entrance: Start at Viaduc des Arts where artisan workshops occupy the railway arches below the elevated park

Evening (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM): Sunset & Dinner

6:00 PM – Eiffel Tower at Golden Hour Metro Line 6 to Bir-Hakeim provides the most scenic approach, crossing Pont de Bir-Hakeim with tower views. Arrive at Trocadéro Gardens for classic tower photography during golden hour.

Hidden viewpoint: The tower’s east side from Champ de Mars provides crowd-free perspectives, especially beautiful during sunset

8:00 PM – Dinner in the 7th Arrondissement

Les Deux Abeilles (189 Rue de l’Université) This charming tearoom-restaurant near the Eiffel Tower serves traditional French comfort food in an intimate setting with floral wallpaper and vintage décor. Known for excellent quiches, salads, and homemade desserts.

Alternative: Du Pain et des Idées (4 Rue Yves Toudic) – Pick up artisanal pastries and have an impromptu picnic on Champ de Mars watching the tower’s hourly light show

Day 2: Bohemian Quarters & Architectural Marvels

Morning (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Montmartre Village Life

9:00 AM – Sacré-Cœur Basilica Begin atop Montmartre hill at the white Romano-Byzantine basilica. Early morning visits provide peaceful atmosphere and optimal lighting for panoramic city views from the steps.

Metro: Line 12 to Abbesses, then funicular or stairs up to basilica Secret spot: Explore the basilica’s crypt (€3) for fascinating historical artifacts most tourists skip

10:00 AM – Village Montmartre Walking Tour Discover cobblestone streets, hidden staircases, and artistic legacy of this bohemian neighborhood. Visit Place du Tertre where street artists continue traditions established by Picasso and Renoir.

Hidden gems:

Rue de l’Abreuvoir: Possibly Paris’s most beautiful street with ivy-covered buildings
Clos Montmartre: Paris’s last vineyard, viewable from Rue des Saules
Villa Léandre: Secret residential street with English-style cottages

11:30 AM – Wall of Love (Le Mur des Je t’aime) This contemporary art installation features “I love you” written in 250 languages on ceramic tiles, creating a romantic symbol in Jehan Rictus Square.

12:00 PM – Marché des Enfants Rouges (Hidden Gem) Take Metro Line 3 to Temple for Paris’s oldest covered market (1628). This authentic neighborhood market features international food stalls, fresh produce, and local atmosphere completely off the tourist trail.

Insider tip: Try Moroccan tagines at Chez Alain Miam Miam or Japanese bento boxes while sitting at communal tables with locals

Lunch (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)

L’As du Fallafel (34 Rue des Rosiers, Le Marais) This legendary Jewish quarter institution serves outstanding falafel sandwiches in the historic Marais district. The line moves quickly, and eating while walking through medieval streets provides authentic Parisian experience.

Afternoon (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Medieval History & Modern Art

2:00 PM – Le Marais District Walk Explore Paris’s best-preserved medieval neighborhood with narrow streets, historic synagogues, trendy boutiques, and beautiful courtyards. The area seamlessly blends Jewish heritage, LGBTQ+ culture, and cutting-edge fashion.

Must-see hidden courtyards:

Hôtel de Sully: Enter at 62 Rue Saint-Antoine for magnificent 17th-century architecture
Place des Vosges: Paris’s oldest planned square with perfect Renaissance symmetry

3:30 PM – Notre-Dame Exterior & Sainte-Chapelle While Notre-Dame undergoes restoration, the exterior showcases Gothic architecture mastery. Then visit nearby Sainte-Chapelle for the world’s most spectacular stained glass windows creating rainbow light displays.

Sainte-Chapelle: €11.50 admission, often combined with Conciergerie tickets Hidden perspective: View Notre-Dame from Square Jean XXIII behind the cathedral for peaceful garden setting

5:00 PM – Seine Riverbank Stroll Walk along the pedestrianized Seine banks from Notre-Dame toward the Latin Quarter. These converted highways now feature floating gardens, outdoor exercise equipment, and stunning river views.

Secret discovery: Shakespeare and Company bookstore (37 Rue de la Bûcherie) – Browse English books in this legendary literary haven, then climb to the second-floor reading room

Evening (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM): Latin Quarter & Gourmet Dinner

6:00 PM – Latin Quarter Exploration Wander through medieval streets around the Sorbonne University, discovering student cafés, independent bookshops, and the Panthéon’s neoclassical dome housing famous French figures including Voltaire and Marie Curie.

Hidden gem: Rue Mouffetard market street features specialty food shops, wine bars, and authentic neighborhood atmosphere

7:30 PM – Jardin du Luxembourg Sunset End your walking tour in these magnificent formal gardens where Parisians sail model boats, play tennis, and enjoy evening strolls among statues and perfectly manicured lawns.

Local secret: The garden’s southwest corner features a quieter rose garden and orchard area where locals escape tourist crowds

8:30 PM – Dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Le Procope (13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie) Paris’s oldest café (1686) has served everyone from Voltaire to Napoleon. The historic dining rooms maintain period décor while serving traditional French cuisine including coq au vin, duck confit, and classic desserts.

Wine pairing: Ask for Burgundy recommendations to complement the traditional menu

Alternative: Pink Mamma (20bis Rue de Douai) – Instagram-worthy Italian restaurant with plant-filled décor and excellent pizza, perfect for younger travelers

Transportation Tips

Metro Day Passes: Purchase Navigo Easy cards (€2) and load day passes (€7.50) for unlimited metro, bus, and RER travel within central Paris zones

Walking Routes: Most attractions connect via pleasant walking routes. Wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time for spontaneous discoveries

River Taxi: Batobus hop-on-hop-off boats provide scenic transportation between major landmarks along the Seine

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Day 1:

Louvre admission: €17
Arc de Triomphe: €13
Meals: €45-60
Transportation: €7.50

Day 2:

Sainte-Chapelle: €11.50
Meals: €40-55
Transportation: €7.50

Total: €142-164 per person for two days

Essential Packing

Comfortable walking shoes: Cobblestones and stairs require proper footwear Weather layers: Paris weather changes quickly; bring light jacket Portable phone charger: Essential for navigation and photography Small daypack: For water, snacks, and purchases Cash: Small vendors and some museums prefer cash payments

Final Insider Tips

Free Wi-Fi: Available in most cafés, parks, and metro stations for navigation and translation apps

Bathroom Strategy: Use facilities in museums, department stores, and cafés rather than expensive public options

Photography Etiquette: Respect “no photography” signs in museums and be mindful of locals in neighborhood shots

Language: “Bonjour” and “merci” go far with Parisians who appreciate basic politeness

This itinerary perfectly balances iconic landmarks with authentic Parisian discoveries, ensuring you experience both the grandeur that makes Paris famous and the intimate charm that makes locals never want to leave. Take time to sit in cafés, people-watch in parks, and embrace the leisurely pace that defines true Parisian living.