Ultimate 2-Day Paris Itinerary Guide: Top Attractions, Dining Tips & Hidden Gems

👟 Averaging 20,000 steps a day, embracing the romance of architecture, cuisine, art, and culture!
📍 DAY 1: Special Forces Route: Arc de Triomphe – Champs-Élysées – Grand Palais – Les Invalides – Lunch in the Latin Quarter – Notre-Dame Cathedral – Statue of Liberty – Eiffel Tower – Seine River Night Cruise
🌟 Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées: Starting with iconic landmarks, strolling down the Champs-Élysées, you pass not just tourists but also a condensed sense of history and rhythm.

🌟 Grand Palais: Don’t miss it when passing by. The Balloon Museum requires tickets, but the other side is free, resembling a miniature Louvre with sculptures, domes, and lighting exuding French court aesthetics.
🌟 Les Invalides: Impressive exterior but didn’t go inside.
🍴 Hidden Gem in the Latin Quarter – La Petite Hostellerie: A 3-course French meal for just €16.

9, featuring escargots, lamb chops, and crème brûlée. Great value for money.
⛪ Notre-Dame Cathedral Evening Prayer: Happened to enter at 6 PM, the atmosphere was serene and solemn.
🚶‍♀️ Statue of Liberty & Seine Central Walkway: Highly recommend walking along the central pathway on the river.
🗼 Eiffel Tower Grass Photo: Didn’t go up the tower, just lay on the grass while someone played Blackpink.

🌉 Seine River Night Cruise: Sailed from dusk till nightfall, an absolutely worthwhile experience.

📍 DAY 2: A Feast of Aesthetics Blending Opulent Halls and Louvre Nights
Route: Palais Garnier – Galeries Lafayette – Lunch – Louvre Museum
🎭 Palais Garnier: Even if you arrive late, you can still enter.

The foyer is stunning, with golden reliefs, mirrored reflections, and dome frescoes creating a visual feast. Walked through it three times.
🏙️ Galeries Lafayette: Went up to the rooftop terrace for a great view, though it was crowded.
🍱 Lunch at a random Japanese restaurant near the department store—there are also many Chinese restaurants in the area.

🎨 Louvre Highlight: Booked the 4 PM slot and was allowed in 30 minutes early. Successfully checked off the three major treasures, though only explored less than half of the museum—my legs nearly gave out.
🍰 Tried the Louvre’s pastry shop—decent taste, perfect for a break before your feet completely give up.

🌃 Post-closure Louvre夜景 was a delightful surprise: The pyramid under the lights looks naturally filtered, with fewer tourists and a perfect atmosphere. Highly recommend staying until after dark.

📌 Heading to Versailles tomorrow—will update afterward.
📌 Didn’t visit Musée d’Orsay this time—heard some paintings are in Shanghai?

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16 comments

  1. The article’s focus on the Latin Quarter lunch spot felt genuine, not just a checklist. Walking past the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées, it’s clear how history hums beneath the surface. A nice touch to highlight quieter moments between the big sights.