Paris in 2 Days: The Perfect Weekend Getaway Itinerary (2026)
Bonjour, families! Dreaming of a Parisian escape but short on time? This meticulously crafted 2-day itinerary will help you experience the magic of Paris, even with little ones in tow. We'll explore iconic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, and delicious food, ensuring a memorable weekend for the whole family.
Day 1: Iconic Landmarks and Must-Sees
Today, we conquer the classics! Get ready for a whirlwind tour of Paris's most famous sights.
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars
- 8:00 AM: Start your day with a Parisian breakfast at a local bakery near your hotel. Grab some croissants and pain au chocolat for a quick and delicious start. Budget: €5-€10 per person.
- 8:30 AM: Head to the Eiffel Tower. Pre-book your tickets online to avoid long queues. Consider the stairs to the 2nd floor for a more affordable and active experience. Ticket prices range from €18-€29 depending on access.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Explore the Eiffel Tower. Take in the breathtaking views of Paris from the top. Allow ample time for security checks and exploring each level.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Walk through the Champ de Mars, the large green space at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Let the kids run around and enjoy the open space. It's a perfect photo opportunity with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Louvre Museum and Tuileries Garden
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch near the Louvre. Grab a quick and casual lunch at a cafe near the Louvre Museum. Many offer sandwiches, salads, and other light meals. Budget: €15-€25 per person. Consider Le Fumoir (6 Rue de l'Amiral de Coligny, 75001 Paris) for a slightly nicer, but still family-friendly option.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Explore the Louvre Museum. Focus on key highlights like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace. Pre-booking tickets is essential. Consider a family-friendly tour to keep the kids engaged. Ticket prices: €17 per person.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Stroll through the Tuileries Garden, a beautiful park connecting the Louvre to Place de la Concorde. Enjoy the fountains, sculptures, and manicured lawns. Rent a small sailboat for the kids to push along the central fountain (seasonal).
Evening (5:00 PM - Onward): Notre Dame and Latin Quarter
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Walk to Notre Dame Cathedral. While the cathedral is still under reconstruction (expected completion 2024), you can still admire its facade and learn about its history from the outside. Reflect on its beauty from the Pont d'Arcole.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Explore the Latin Quarter. Wander through the charming streets of the Latin Quarter, known for its historic Sorbonne University and lively atmosphere. Browse the bookstores and souvenir shops.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner in the Latin Quarter. Enjoy a traditional French dinner at a restaurant in the Latin Quarter. Bouillon Chartier (7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009 Paris) offers affordable and classic French cuisine. Budget: €20-€35 per person.
- 8:00 PM - Onward: Evening stroll along the Seine. Take a leisurely evening stroll along the Seine River. Enjoy the illuminated bridges and buildings. Consider a Seine River cruise for a different perspective of the city. Evening Seine cruise tickets: from €20 per person.
Day 2: Local Neighborhoods and Hidden Gems
Today, we venture beyond the main tourist attractions to discover the authentic charm of Paris.
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica
- 9:00 AM: Start your day with coffee and pastries in Montmartre. Find a charming café in Montmartre for a delicious breakfast. Le Consulat (18 Rue Norvins, 75018 Paris) is a historic café with a lovely ambiance. Budget: €10-€15 per person.
- 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Explore Montmartre. Wander through the artistic streets of Montmartre, home to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Place du Tertre, where artists create and sell their work.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Climb to the top of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for panoramic views of Paris. Admission to the basilica is free.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch in Le Marais. Enjoy a falafel or other delicious street food in Le Marais, known for its diverse culinary scene. L'As du Fallafel (34 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris) is a popular choice. Budget: €10-€20 per person.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Explore Le Marais. Discover the trendy boutiques, art galleries, and historic buildings of Le Marais. Visit Place des Vosges, one of the oldest planned squares in Paris.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Walk to Saint-Germain-des-Prés and explore its literary cafes and stylish shops. Visit Les Deux Magots (6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris) or Café de Flore (172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris), famous for their historical associations with writers and artists. Enjoy a coffee or pastry.
Evening (5:00 PM - Onward): Sunset and Dinner
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Sunset Views. Find a spot to watch the sunset over Paris. The Pont Neuf bridge offers beautiful views of the Seine River and the city skyline.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Relax and refresh before dinner. Head back to your hotel to freshen up.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Enjoy a final Parisian dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Brasserie Lipp (151 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris) is a classic brasserie with a lively atmosphere. Budget: €35-€50 per person.
- 8:00 PM - Onward: Evening entertainment. Consider a jazz performance in a local club in Saint-Germain-des-Prés or a final stroll along the Seine. Many clubs offer family-friendly shows early in the evening.
Speed Round: Paris in One Day
If you only have one day in Paris, here's a condensed itinerary:
- Morning: Eiffel Tower (pre-book tickets!), Champ de Mars.
- Afternoon: Louvre Museum (focus on key highlights), Tuileries Garden.
- Evening: Notre Dame (exterior view), Latin Quarter dinner, Seine River stroll.
Packing Checklist for Your Parisian Weekend
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Layers of clothing (weather can be unpredictable)
- Umbrella or raincoat
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks for the kids
- Portable charger for your phone
- Camera
- Phrasebook or translation app
- Travel adapter (if needed)
- Copies of important documents (passport, tickets)
Estimated Weekend Budget (for a family of four)
- Budget: €600-€800 (Hostel or budget hotel, picnic lunches, free activities)
- Mid-Range: €1200-€1800 (3-star hotel, casual restaurants, some paid attractions)
- Luxury: €2500+ (4- or 5-star hotel, fine dining, private tours)
Note: These are estimates and can vary depending on your choices and the time of year. Accommodation and flights are not included.
Tips for Traveling to Paris with Kids
- Pre-book tickets: Avoid long lines by booking tickets online for popular attractions.
- Utilize public transport: The Paris Metro is efficient and affordable. Consider purchasing a Paris Visite pass for unlimited travel.
- Pack snacks: Keep the kids happy with snacks throughout the day.
- Take breaks: Schedule regular breaks for the kids to rest and recharge.
- Learn a few basic French phrases: It will be appreciated by locals.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.