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Two days in Paris- Ideas for a good time

I know two days are not at all fair for a city like Paris. But given the circumstances, this is all what I have. I would be staying at Marais. Can you please suggest what all places should I visit in those two days?

P.S.:
1) Eiffel tower is the must and I plan to visit it during early morning hours (~5:00 a.m.)
2) I am not much of a museum person, but one or two good ones won't hurt
3) I am rather more interested in roaming free on the beautiful streets, chilling in the local cafes, exploring local cuisine
4) Would be interested in architecture as well

Thanks for your time guys.

Posted by
7175 posts

The Eiffel Tower opens at its earliest at 9am in summer. This plan has a specific architecture bent.

Day 1
Eiffel Tower
Walk: Invalides > Pont Alexandre > Grand Palais > Place de la Concorde > Madeleine > Opera >
Place Vendome > Tuileries
Arc de Triomphe

Day 2
Saint Chapelle
Notre Dame
Walk: Ile St Louis > Place des Vosges > Pompidou > Hotel de Ville
Louvre

Posted by
15784 posts

[1] You can see the Eiffel tower any time. When will you be in Paris? Right now, sunrise is at 6.30, so it will be dark at 5 am. They may turn the tower lights off around 1 or 2 am, so you won't see much of anything. If you want to see it lit up (and twinkling on the hour), plan for 10 pm or later. Right now sunset is after 9, so it won't be lit up until close to 10. In a month sunset will be close to 10, so the lights won't be on until 10.30 or later.

[2] Paris is full of great museums, large and small. Since you're in the Marais, go to the Carnavalet, interesting, partly art, beautiful building, free. The Picasso Museum is there too - only go if you are a fan. The Louvre has a lot, ancient Persian, Babylonian, Egyptian, Greek, Roman galleries, not just painting. For 19th c. painting, go to the Orangerie, it's small with a good collection.

[3-4] Paris Walks has 2 guided walking tours through the Marais, which has interesting architecture, and lots of walks in other parts of the city. The Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine is a museum of architecture located in the Palais de Chaillot (which is an excellent place for views of the Eiffel Tower, BTW). Seine cruises with Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf pass some of the most beautiful buildings and bridges in the city. Do it early in the day and again after dark.

Posted by
48 posts

Thanks syd and Chani. I am sure, your suggestions would help me in prioritizing stuff :)

Posted by
9223 posts

I'd opt to visit The Rodin Museum and the Orsay. Then, as you say roam. Walk along the Siene, amble down alleys, sit on a bench in the gardens. Hop on a bus and hop off when you see something of interest. Enjoy.