2 Days in Paris: Eiffel Tower & Disneyland

Paris was on my list for years, and I finally did it in just 2 days — one day for the famous city sights and one full day at Disneyland. I stayed in one Airbnb, cooked my own food to save money, took the Metro everywhere, and happily skipped the expensive things I did not think were worth it. Here is exactly what I did, what everything cost, and my honest tips.

Important Trip Info

• Getting around: The Metro is your best friend in Paris. For a 2-day trip you don’t need any special pass — just buy single tickets as you go. Since 2025 there is one simple flat ticket, the Metro-Train-RER ticket at €2.55 per ride, and the same ticket works on both the Metro in the city and the RER train out to Disneyland. I bought each ride on the official Île-de-France Mobilités app on my phone (you can also load tickets onto a Navigo Easy card). Skip the taxis.
• Where I stayed: I booked this Airbnb for 1 night — ₹5,867. I cooked my own meals here, which saved me a lot (eating out in Paris is pricey). A stay near a Metro station saves you so much time.

Trip Cost Breakdown (1 person, 2 days)

These are the actual numbers I spent, not counting international flights.

Day 1: Classic Paris — Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe & the Louvre

A full day of the Paris everyone dreams about, all joined up by the Metro.

Eiffel Tower: Take the Metro to Trocadéro (line 6 or 9) — step out and the tower is right in front of you across the river. This is the classic postcard view, and it is completely free. My honest tip: I did not go up. The views from the ground were more than enough for me, and the summit lift (about €36.70) did not feel worth the money. If you do want to go up, the 2nd floor is cheaper (€14.80 by stairs, €23.50 by lift). Go early morning or near sunset for the best light and smaller crowds. (A fun surprise on my trip — I met Bollywood actor Boman Irani right there at the tower!)

Best free photo spot: Walk up to the Trocadéro terrace, just across the river from the tower. This is where you get the full, unblocked postcard shot — the whole Eiffel Tower in one frame — and it costs nothing. Come early to beat the crowds and the photographers. This one spot is the reason I never felt the need to pay to go up.

French macarons: Between the big sights, do try a real French macaron — about €2–3 each from a proper patisserie (I got mine at Maison Pradier). They are light, colourful and a lovely little pick-me-up while you walk. A small box also makes an easy gift to carry home.

Arc de Triomphe: A short Metro ride away, standing at the top of the famous Champs-Élysées avenue. It is free to admire from the street, and the view from the ground is grand enough on its own. If you want the rooftop city view — a great spot to photograph the Eiffel Tower from — there is a separate ticket for the climb up the stairs inside.

Louvre glass pyramid: End your day at the Louvre to see the famous glass pyramid. The whole courtyard is free to walk around and photograph, and it looks stunning in the evening light. Going inside the museum is a separate ticket (about €22) and needs a half-day of its own, so I saved that for next time and just enjoyed the pyramid from outside.

• Veg food: Paris is easy for vegetarians — falafel, crêpes, pasta and fresh bakery items are everywhere. To keep my budget low, I cooked most of my meals back at the Airbnb.

Day 2: Disneyland Paris — one full magical day

Disneyland is an easy day trip from central Paris — no car needed.

Getting there: Take the RER A to Marne-la-Vallée / Chessy, the Disneyland stop — just €2.55 each way, bought on the Île-de-France Mobilités app.

My ticket: I bought a 1-day, 1-park ticket for Disneyland Park (not Walt Disney Studios) — €89. Prices change by date, so book online in advance: it is cheaper than the gate and you skip the queue.

⚠️ Leave your tripod at home — security took mine at the entrance; they are not allowed inside.

The park layout & must-do rides

Disneyland Park is laid out like a wheel: you walk up Main Street U.S.A. from the entrance to the Sleeping Beauty Castle in the middle, and the five lands fan out around it.

📍 Get the official park map: View or download the free official Disneyland Paris map on the official Disneyland Paris maps page, pick up a free paper copy at City Hall just inside the entrance, or open it in the Disneyland Paris app — it shows every ride, show, restaurant and restroom.

The five lands and what not to miss:

If you only ride 5 things, make them these: Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Phantom Manor, Hyperspace Mountain, and Peter Pan’s Flight. Ride the big coasters early in the morning (or use the single rider line) before the queues build up. The ones I personally loved most were Hyperspace Mountain and Phantom Manor.

Gentle rides to start: Ease in with the sweet, slow classics — the "It's a Small World" boat ride, a calm indoor cruise past hundreds of singing dolls, and the Mad Hatter's Tea Cups, where you spin your own cup as fast or slow as you like. Both are short, cheerful and good for all ages — a nice warm-up before the big rides, and the queues are usually shortest early in the day.

For a thrill — Hyperspace Mountain: If you like roller coasters, this Star Wars-themed one in Discoveryland is the big one — a fast, mostly-indoor coaster in the dark with a launch, loops and lasers. It was easily the biggest adrenaline moment of my day. If the queue is long, look for the single rider line, which usually moves much faster than the main one.

Phantom Manor: A slow, spooky haunted-house ride in Frontierland. You sit in a little carriage and drift through a haunted mansion full of ghosts and clever illusions. It looks creepy but it is far more fun than frightening — the sets and tiny details are incredible, and it is a good pick even if you don't usually like scary rides.

Adventureland: Wander over to the pirate ship and Skull Rock and climb around them — this is the most fun corner of the park to explore slowly on foot. It is a great spot for photos and a calm break between the big rides.

Aladdin's bazaar: Right next to the pirates, step into Le Passage Enchanté d'Aladdin — a gentle indoor walk-through of the Aladdin story with the genie's lamp, the cave of treasures and little scenes along the way. It is quiet, quick and a lovely change of pace from the busy rides.

Casey Jr. circus train: Over in Fantasyland, the little Casey Jr. circus train is a gentle mini-coaster that loops around the Storybook Land canals. It is relaxed, colourful and one of the most photogenic rides in the park — great if you want something fun but not scary.

Alice's Curious Labyrinth: Also in Fantasyland, don't miss this colourful hedge maze full of characters from Alice in Wonderland — the giggling flowers, the card soldiers and the Cheshire Cat. Wander through and climb up to the Queen of Hearts' castle at the end for a nice little view.

• Parade + night show: Catch the daytime parade down Main Street, then — most importantly — stay for the nighttime laser and light show projected onto the castle. Do NOT miss it: it is the best part of the whole day. It even rained on us and we waited it out, and it was still 100% worth it. Grab a spot facing the castle about 20–30 minutes early.
• Tip: It is a long day on your feet — wear comfortable shoes and carry a light rain jacket.