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:

One tip that saved my day: ride the big coasters first thing in the morning, or use the single-rider line — the popular ones build long queues by midday. The ⭐ in the table is the one ride I’d make sure to catch in each land. Here are the few I loved most, in my own photos.

Start slow: I began with the sweet, silly classics — the Mad Hatter's Tea Cups, where you spin your own cup as fast as you like, and the calm "It's a Small World" boat ride. A cheerful, gentle way to warm up for the day.

Hyperspace Mountain was easily the biggest thrill of my whole day — a fast, mostly-indoor Star Wars coaster in the dark, with a launch, loops and lasers. If you like roller coasters, don't leave the park without riding it.

Phantom Manor was my surprise favourite. I don't usually enjoy scary rides, but this slow drift through a haunted mansion is far more beautiful than frightening — the sets and the ghostly little illusions are incredible. Don't skip it just because it looks spooky.

I loved simply climbing around the pirate ship and Skull Rock in Adventureland — no queue, no ticket, and the prettiest corner of the park for photos and a calm break between rides.

Three gentle stops worth slowing down for: when you need a break from the big coasters, these three are quick, calm and full of little details. Swipe through the photos to see each one.

Aladdin's bazaar: Right next to the pirates in Adventureland, 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.

Casey Jr. circus train: Over in Fantasyland, this little circus-train mini-coaster loops around the Storybook Land canals — relaxed, colourful and fun but not scary.

Alice's Curious Labyrinth: Also in Fantasyland, a colourful hedge maze full of characters from Alice in Wonderland — the giggling flowers, the card soldiers and the Cheshire Cat. 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.