Do you have two days in Paris and want to discover the city in a different way? Forget the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the queues: this itinerary is made for the curious, urban explorers, and passionate strollers. With the Auberge Internationale des Jeunes (AIJ) as your starting point, here’s a 100% pedestrian-friendly and alternative itinerary for 48 hours of unexpected Paris.
🗓️ Day 1 – Artistic and Cosmopolitan Eastern Paris
🥐 9 a.m. – Breakfast at the Aligre Market
➡️ A 10-minute walk from the AIJ Start your day at one of Paris’s liveliest markets. You’ll find artisanal pastries, takeaway coffees, and a casual atmosphere, among fruit stands and second-hand goods.🎨 10:30 AM – Street Art in Belleville
➡️ 30-minute walk or 10-minute metro ride Head to Belleville, a multicultural neighborhood, for a stroll to discover murals, particularly on Rue Dénoyez, as well as artists’ studios and small galleries.🌳 12:00 PM – Break at Parc de Belleville
Panoramic views of all of Paris from the heights, in a hanging garden often overlooked by tourists. Settle in for a picnic or a moment of relaxation.🍜 1:30 PM – Asian Lunch in Belleville
Try an authentic Chinese or Vietnamese restaurant at a low price, like the famous “Pho 14” or “Chez Yu”.🧥 3 PM – Thrift Stores and Bookstores in the Alternative Marais
➡️ 30-minute walk Reach the Marais via Rue du Faubourg du Temple and explore vintage shops, independent cafes, and socially responsible bookstores (Librairie Yvon Lambert, BookBar, etc.).🍷 6 PM – Happy Hour on the Terrace at Oberkampf
➡️ 15-minute walk from the AIJ End your day with a drink in the trendy Oberkampf neighborhood, very close to the AIJ. You’ll find fun bars, free concerts, and a relaxed atmosphere.🗓️ Day 2 – Urban Nature, Culture, and Hidden Rooftops
☕ 9 a.m. – Coffee and croissant at the Coulée Verte
➡️ 5-minute walk from the AIJ Start the day with a stroll along the Promenade Plantée René-Dumont, a former railway line transformed into a hanging garden. Perfect for waking up gently while walking in the greenery above the city.🧠 10:30 a.m. – Unusual: The Pavillon de l’Arsenal
➡️ 10-minute walk This free architecture center offers fascinating exhibitions on the urban history of Paris, its transformations, and its neighborhoods. A great place for the curious!🛍️ 12 p.m. – Passage Brady & Indian Lunch
➡️ 20-minute walk Dive into Paris’s “Little India.” The Passage Brady will transport you to another world in just a few meters. Take the opportunity to try a thali or a fragrant curry at a low price.🧘 2 p.m. – Hidden Garden: Square Georges Cain
➡️ 10-minute walk A secret little green corner in the Marais, surrounded by forgotten statues, where you can lie down and breathe. It’s not very crowded, making it ideal for a nap or a travel journal.🖼️ 4 p.m. – Centre Pompidou Rooftop
➡️ 10-minute walk For a few euros (or free if you’re under 26 in the EU), climb to the top of the Centre Pompidou for an incredible view of the rooftops of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Cœur, and the entire historic center at your feet.🍽️ 6 p.m. – Casual, local dinner at Bastille
➡️ 5 minutes back from the AIJ End your stay with a friendly dinner at a bistro on Rue de la Roquette or Rue de Charonne: homemade burgers, international cuisine, veggie options… the choice is yours!🎒 Why Is This Itinerary Perfect for AIJ Travelers?
- Everything can be done on foot or by metro, stress-free
- Budget-friendly: many spots are free or very affordable
- Local, cultural, and inspiring experiences
- You’ll stay at the AIJ, in the heart of the 11th arrondissement, just minutes from everything!
