A Guide to Exploring Paris: How to Spend the Perfect Day in the City of Lights

Paris—the City of Lights and home to some of the world’s most romantic places—is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or just want to explore one of the most captivating cities in Europe, Paris has something for everyone.

To ensure you have the perfect day exploring Paris, we’ve laid out a step-by-step itinerary to get the most out of your time in the city.

Step 1: Planning Your Itinerary

Before you book your trip, it’s important to take some time to plan where you want to go. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the number of activities and sights that are available in Paris, so it can be helpful to narrow down what type of experiences you’d like to have in the city.

To start, consider what part of Paris you’d like to explore. Are you interested in seeing some of the city’s iconic landmarks and architecture? Or do you want to focus on the city’s unique natural beauty spots, such as parks and gardens? Knowing which areas you want to visit will help make planning your itinerary easier.

It’s also a good idea to make a list of some of the attractions and activities you’d like to do when you visit. This could range from visiting the world-famous Eiffel Tower or taking an evening cruise down the River Seine, to going on a picnic in one of the city’s beautiful parks or sampling pastries at a local bakery. When making your list, prioritize the experiences that you really don’t want to miss out on, as there may not be enough time in one day to do everything.

Step 2: Booking Your Accommodation and Transportation

Once you’ve figured out where you want to go and what activities you’d like to do, it’s time to book your accommodation and transportation. Paris boasts a variety of options for both, so there’s something to suit every budget and travel style.

If you’re fresh off a long-haul flight or plan on being active throughout your visit, we recommend basing yourself in an apartment or guesthouse in one of Paris’s quieter neighborhoods (such as the Butte de Montmartre). This way, you can get some much-needed rest and be close by if you choose to explore the local attractions.

In terms of transportation, the city has an excellent public transport system—including trams, buses, subway lines, and commuter trains—that makes it quick and easy to get around the city. You can find tickets and schedules for most routes and destinations on ratp.fr, or buy multi-journey transportation cards that offer greater savings for longer stays.

Step 3: Exploring Paris

Once you have your accommodation sorted and know how you’re going to get around, it’s time to hit the ground running and explore all that Paris has to offer! With so many iconic landmarks and fascinating attractions, there’s no shortage of activities and sights worth spending time discovering in the City of Lights. Here are a few that we would recommend seeing:

Must-see Iconic Landmarks

• The Eiffel Tower
• The Arc de Triomphe
• The Louvre Museum
• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie

Unique Natural Sites

• Jardin du Luxembourg
• Tuileries Garden
• Parc de Buttes-Chaumont

Museums & Other Attractions

• Musée d’Orsay
• Centre Pompidou
• Montmartre Funicular

The great thing about exploring Paris is that it feels like every corner hides something new and exciting. Be sure to leave some time open during your stay to wander off the beaten path and get lost in the beauty of one of Europe’s most romantic cities.

Step 4: Taking Responsibility for Your Environmental Impact

While we recommend exploring as much as possible during your time in Paris, it’s important not to forget about your environmental impact while visiting. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe,Paris receives more than 62 million visitors a year—which is why it’s important for everyone to take responsibility when it comes to minimizing their environmental impact in the city.

There are several ways that you can reduce your carbon footprint during your stay, such as opting for public transport instead of hailing a taxi or taking an evening stroll down a lit-up street instead of taking an Uber or Grab. You can also use platforms like toucanlife.org, which provides access to sustainable travel activities in Paris and allows you to offset your carbon emissions through carbon-neutral projects.

We know that most travelers come to Paris for its iconic attractions, delicious food and romantic atmosphere—but if everyone makes an effort to minimize their environmental impact while enjoying all that the City of Lights has to offer, we can help create a more sustainable future!

In conclusion, Paris is an incredibly beautiful city full of iconic landmarks, unique attractions and plenty of activities that cater to every interest and budget. Whether you only have one day in the city or plan on staying longer, follow our guide for how to spend the perfect day exploring Paris and you’re sure to fall in love with this iconic destination!