Things to Do in Paris in One Day

Paris is a city that needs no introduction. It is the capital of France and the most populous city in the country, with over 2 million inhabitants. As one of the most visited cities in the world, Paris is often referred to as the “City of Light’ and “City of Love’. It is renowned for its cultural attractions such as the Louvre Museum, the iconic Eiffel Tower, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

The French capital has a rich and vibrant history, which can be seen through its grandiose architecture and monuments. With so many attractions to choose from, travelers can easily spend more than one day exploring all the attractions and neighborhoods the city has to offer. But if you’re pressed for time and want to make the most of your visit, here are some of the best things to do in Paris in one day.

Start Your Morning at the Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum is one of the biggest and most visited museums in the world, home to some of the world’s most famous artworks. The building itself is an impressive sight to behold and its glass pyramid entrance is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Inside, you can find a vast collection of artworks and artifacts from all over the world, including sculptures, paintings, and antiquities.

If you’re short on time, we recommend joining a tour that covers the museum’s highlights, such as the “Skip-the Line Louvre Tour” which allows you to bypass the long queues at the entrance. On this tour, you will have a knowledgeable guide show you around the museum’s highlights and provide insights into each artwork. You will also get the chance to admire masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace.

Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral

No visit to Paris would be complete without a visit to one of its most iconic landmarks: Notre-Dame Cathedral. Built in the 12th century, this Gothic masterpiece is one of the largest and most visited churches in the world. It also houses some of France’s most important relics, including a fragment of Jesus Christ’s crown of thorns. Inside, you can explore its soaring nave, deep crypts, and intricate stained glass windows.

You can also join a guided tour of Notre-Dame to learn more about its history and admire its spectacular architecture up close. Alternatively, you can visit at night when the entire building is illuminated in a golden hue and soak up its beauty from afar.

Stroll Along the Seine River

The Seine River is one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks and is a great place to take a leisurely stroll. The river meanders through the heart of Paris and passes many of its top attractions such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum. As you walk along its banks, you can admire some of Paris’s most beautiful bridges such as Pont Alexandre III or take in some of its stunning views from the riverbanks.

You can also join a Seine River cruise to explore the city from a different perspective. On this cruise, you will be able to admire some of Paris’s famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and Place de la Concorde. You will also get to see some of the city’s hidden gems such as its charming quaysides and secret gardens.

Shop at Champs-Elysées

Champs-Elysées is one of Paris’s most famous shopping streets and is home to some of France’s top luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Dior. Here you can find anything from designer fashion to fine jewelry, as well as delicious French pastries and gourmet chocolates.

The street itself is also a great spot for people watching and soaking up the bustling atmosphere. On weekends, it is transformed into a lively market with vendors selling everything from vintage clothes to antiques.

Climb to the Top of the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is perhaps Paris’s most iconic landmark and is a must-see for any visitor to the city. There are three levels that you can visit: the first two floors are free to access and offer spectacular views over Paris; while the top floor requires a ticket but is worth it for its panoramic views over the city. We recommend going early in the morning or late afternoon when it’s not as crowded and you can appreciate it more peacefully. Alternatively, you can also join a guided tour with skip-the-line access for an even more enjoyable experience.

Experience Nightlife at Montmartre

If you’re looking for a night out in Paris, then head to Montmartre – one of the city’s most popular nightlife spots. This bohemian neighborhood is home to some of Paris’s coolest bars and clubs where you can experience Paris’s buzzing nightlife scene firsthand. It’s also home to some fantastic restaurants where you can sample some of France’s finest cuisine.

Popular Tours in Paris

If you’re looking for something more structured than exploring Paris on your own, then consider signing up for an organized tour or activity. Here are two popular options:

Skip-the-Line Eiffel Tower Tour

Visiting the Eiffel Tower can be quite overwhelming due to the long queues at its entrance. But if you book a skip-the-line tour such as this one offered by Viator, you’ll be able to bypass these lines for fast-track access to the tower’s top two floors for unbeatable views of Paris. Furthermore, these tours also come with an experienced guide who will educate you about the tower’s history and provide interesting facts about its construction.

Paris Night Tour

This 3-hour tour from GetYourGuide offers a unique insight into Paris by night as it takes you around some of its top attractions while they’re illuminated in all their glory. You’ll have a knowledgeable guide show you around iconic landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, Place de la Concorde, and Montmartre before finishing off with breathtaking views from atop the Eiffel Tower – all at night!

Conclusion

Paris is full of fascinating attractions that can easily keep you occupied for days or weeks on end. But if you’re short on time, these are some of our top picks for things to do in Paris in just one day. From admiring some of its most iconic monuments such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower, to walking along its riverside promenades or exploring its vibrant nightlife scene, there are plenty of activities that will keep you entertained during your visit!