Not sure if you can see the best of Paris in just a few days? Don’t worry; I’m here to help you make the most of your time in Paris! Whether you have as little as a day (yes, there’s something Parisian about a day trip) or as long as a month, you can explore all the iconic attractions of one of the world’s most beloved and romantic cities. Keep reading for a guide to must-see Paris attractions and the perfect one-day itinerary in Paris.
Paris Must-See Attractions
This itinerary will help you explore the key sights of Paris without feeling overwhelmed. If you plan to spend an extended period in Paris, don’t rush through the city—take it slow and also explore some of the less-trodden paths of the city.
To make this Paris itinerary even more special, I’ve tailored it to the tastes and preferences of any woman who wants to savor the essence of Paris. I recommend getting a Paris Pass upon arrival—it grants you access to over 60 top landmarks, river cruises, and even a public transport card, all at a much more affordable rate than paying for each attraction separately. You can choose a 2-day, 4-day, or 6-day pass. So, let’s get started right away at the Chez Marie café in Paris!
First Stop: The Eiffel Tower
Why not kick off your Parisian adventure at one of the city’s most iconic and popular landmarks – the Eiffel Tower?
This stunning feat of ironwork is named after the ingenious engineer Gustave Eiffel, the mind behind this magnificent structure. The tower looms over the picturesque Champ de Mars, where you can witness marriage proposals and declarations of eternal love happening on an almost daily basis.
There are several ways to savor the view of the Eiffel Tower. You can opt for a vantage point across the Seine River at the Trocadero Gardens or Trocadero Square, both of which offer fantastic perspectives of this architectural marvel. Another beloved choice is to pack a delicious picnic and settle down in the Champ de Mars, all the while taking in the Eiffel Tower’s beauty. Alternatively, you can ascend to one of the tower’s observation decks to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire City of Love.
It’s essential to keep in mind that there are two ticket options for visiting the Eiffel Tower. You can choose to explore all the way to the top or limit your visit to the second floor. The view from the top is undeniably superior, but opting for the second floor tickets is a more economical choice.
Second Stop: The Seine River
Exploring Paris from the vantage point of a Seine River cruise offers a unique perspective on the city’s marvelous scenery. What’s even better is that you can witness most of the iconic landmarks from the comfort of your boat without taking a single step.
On this leisurely cruise, you’ll catch glimpses of Parisian gems such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the New Bridge, the Orsay Museum, and the Louvre, among others. Taking a Seine River cruise is especially meaningful after visiting the Eiffel Tower because many of these boat tours depart from the vicinity of the tower.
Cruising the Seine River in Paris is a magical experience, whether you choose to do it during the daytime or in the evening. The nighttime cruise, in particular, adds an enchanting aura to the city’s landmarks, beautifully illuminated. So, be sure to have your camera ready to capture these memorable moments!
Pro Tip: Combining a visit to the Eiffel Tower with a Seine River cruise can often save you money, providing an excellent way to make the most of your time and budget in Paris.
Third Stop: The Louvre Museum
You’ve likely already caught a glimpse of the glass pyramid on the Seine River, and now it’s time to explore one of the world’s most renowned museums – the Louvre, an absolute must-visit on your Paris itinerary. It’s home to some of the most famous artworks globally, such as the “Venus de Milo” and, of course, the “Mona Lisa.”
If time isn’t pressing, take your time to meander through the Louvre. Being surrounded by such a wealth of history and grandeur in art is an incredible experience. However, if you’re short on time during your stay in Paris, it’s advisable to pre-book your tickets. The lines for tickets can be quite long, and you wouldn’t want to spend precious hours waiting.
Pro Tip: If you have a Paris Pass, it includes skip-the-line access to the Louvre. If you don’t have a Paris Pass, you can book skip-the-line tickets online. If you plan to spend an extended period in Paris, consider dedicating a whole day to the Louvre – it’s a vast museum that takes time to fully explore.
Fourth Stop: The Arc de Triomphe
Departing from the Louvre, make your way to the Arc de Triomphe. Along the journey, you’ll not only traverse the picturesque Tuileries Gardens but also have the chance to indulge in some shopping on the renowned Champs-Élysées before reaching the Arc de Triomphe. This iconic avenue offers an array of opportunities to acquire exquisite souvenirs and gifts, as well as explore luxury brands.
Commissioned by Napoleon, the Arc de Triomphe stands as the world’s oldest surviving triumphal arch (although a larger one was erected in North Korea in 1982). This monument serves as a poignant tribute to the fallen heroes of the French Revolution and commemorates their hard-fought victories. At the pinnacle of the arch, you can peruse the names of individuals who made remarkable contributions during the revolutionary period and the Napoleonic era. Beneath the Arc de Triomphe lies the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” a poignant memorial to a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I.
The arch’s walls are adorned with meticulously crafted sculptures, and I highly recommend taking your time to wander around and appreciate the intricately designed murals, inscriptions, and more. If you wish to enjoy an alternate perspective of Paris (with the Eiffel Tower visible in the background), you can savor the breathtaking panoramic views from the summit of the monument. However, please be prepared to ascend approximately 280 stairs to reach the top. In my opinion, the vista from this vantage point is well worth both the climb and the admission fee (13 euros). I recommend booking your time slot for access to the Arc de Triomphe rooftop in advance.
Fifth Stop: Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Notre-Dame Cathedral is another world-renowned landmark in Paris that captures the imagination. Its architectural intricacies, elegant stained glass windows, and vast interior spaces are truly captivating. Unfortunately, a devastating fire in April 2019 consumed a portion of the cathedral, rendering it inaccessible for visitors (and it is expected to remain closed for at least another five to six years). Nonetheless, just catching a glimpse of the Notre-Dame Cathedral is enough to inspire a sense of awe.
The cathedral’s rich history and iconic Gothic design have long been a source of fascination for visitors from around the world. While you may not be able to explore its interior at the moment, the external beauty of Notre-Dame still holds the power to leave you mesmerized.
Sixth Stop: Musee d’Orsay
You might think that visiting just one museum is sufficient, but if you have a passion for art, you can’t afford to miss the Musee d’Orsay, and the best part is that it’s priced at less than $20! The museum is not far from Notre-Dame Cathedral, about a thirty-minute walk away, and the stroll along the Seine River is a delightful experience in itself.
The Musee d’Orsay is a masterpiece in its own right, housed in a former train station turned art marvel. Here, you can marvel at works by some of the world’s most celebrated painters, including Monet, Renoir, Manet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Degas, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Seurat, Gauguin, and Sisley. It’s one of Europe’s largest art museums, showcasing a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, photography, and more, so plan your time accordingly.
Note: Paris Pass holders can skip the line at this museum. If you don’t have a Paris Pass, you can book your time slot in advance. For budget-conscious travelers, consider checking out museum ticket and Seine River cruise combo deals (priced at $33).
Seventh Stop: Palace of Versailles
Any trip to Paris would be incomplete without a visit to the Palace of Versailles, which is just a 40-minute train ride from the city center. While technically not part of the city, it’s still an absolute must-see attraction in the Paris region.
The Palace of Versailles is a breathtaking palace, and as you stroll through its grandeur, you can’t help but imagine what life must have been like for the royal court in the 17th century. Its vast halls, intricate paintings, sculptures, and all the incredible details will make you wish you could move into this magnificent palace. The extensive and lush gardens, which took forty years to complete, offer a beautiful landscape to explore. By the way, the Palace of Versailles is included in the Paris Pass, which also comes with a public transportation travel card.
How to Visit the Palace of Versailles: There are various ways to visit the Palace of Versailles, but no matter which you choose, plan to dedicate an entire day to explore the vast palace and gardens – it’s impossible to rush through this immense site in half a day. Keep in mind that this might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so make the most of it.
You can venture to the Palace of Versailles on your own, or you can join a guided tour. There are guided tours departing from Paris as well as tours starting directly from the Palace of Versailles.
Independent Visit: Take the RER C train to Versailles – Rive Gauche station. From there, it’s a 5 to 10-minute walk to the palace. Look up the nearest RER station to your accommodation on Google Maps. A one-way ticket costs 5 euros and includes the transfer from the subway to the RER train, which is a regional train connecting central Paris to the surrounding suburbs. Be sure to purchase your tickets before arriving at the Palace of Versailles to avoid waiting in line. You’ll need to get the Palace of Versailles Passport ticket, priced at 28.50 euros, which covers the palace, the Trianon Estate, and the gardens.
Palace of Versailles Guided Tours: Numerous tour companies offer guided tours of the Palace of Versailles – with or without access to the gardens, bicycle tours, departures from Paris, or direct departures from the palace. Here are some of the highly-rated Versailles tours:
Skip-the-Line Versailles Palace Guided Tour from Paris (Approximately $99, Half-Day)
From Paris: Skip-the-Line Versailles Palace Bike Tour ($159; 8 hours)
Versailles Bike Tour (Includes Palace and Queen’s Hamlet entrance) ($120; 8 hours)
Palace of Versailles: Skip-the-Line Palace Tour with Garden Entry ($78; 1.5-2 hours)
Note: The Palace is closed on Tuesdays!
