Paris in 1 Day: A Paris Itinerary for First-Timers

So what are the best things to do in Paris in 1 day? Where do I even start? There are millions of things to do in Paris so it’s definitely worth doing a little bit of planning to figure out what you want to see and do the most. Another thing to keep in mind is that part of Paris’ charm are the streets, buildings, and neighbourhoods. While it definitely takes longer, I try to explore as much of the city as possible by foot. I’m not saying walk from Montmartre to the Eiffel tower, but you could walk from the Arc du Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower Getting a photo of the Eiffel Tower may be the most touristy thing to do, but it’s also a must. I’ll be honest; I’ve now been to Paris 10 times and I still haven’t actually been up the Eiffel Tower. I prefer a city view that includes the Eiffel Tower in it so I go to the base and surrounding area for photos every time I visit. If you do want to climb the tower there are two ticket types: one for the elevator and one for the stairs. Not surprisingly, the stairs are the cheaper option. There are also two viewing platforms with the top being more expensive than the second floor. It’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance to skip the lines- they are long! Arc de Triomphe Located at the end of the Champ-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe is another iconic Paris Monument. The structure is a war memorial honouring those who fought for France. Names are carved into the stone of the arch and there is also a memorial flame. Ticket holders can also climb to the top where they will be rewarded with beautiful panoramic views of the city. I recommend going in the evening to see the city all lit up. Notre Dame Cathedral & The Seine Notre Dame is located along the Seine and provides a perfect opportunity to walk along this famous river. While walking, keep an eye out for Paris’ beautiful bridges including Pont Neuf and Pont Alexandre III. Walking is a great way to see these sites, but if you are looking for something different and a little more laid back consider taking a seine river cruise. Museums of Paris Paris has dozens of museums, but if you only have one day in Paris, then there is no way you will have time to see them all. Unless you are a museum person, I suggest picking one and saving the rest for another trip. The Louvre is by far the most popular and while I did enjoy going to see the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory, it wasn’t my favourite museum. I personally preferred the Musée d’Orsay; a converted old train station with a huge variety of artworks. A third recommendation, and one that you can spend a shorter amount of time in, is the Musée de l’Orangerie which houses Claude Monet’s famous Water Lillies. Find a spot on the bench in one of the circular rooms and just try to take it all in. It’s pretty incredible. #paris #paristrip #paristravel #eiffeltower #europetrip #travel #thingstodo #citydaytours