How to Spend 1 Day in Paris

Paris ranks among the most visited cities in the world—spend just one day in the City of Light and it’s easy to see why. With its surfeit of monuments, extraordinary museums, and romantic je ne sais quoi ambience, Paris more than lives up to its stellar reputation. Here’s how to make the most of your 1-day trip.

Morning: Enjoy Panoramic Paris Views

One of the best ways to discover Paris? Find a lofty perspective and take in the picturesque city views. Scoring a rooftop seat on a hop-on hop-off bus is one of the simplest ways to see the sights (and traverse around town). Then there’s the Eiffel Tower’s topmost observation deck—poised 906 feet (276 meters) above the ground, it ranks among the highest viewing platforms in Europe and can be seen quickly with skip-the-line tickets. Alternatively, make your way to Montmartre and its hilltop Sacré-Coeur Basilica on a walking tour. Though you must climb numerous stairs to reach the top, the views are well worth the effort.

Afternoon: Explore Paris’ Museums

A trip to Paris, where the arts reign supreme, isn’t complete without a museum excursion. The Louvre is an essential stop, and for good reason: home to the Mona Lisa and other world-famous masterpieces, it’s a cultural juggernaut. Don’t try to conquer it all in one day—instead, pick a preferred gallery or go on a guided Louvre highlights tour. Either way, be sure to secure skip-the-line tickets to save time. Alternatively, the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former railway station, is ideal for fans of impressionism, while the modern Centre Pompidou offers avant-garde architecture and of-the-minute exhibitions.

Evening: Cruise the Seine (and More)

After a busy day of exploration, relax on a Seine river cruise. From your comfortable perch on board, sightsee as you float by Notre Dame, the Pont des Arts, and numerous other top landmarks. To make a meal of it, book a dinner cruise that combines elegant French gastronomy and seamless sightseeing. And if you’d like to extend your outing into the wee hours, pair your dinner with a trip to the Moulin Rouge, where a cabaret show and glasses of Champagne make for a festive celebration of your unforgettable day in Paris.