Skip to main content

What to see in Paris in 1 day? - Our guide to the best things to do

With its many historic monuments and countless museums, visiting Paris in 1 day is no mean feat! And yet, our beautiful capital offers an unrivalled wealth of culture. That’s why we’ve decided to put together a list to help you choose from among its best attractions. Here’s our guide to making the most of your short stay!

Why visit Paris?

Aaaah Paris, with its quays of the Seine, its romantic atmosphere, its picturesque alleyways and its many leisure activities… What a magical time! And it’s not for nothing that this cosmopolitan city attracts millions of visitors worldwide every year. To make the most of your whirlwind getaway in the City of Light, read on.

Classics for a 1-day visit to Paris 

Here are a few ideas for sightseeing tours and mythical Parisian monuments:

– Eiffel Tower: the Iron Lady has been Paris’ most emblematic landmark since 1889.

– Notre-Dame Cathedral: this edifice embodies French architectural genius. A true Gothic masterpiece, it remains one of Paris’s most symbolic cultural, spiritual and historical landmarks.

– Arc de Triomphe: located at the very top of the Champs-Élysées avenue, it is also a symbol of national pride.

– Basilique du Sacré-Cœur: nestling on the Montmartre hilltop, it dominates Paris with its grandiose architecture and exceptional panoramic view.

-Grand Rex: recently renovated, this mythical cinema in the Art Deco style is one of the emblematic places of the Parisian culture, to discover absolutely during your day visit in Paris.

Which museums are open in Paris on Mondays?

You’ve just arrived in Paris and would like to make the most of your short stay, but haven’t thought about the fact that many museums close on Mondays? Don’t worry, some museums are open on the first day of the week. To let you enjoy the treasures our beautiful French capital has to offer, we’ve put together a small selection of museums open on Mondays that you really shouldn’t miss:

Visit Paris in 1 day– The Louvre: it’s hard not to start our list with the world’s most famous Parisian museum. The Proust of contemporary art, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of iconic works such as the Mona Lisa.

– Center Pompidou: famous for its bold architecture and rich collection of modern art, it’s considered a must-see!

– Musée de l’Orangerie: this impressive building houses an exceptional collection of Impressionist paintings. In particular, you can admire Claude Monet’s famous Water Lilies.

Be warned, however: all these museums are often victims of their own success. You’ll need to book your tickets in advance, and be patient during peak periods.

Visit Paris in 1 day for gourmands – Discover the Musée du Chocolat Choco-Story!

Would you like to visit Paris in 1 day with your family, partner or friends? Why not book your tickets for the Musée du Chocolat? Also open on Mondays and weekends, Choco-Story PARIS is quite simply the best museum for sharing a convivial moment around an original theme. Between tasting workshops and unusual virtual animations, it’s impossible to get bored!

What’s more, whether you’re in the Tuileries gardens, Place de la Bastille, Montmartre or the Marais, all you have to do is take metro line 8 and stop at the Bonne Nouvelle metro station! Located in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, you can quickly get to your hotel, restaurant or other activity.