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Best things to see, do and eat in Paris
How many days should you spend in Paris? Whether it's 24 hours, three days, or more than a week, plan ahead with this guide to the must-see attractions, local food to try, and unmissable activities.
From world-famous masterpieces to cobbled laneways and atmospheric eateries, discover the magic in every hour with this helpful guide to Paris.
Before you go, make sure to tick off your overseas travel checklist, consider booking travel insurance, and learn how to protect your passport and mobile phone while travelling.
RACV Travel & Experiences is your one-stop shop for travel, with RACV Members saving on European tours, cruises holiday packages, travel insurance and more.
Get up at sunrise to see dazzling views of famous buildings like the Sacre Couer Basilica in Paris. Image: Getty
Quick tips for your Paris holiday
To get you started, here are some need-to-know tips to make the most of your time in Paris:
- Pre-book tickets - skip the lines and book tickets to major attractions well in advance. RACV Members save on tickets to attractions like Moulin Rouge, Disneyland Paris, The Louvre, Orsay Museum, Eiffel Tower and more in Paris.
- Start early - beat the crowds as the city's most famous sights are quieter first thing. If you've just arrived from Victoria, use jet lag to your advantage.
- Take public transport - get a Navigo Easy pass to ride the city's fast and reliable public transport, including the speedy Paris Metro. Consider taking hop-on hop-off buses for informative commentary between stops. If you’re planning on driving while overseas, check to see if you need an International Driving Permit.
- Download maps - Google Maps or the free Citymapper app make offline navigation easy, saving on your data roaming bill.
- Pack light - bring a small day bag to carry water, snacks and your essentials.
- Wear good walking shoes - comfy footwear matters! Even with Paris's effortless public transport network, you'll still spend a lot of time on your feet.
- Stay flexible - prioritise three to five major sights per day and allow space for wandering, weather and following your whims.
- Seasonal advice - spring and autumn are ideal for milder weather and lighter crowds. Parisians take their summer holiday in August to escape the heat, leaving the city quieter, with some restaurants and attractions closed.
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Enjoying a croissant at a cafe is essential in Paris. Image: Getty
What to do, see and eat in Paris
See Paris in a day (or longer)
If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, spending three to five days is ideal for discovering the city at a relaxed pace. This allows you to take in iconic sights such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Arc de Triomphe, as well as enjoy a stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg and a scenic cruise along the Seine. For shopping, explore the vibrant Le Marais district and the famous Champs-Élysées. Fans of Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and Oscar Wilde may also wish to include a visit to Père Lachaise Cemetery in their itinerary.
If you have more than a week, consider venturing beyond the classic attractions to experience Paris’s characterful neighbourhoods. The Butte-aux-Cailles in the 13th arrondissement offers secret bars, charming cafés, and even a historic thermal spring swimming pool (Piscine de la Butte-aux-Cailles). Meanwhile, Belleville and Ménilmontant in the 20th arrondissement are renowned for their vibrant street art, artist studios, multicultural cuisine, and sweeping panoramic views.
What follows is a guide to making the most of Paris in 24 hours, but you can easily stretch this itinerary over a week to savour the city at your own pace. After all, you could visit the Louvre every day and still discover something new.
What to see in Paris in the morning
What better way to start your Parisian adventure than with a buttery croissant or classic jambon-beurre baguette? Tucked away in the Jewish Quarter in the Le Marais district, Au Petit Versailles du Marais is a local bakery famous for its flaky pastries, delicate tarts and colourful cakes.
While you're in Le Marais, stroll the cobbled streets as they come alive for the day. Known for its historical architecture, trendy boutiques, and hidden courtyards, the Jewish Quarter offers an ideal first glance into Paris's layered history. The Notre Dame Cathedral is among the famous landmarks nearby.
For something truly unique, join a local foodie for a taste of Le Marais as part of an extended tour of France.
Pre-book tickets through RACV Travel & Experiences to skip the queues at major Parisian attractions. Image: Getty
Best art experiences in Paris
Next, take a short stroll to the Musée Picasso — an intimate museum housed in a 17th-century mansion, boasting the world’s largest public collection of Picasso’s works, along with fascinating pieces from his personal archives. Set aside about an hour to gain a fresh perspective on his genius and be sure to pre-book your 9.30am admission for a seamless start to your visit.
Paris is, of course, synonymous with the Louvre - the world’s most renowned art museum. With 35,000 works on display at any given time, it’s wise to plan ahead. For a brief visit, head straight to the Denon Wing to admire iconic masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and The Raft of the Medusa.
If you have more time, explore further: discover French sculptures from the 6th to 19th centuries on the lower ground floor, Egyptian antiquities dating from 4000 to 30 BC on the ground floor, Italian paintings from the 13th to 19th centuries on Level 1, and European paintings from the 14th to 19th centuries on Level 2 - just a glimpse of the museum’s vast collection.
The Louvre is about a 20-minute Metro ride from the Jewish Quarter; remember to pre-book your entry. Don’t miss the lesser-visited Napoleon III apartments, which are well worth your time. Afterwards, unwind with a breath of fresh air in the free Tuileries Garden.
The Louvre and attached Tuileries Gardens are a must-see in Paris. Image: Getty
Where to eat lunch in Paris
Refuel for your afternoon adventures with lunch. Just a few minutes on foot from the Louvre, enjoy a savoury crepe at Happy Caffê, quick service and bistro staples at Café Blanch, or a lunch plate at Le Fumoir. If you have the time, stroll 30 minutes to the colourful Marché des Enfants Rouges for inspired regional street food.
Next, take a 20-minute Metro ride to Trocadéro for panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower. Using your pre-booked ticket (recommended for 2pm), ascend to the second floor or summit for sweeping views of the Seine, Montmartre and beyond. Allow a couple of hours.
If you'd prefer to photograph the Eiffel Tower from Tuileries Gardens and then discover another attraction, walk 30 minutes from Trocadéro to Rue Cler to the vibrant stalls at the city's most beloved market. The fresh pastries and specialty cheeses make for a fabulous takeaway afternoon or sunset snack.
See the Eiffel tower and more as part of the five-day Paris and Normandy Short Break.
Immerse yourself in Paris and enjoy the sights around Montmartre. Image: Getty
How to see the best sunset in Paris
Make your way to the riverbanks for an hour-long Seine River cruise for a cinematic view of Paris's centuries-old architecture. The classic Parisian buildings - Notre Dame, the Conciergerie, the Musée d'Orsay - always delight.
As the sun sets across the city, head to the Arc de Triomphe by metro or taxi to capture the golden-hour hues across the Champs-Élysées.
Prefer to avoid the sunset crowds? Take a 30-minute taxi ride to local favourite, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. This expansive, hilly green space has dramatic bridges, a hidden temple, and one of the best lesser-known sunset views of the city from Temple de la Sybille.
If you want to combine Paris and river cruising, consider an eight-day cruise along the River Seine that begins and ends in Paris.
A cruise on the Seine is the perfect way to see the best of Paris. Image: Getty
Where to go for the best evening walk in Paris
If you’re searching for the ultimate Parisian stroll, look no further than Pont Alexandre III. This spectacular bridge elegantly links the historic Invalides on the Left Bank with the Grand Palais and Petit Palais on the Right Bank, placing you right in the heart of Paris’s cultural scene.
Pont Alexandre III is considered one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris. Completed in 1900 for the Exposition Universelle, it is notable for its Belle Époque artistry. Take note of the gilded statues, ornate lamp posts, and dramatic arches. The bridge commemorates the Franco-Russian Alliance, with its name honouring Tsar Alexander III. Replicas of the iconic bridge exist around the world, including one in Las Vegas.
Love architecture? See the best of Europe with the Magnificent Europe river cruise, a 20-day adventure that includes stays in Paris and Budapest.
The Pont Alexandre III bridge in Paris looks beautiful at sunset. Image: Getty
The best dining and after-dark destinations in Paris
Wind down with a glass at Ô Château, an elegant wine bar with more than 50 wines by the glass and 1,000 bottles. This award-winning establishment offers an accessible deep dive into French varietals with several wine-tasting workshops - no expertise required.
For dinner, book a table at Le Coupe-Chou; it’s only 30 minutes on foot from Ô Château, in the heart of the Latin Quarter. This romantic Left Bank favourite appeals with its timber-beamed ceilings, old-world charm, and traditional homemade French dishes like duck confit or beef bourguignon.
If you love a good view, La Tour d’Argent is a 400-year-old restaurant that overlooks the Seine and Notre Dame. If you want to dine closer to the river, La Rotisserie d’Argent is a classic French bistro that serves crowd pleasers such as roast chicken, steak frites, duck confit, and steak tartare.
Book a table for dinner in the Latin Quarter for a quintessential Paris dining experience. Image: Getty
The best live entertainment at night in Paris
Round out the day with a short walk to experience live jazz at Le Caveau de la Huchette, a vaulted underground bar with decades of history. For those with a sweet tooth, La Jacobine, known for its decadent, velvety hot chocolate, will impress.
Not ready to call it a day? Hop in a taxi for Paris's most famous cabaret show: the lavish Moulin Rouge. The 11pm performance ensures you’ve maximised every hour in Paris, ending the day on an exhilarating high!
Want to spend more time in Paris? The six-day Spotlight on Paris tour will ensure you don't miss out on seeing the best things France's capital has to offer.
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Moulin Rouge is a celebrated nighttime attraction in Paris. Image: Getty
While Paris is eternal, a day is fleeting. It's impossible to see it all in a day (even a month!). However, 24 hours in the City of Lights allows you to tap into its exuberance, charm and the grandeur of its attractions. All of which leaves you with a longing to return someday and fall under Paris's spell once again.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) Ltd AR 001243563 is an authorised representative of the issuer and receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. RACV Travel Insurance issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548. Terms & conditions apply, refer to the PDS.
