My first trip to Paris was an intense day trip that lasted around 17 hours. I arrived at 6:00 AM and departed at 11:30 PM. I booked my tour with AM to PM Tours, a popular travel bus company in Germany catering to international students and young travellers. The bus ride was long and tedious, but I made some travel buddies along the way. I boarded the bus solo but ended up leaving Paris with three new friends.
Before my trip, many people doubted I would even have time to visit the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, but I proved them wrong. I arrived in Paris on April 30, 2016—my big sister’s birthday. If you’re planning a visit to Paris, here are my top tips and highlights for a memorable experience.
Must-See: The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is an iconic must-see in Paris. Here’s how to make the most of your visit:
Enjoy Free Access for Young Visitors If you’re under 25, you can visit the Eiffel Tower for free. To maximize your visit, book your tickets directly from the Eiffel Tower’s official website. Tickets for the summit and the 1st and 2nd floors are available up to two months in advance, but they sell out quickly. Even with a summit ticket, you’ll need to switch elevators on the second level, which can involve waiting in line.
Skip the Lines with Pre-Booking For a smoother experience, book a ticket to the second floor and then purchase a separate ticket to the summit if desired. The view from the second level is still spectacular, so don’t worry too much if you don’t make it to the top.
Dining with a View Consider booking lunch at the Madame Brasserie on the 1st floor. A lunch reservation includes a lift ticket to the Eiffel Tower. Lunch starts at €39, and you should collect your lift ticket at the restaurant’s welcome desk 30 minutes before your reservation.
Take the Stairs for a Workout For a unique experience, you can climb the stairs to the second floor for €10. The stairs are not steep, and this option allows you to skip the longer lift lines. Note that stair access operates on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be pre-booked.
Avoid Overpriced Tour Operators Booking through a tour operator typically costs €36 and up and can be overpriced. If you must use a tour operator, choose a local company like With Locals Tours over resellers like Viator.
Timing Your Visit If you’re not an early riser, consider visiting the Eiffel Tower at night. From mid-June to the end of September, it’s open until midnight, with the last entrance to the summit elevator at 11:00 PM. Outside of these months, the tower closes at 11:45 PM, with the last summit entrance at 10:30 PM.
Experience the Night Lights After sunset, the Eiffel Tower is beautifully illuminated. Every hour, the tower sparkles—a magical sight not to be missed. While some travellers may find it overrated, I believe it’s all about timing. Arrive early, make it your first stop, and use these tips to enjoy the Eiffel Tower fully.
Stroll Along the Seine River
The Seine River meanders through the heart of Paris, offering more than just boat trips. If you’re short on time, a leisurely walk along its banks provides a delightful experience. Look out for trees adorned with carved initials and hearts, a charming touch that adds to the romantic atmosphere. I recommend walking from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Museum. While it’s a bit of a distance, the 42-minute walk is easy and scenic, even in the rain. For directions, click here: Google Map Eiffel Tower to Louvre Museum.
Discover Parisian Bridges
Paris is home to some truly enchanting bridges that are worth exploring.
Pont Alexandre III is particularly remarkable with its intricate gold details. I even witnessed a high-fashion photo shoot on this iconic bridge. Celebrating the Franco-Russian Alliance, Pont Alexandre III is one of Paris’s most stunning bridges, and its ornate design is sure to leave you in awe.
Pont des Arts, also known as Passerelle des Arts, is a renowned pedestrian bridge in Paris that spans the River Seine. This charming bridge connects the Institut de France with the central square of the Palais du Louvre. Famous for its tradition of love locks, where tourists affix locks inscribed with initials or names, Pont des Arts has gained international fame, including a feature in the film Now You See Me.
However, it’s important to note that adding locks to the bridge can damage its structural integrity. For the safety of this historic landmark, it is advisable to refrain from attaching locks.
According to Wikipedia, the city has launched “Love Without Locks” campaign and social media hashtag. The website states: “Our bridges can no longer withstand your gestures of love. Set them free by declaring your love with #lovewithoutlocks.” Being a traveller means respecting the place you are visiting so please don’t add a lock rather participate in the Love Without Locks campaign and respect the city.
Skip the Lines at the Louvre: Tips for a Seamless Visit
During my visit to the Louvre, I stood in line at the main entrance for just about 10 minutes — and we timed it precisely. Despite not arriving early, the wait was relatively short. Having visited Paris four times and hearing from friends who have also been, I’ve learned effective strategies to avoid the much longer lines at the Louvre.
The Best Time to Visit the Louvre
To maximize your visit to the Louvre and avoid long lines, plan your trip for days and times when the museum is less crowded. The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, so avoid visiting on that day. Mondays are also particularly busy because other Parisian museums are closed, leading to larger crowds at the Louvre. Instead, consider visiting on Wednesday or Friday evening. You can enter the museum until 9:45 p.m., so booking a tour as late as 7 p.m. can help you avoid the busiest times and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Best Entrance to the Louvre
During my visit, I used the Le Pyramide entrance, which is often crowded even before opening time. I encountered long lines and even a group of pushy tourists. For a better experience, especially if you don’t have a pre-booked ticket, use the Le Carrousel du Louvre entrance. This underground entrance is accessible via the Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre metro stop (Lines 1 and 7). Alternatively, if you’re walking, you can enter from Rue de Rivoli, number 99, and go down two sets of escalators into a small underground shopping area. After passing the shops, you’ll find the inverted pyramid.
While all entrances have metal detectors and lines can be long during peak seasons (June to August and December), Le Carrousel du Louvre generally offers a shorter wait time.
Ignore the Port des Lions entrance it’s for tour groups and the Porte de Richelieu it’s reserved for tour groups and people who have membership cards to the Louvre.
Visit Notre Dame: A Must-See Gothic Cathedral in Paris
Notre Dame Cathedral is a renowned Catholic church and a prime example of Gothic architecture. Construction of this iconic cathedral began between 1163 and 1345. Visitors can explore the cathedral for free and admire its stunning stained glass windows. During my visit, I arrived while a service was in progress and enjoyed listening to French hymns, making for a memorable experience. The wait to enter was about 15 minutes, which was longer than the wait times at the Eiffel Tower and Louvre but still manageable. While the line management can be less strict, it’s best to queue patiently rather than try to cut ahead.
For a more efficient visit, especially during peak times, consider booking a skip-the-line tour that also includes access to the Notre Dame towers. For more details, visit this link for skip-the-line tours.
The cathedral’s stained glass windows are truly beautiful, and if you get the chance, be sure to take a look. Even with less than 24 hours in Paris, I was able to enjoy this architectural marvel. Visiting in April can be advantageous as it is typically less crowded.
Indulge in French Cuisine
While I didn’t get the chance to enjoy a full French meal in Paris, I treated myself to delicious chocolate cake and macaroons from Maison Padier along the Champs-Élysées. The cashier even mistook me for a local, which was a nice touch. If you find yourself traveling with others, you might have to compromise on dining choices — my lunch ended up being at McDonald’s. However, my week-long stay in Laval, in the West of France, with my friends and their family’s home-cooked meals more than made up for it.
Explore the Champs-Élysées: Paris’s Iconic Avenue
Stroll down the world-famous Champs-Élysées, renowned for its luxury shops, vibrant atmosphere, and beautiful tree-lined boulevard. At the end of this prestigious street, you’ll encounter the majestic Arc de Triomphe, also known as the Arch of Victory. This iconic landmark stands as a testament to French history and offers a stunning visual conclusion to your walk along one of Paris’s most celebrated avenues.
Climb the Arc de Triomphe for Stunning Views
Ascend the Arc de Triomphe and enjoy panoramic views of Paris, including a magnificent sight of the Eiffel Tower. The climb up the stairs is well worth the effort for the breathtaking aerial views. During my visit, this was the longest wait, taking about 20 minutes, as I arrived with my group after exploring other attractions.
To avoid long queues, consider purchasing skip-the-line tickets, starting at €12. You can find these options through the following links:
- Skip-the-Line Arc de Triomphe Tickets on Tiqets
- <a href="http://<!– wp:embed {"url":"https://www.getyourguide.com/champs-elysees-l3452/paris-skip-the-line-arc-de-triomphe-tickets-t66157/?partner_id=5B7F4\u0026cmp=EN","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"embed"} –> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-embed wp-block-embed-embed"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.getyourguide.com/champs-elysees-l3452/paris-skip-the-line-arc-de-triomphe-tickets-t66157/?partner_id=5B7F4&cmp=EN </div></figure> Skip-the-Line Arc de Triomphe Tickets on GetYourGuide
Mornings generally have fewer crowds. However, be prepared for peak times during Christmas, Easter, and public holidays when the area can become very busy. Click here for more information.
Visit the Louis Vuitton Headquarters on the Champs-Élysées
The Louis Vuitton headquarters, situated on the prestigious Champs-Élysées, is a must-see for fashion enthusiasts. You can explore or purchase luxury bags on the ground floor, or simply admire the stunning building from the outside. As a student on a budget, I opted to enjoy the experience of seeing the iconic store without making a purchase. Whether you’re interested in high-end fashion or just appreciate architectural beauty, a visit to the Louis Vuitton headquarters is a highlight of any trip to Paris.
Shop for Souvenirs in Paris: Best Picks and Tips
During my trips to Paris, I picked up charming souvenirs like postcards and Eiffel Tower keychains. On my second visit, I also purchased art-themed bookmarks, a lovely keepsake from the city’s rich artistic heritage. To get the best deals on keychains, avoid buying from vendors stationed at tourist hotspots. I initially made this mistake, but discovered that you can find keychains for as little as 50 cents if you shop from local vendors away from crowded areas. For great souvenirs at affordable prices, explore less touristy areas and local shops.
Extra
Paris boasts many stunning parks, perfect for a leisurely stroll. One of the most notable is Trocadéro Gardens, located near the Eiffel Tower. From this picturesque spot, you can enjoy an impressive view of the Eiffel Tower. During my second visit to Paris, I even saw a couple having their wedding photos taken here, adding a special touch to the experience.
Though I didn’t get to visit the Moulin Rouge or the Palace of Versailles on this trip, I plan to return for those iconic landmarks. Trying to see everything in one visit can be overwhelming. Despite the rain, non-French lunch options, and not being able to see every attraction, I had a wonderful time.
If you only have one day in Paris, plan ahead: arrive early, minimise breaks, and stick to a well-thought-out itinerary. Focus on the sights you can see and enjoy, rather than stressing over what you miss. Maintaining a positive attitude will enhance your experience, even if you face less-than-ideal weather. If I could enjoy Paris in the pouring rain with wet shoes, you can have a fantastic time, hopefully under drier conditions!
Wishing you happy travels!
Nikkidiscovers 