Gem of France, Paris is every artist, fashionista and traveller’s dream destination. Surely, Eiffel Tower is the signature but if you start listing an itinerary for a day in Paris, well good luck. Food lovers find themselves rushing to Macarons, Baguettes, French cheese and Croissants, art fans have Louvre and endless museums, and history seekers are the ones with enormous options. Parisian culture, gastronomy and history is like a beautiful charming and astounding sort of black hole with no end to it. Wandering around Paris, one of the most exquisite French cities, in a day, is insane but not impossible.
The whirlwind of Parisian things to do and see means combating the time while moving from Eiffel to Louvre, sipping on local wine to gorging on the mouth licking patisseries. And if you have kids then you cannot miss the zoo, gardens and the amusement parks. Here’s a simple breakdown of Paris and its marvellous wonders to get that perfect family day trip:
Top 3 things to see in Paris
01 Eiffel Tower
- Time – 1 to 2 Hours
- Best time to visit – Day and Night
It had to be the top one, because Eiffel. 1889 saw the launch 324 metres high (then the tallest structure) Eiffel that soon became the heart of Paris. Today, Eiffel Tower is often found in every corner of the world in the form of little souvenir statues, t-shirt art or even replica attractions for locals. Standing so tall that Eiffel can be seen almost from anywhere in the city and the best spot to drink and digest its romantic and historical beauty is from Champ d Mars gardens or the popular Seine river cruise. This wrought-iron structure next to River Seine is the perfect place to get the breath-taking aerial view of Paris. And if you have the luxury to spend the night in the city, the post-sunset view of the city from this tower is going to be unforgettable.
02 Louvre Museum
- Time – 2+ Hours
- Best time to visit – Day and Night
A fortress-like museum that is the mecca for every art lover. A large number of people know Louvre as the place to see the famous Mona Lisa from Leonardo da Vinci but this gorgeous structure with a blend of French classic, renaissance and medieval architecture has much more. Even if you do not have the time to wander in and absorb the magic of the Louvre, it is highly recommended that just take a walk around the giant pyramid structure outside its premises, its modern glass structure stands as a total contrast to the museums ancient.
03 Catacombs of Paris
- Time – 1-2 Hours
- Best time to visit – Late Afternoon or Early Evening
The reason to keep Catacombs of Paris above Palais de la Découverte or Arc De Triomphe is because the history and bizarre beauty of the underground labyrinth is truly an unconventional sight to not to be missed. Of course, for a more family-oriented day tour or a romantic getaway, this wouldn’t be an ideal pick. But, keeping its gorgeous haunting beauty aside, Catacombs of Paris is your door to the city’s ancient history. Today a novelty attraction, these underground tunnels and maze of galleries with remains of over 6 million Parisian people are open 6 days a week with certain restrictions.
Paris Day Tour with Kids
Families with little ones often find themselves in a tricky spot, Paris adventure or Kids and their happy meal demands. It is the magic of this French city that it appeals to all ages, even your tiny tots are bound to fall in love with the glory of Paris through the various kid-friendly places and activities. From huge green garden areas to run and play, wonderful zoo with beautiful animals to the whirlpool of joy rides in local amusement park. Here are top kid-friendly attractions for a one-day trip in Pars:
- Paris Zoological Park
- Astérix Park
- Aquarium de Paris
- Ménagerie, le zoo du Jardin des Plantes
- Jardin d’ Acclimation
Shopping in Paris
Designer stores to Parisian shopping streets, modern malls to charming flea market, choice is yours. Whether you are a fashionista seeking the best of Paris high fashion couture or simply wish to get antique French gifts and local Parisian souvenirs, there are enough places to visit and fill your bags. Shoppers in Paris need to dedicate enough time to explore the elegant shopping stores, local cafes, home decor shops, street vendors and fashion boutiques. A visit to the famous Shakespeare & Company bookstore, Maison du Chocolat, or local candy stores of special French candies would get you some amazing souvenirs and gifts to take back home.
Here are few top Parisian shopping streets & centres:
- Rue du Commerce
- Boulevard Haussmann & Rue Tronchet
- Louvre and Tuileries District
- Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées
- Les Halles and Rue de Rivoli