Best Paris Day Trips & Things to Do

Best Things to Do in Paris

Paris is brimming with attractions, but a few essentials stand out on every traveler’s list. Let’s start with the landmarks:

Eiffel Tower: It might sound cliché, but the Eiffel Tower remains Paris’ defining symbol. Book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines, especially if you want to ride to the summit for sweeping views of the city. For a more relaxed experience, bring a picnic to the Champ de Mars lawns beneath it.

Louvre Museum: Home to the Mona Lisa and countless masterpieces, the Louvre is a must-see. If you plan to visit multiple museums, consider a Paris Museum Pass, which offers access to over 50 museums and can save both time and money.

Notre-Dame Cathedral: Although still under restoration after the 2019 fire, visitors can explore the surrounding Île de la Cité and admire the iconic façade. Don’t miss the nearby Sainte-Chapelle, with its dazzling stained-glass windows.

Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur: Wander the winding streets of Montmartre, once home to Picasso and Van Gogh, and climb the steps to Sacré-Cœur Basilica for a panoramic view of the city.

Musée d’Orsay: Set inside a former railway station, this museum showcases Impressionist art from Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Its airy architecture is a highlight in itself.

Sample 3-Day Paris Itinerary

If you’re short on time, here’s a realistic way to cover the highlights:

Day 1: Morning at the Louvre, afternoon stroll through the Tuileries Gardens, then cross the Seine for a sunset view of the Eiffel Tower. End the evening with a Seine River cruise.

Day 2: Start in Montmartre, explore Sacré-Cœur, then head south for shopping at Galeries Lafayette. Spend your afternoon at Musée d’Orsay, and finish with dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Day 3: Visit Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, walk along the Latin Quarter, then save time for a final museum visit with your Paris attractions pass - whether it’s the Centre Pompidou or the Rodin Museum.

Best Day Trips from Paris

Once you’ve had your fill of the city, it’s worth taking advantage of Paris’ excellent train connections to nearby gems:

Versailles: Just 30 minutes by RER train, the Palace of Versailles is a dazzling display of French grandeur. The Hall of Mirrors and expansive gardens are highlights. Arrive early to beat the crowds.

Giverny: Art lovers will want to see Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny, especially in spring when the flowers are in full bloom. It’s about 45 minutes by train plus a short bus ride.

Reims & Champagne Region: In just 45 minutes you can be in Reims, sipping sparkling wine at Champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger. Pair it with a visit to the city’s Gothic cathedral.

Fontainebleau: Often less crowded than Versailles, Fontainebleau offers a stunning château surrounded by forest - perfect for both history buffs and hikers.

Loire Valley (longer trip): If you have a full day, high-speed trains make it possible to see castles like Chambord or Chenonceau.

What Countries Can You Reach by Train from Paris?

Thanks to the extensive high-speed rail network, Paris is a gateway to several countries. Within a few hours you can reach:

Belgium: Brussels in about 1 hour 20 minutes, Bruges in under 3 hours.

Netherlands: Amsterdam in about 3 hours 20 minutes by Thalys train.

United Kingdom: London in just over 2 hours via the Eurostar.

Germany: Cologne in 3 hours, Frankfurt in 4 hours.

Switzerland: Geneva and Zurich are reachable in about 4 hours.

These options make Paris an excellent base if you’re planning a multi-country European itinerary.

Pro Tips for Visiting Paris

Best time to visit: Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is lively but crowded, while winter brings shorter lines at museums.

How to get around: Paris has an excellent metro system. Consider buying a multi-day Navigo travel pass if you’re staying several days. Walking is often the best way to experience the city’s neighborhoods.

How to save money: A Paris Museum Pass is worth it if you plan to see multiple museums. Booking tickets online in advance often secures better prices and time slots.

Things to avoid: Skip restaurants right next to major tourist attractions if you’re looking for authentic cuisine - venture a few streets away. Watch out for common scams around busy areas like Montmartre and the Eiffel Tower.

Local etiquette: A polite “Bonjour” when entering shops or restaurants goes a long way. Tipping isn’t mandatory but rounding up the bill is common practice.