Paris is one of the most popular travel destinations of the world and ideally, you’ve got a week or more to explore the French capital. But sometimes, all we have is time for a weekend getaway or even just a layover in Paris.
But there is no need to despair. Even if you spend only one single day in Paris, you have enough time to take in the quintessence and enjoy the highlights of Paris!
Take a cruise on the Seine
Taking a Seine river cruise is a must-do activity you don’t want to miss when visiting Paris. The Seine cruises are perfect to see Paris’ main attractions if you have so little time. From the comfort of a boat you’ll be enjoying beautiful views on the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame cathedral, the Pont Neuf and many more of Paris’ highlights.
There are several Cruise operators that are leaving from different docks, however, it’s best to take one that leaves central around Saint Michel as it’s a great spot to continue your Paris visit afterwards. One of the most popular Seine River Cruise is this one, click for more information and bookings. https://www.getyourguide.com/paris-l16/batobus-riverboat-shuttle-service-in-paris-t38938/
Stroll through the Marais
If you are leaving the Seine River Cruise at Notre Dame, you are just a few steps away from the historic districts of the Marais.
This part of town was originally a swamp (Marais – Swamp) in front of the gates of Paris. After its drainage – and until the French Revolution in the 18th century – it became the district of aristocrats and nobles. After they abandoned town, the Marais became home to one of the biggest Jewish communities in Paris and is so again today. Since the 80’s the Marais is also hosting the LTGB community and grew into being the LGTB centre of Paris today.
The Marais is an old district with cobbled stone streets and mansions remaining from the aristocrat epoch. But it’s also an energetic place with countless restaurants, shops and art Galleries.
Editors Tip: Due to the strong Jewish influence, you find the best middle eastern food of Paris in the Marais. An institution is the restaurant “L’As du Falafel” – supposedly the best Falafel of Paris. It’s not so much one of the hidden gems in Paris anymore but it’s still worth tasting!
https://www.getyourguide.com/paris-l16/le-marais-guided-walking-tour-t190271/
Visit Shakespeare and Company
This famous Anglo-American bookstore is just a bridge crossing away from the Marais. This beautiful store has almost 120 years on the hump and had many famous visitors over the years: Ernest Hemingway, F.Scott Fitzgerald, and Bertolt Brecht to name a few.
Shakespeare and Company was always rather known in the literary world. However, it became famous to a broader audience due to its appearance in the films Before Sunset and Midnight in Paris. It’s not that much of a hidden gem in Paris anymore, but it’s so worth to step by.
If you visit, don’t miss the second floor. That’s were Aggie, the cat lives. She usually sleeps on an armchair.
https://shakespeareandcompany.com/
Taste delicious flaky French croissants
No Paris trip is complete without tasting some of the delicious French food! The easiest is to get a flaky croissant. You’ll find them at every corner, in supermarkets and even in McDonalds. However, to get the best bakes goods look out for a Boulangerie Artisanale. The label assures that the bakery produces their bread locally in their own atelier. The label is used for bread but is in fact legally blurry regarding Viennoiserie, that’s the French food name for puff pastries like Croissants, Pain au Chocolats and such. But you can be sure in any case that you’ll get a better product in a Boulangerie Artisanale than in a supermarket.
Enjoy the view over Paris
No Paris visit is complete without having the chance to see the city from above. And luckily there are plenty of occasions to do so. Visiting the Eiffel Tower is clearly the most popular Paris viewpoint. But as the waiting time at the Eiffel Tower can be long and the landmark is not exactly in the centre, there are better options if you have only one day in Paris.
Arc de Triomphe – Even though there is usually a queue, the waiting time is nowhere near the Eiffel Tower https://www.getyourguide.com/paris-l16/paris-skip-the-line-arc-de-triomphe-tickets-t66157/
Tour Montparnasse – The waiting times are usually short and the big plus of visiting the Tour Montparnasse is that you also see the Eiffel Tower! https://www.getyourguide.com/paris-l16/montparnasse-tower-roof-terrace-ticket-360-degrees-of-paris-t21170/
Galeries Lafayette (free!) – The Galeries Lafayette is one of the oldest department stores of France and a beautiful Art Nouveau building. However, the visitors terrace on the roof is free of entry and the view is grand!
Montmartre (free!) – If you have one or two spare hours, head over to Montmartre. After strolling up the hill you arrive at the Sacre Coeur and Paris lays to your feet.
