I have a love-hate relationship with Paris. I’ve been there twice, once via the Eurostar and once on a plane. Both were trips for the day. The first time in 2017 was such a great experience but the second time in 2018, not so much.

My sister almost got mugged when we were leaving the metro station. Someone slipped her wallet out of her bag, which included her passport. Luckily a member of staff at the train station saw this and screamed out, hearing this the mugger dropped the items back into my sister’s bag. We were so lucky that day because if the mugger were successful we would have been stuck in Paris! Pro-tip, be vigilant about your things if you go, there are pickpockets everywhere.

That aside, Paris is iconic and such a beautiful place. Both times we went, we did the standard touristy things but I would like to go back and stay for a few days to explore it properly. I still would recommend making a day trip, as you can see and do a lot in that short amount of time.

The subway system was easy to navigate and the major hot spots are close together. Travel into the city is quick from either the Charles de Gaulle airport if you take a plane or Gare du Nord if you take the Eurostar.

Anyway, here’s a list of things to do and see:

• Shop on the Champs-Elysees – one of the most famous streets in the world
• Eiffel Tower
• Louvre Museum
• Arc de Triomphe
• Notre Dame & Sainte Chapelle
• Versailles – royal chateau
• Musee d’Orsay – the largest collection of Impressionist art
• Montmartre – one of the most popular neighbourhoods
• Seine River Cruise
• The Catacombs – under the streets of Paris there are tunnels lined with human bones
• Palais Garnier – a world-famous opera house
• Galeries Lafayette – upscale French department store
• Palais Royal – the former royal palace
• Foundation Louis Vuitton
• Luxembourg Gardens
• Disneyland Paris

That’s just to name a few but it’s enough to keep you busy for a while. So whether you go for the day or longer you won’t be short of things to do.