Disneyland Paris Guide: Best Things to Do, Rides & Must-See Attractions

Disneyland Paris entrance and Disneyland Hotel with fountains and Mickey Mouse flower display

Originally published after our 2012 visit. Updated August 2026 with current Disneyland Paris planning information

Everything you need to know about DISNEYLAND PARIS GUIDE - best things to do and must see from a Disneyland expert!

If you’re planning a trip to Paris and LOVE Disney, you may be wondering: Is Disneyland Paris worth visiting?

For me, the answer was YES!

I’ve been to Disneyland in California literally hundreds of times, so naturally, when I went to Paris, I had to see how the two parks compared.

There are so many fun things to do at Disneyland Paris, especially if you love spotting the differences between Disney parks. From unique versions of classic rides to Sleeping Beauty Castle (and the dragon hiding underneath!), these are some of the best things to do in Disneyland Paris—plus a few newer experiences I’d add to my list today.

I seriously couldn’t stop taking photos while we were there! From the details of the castle to the Halloween decorations throughout the park, there was something different around every corner.

We visited in 2012 during the Halloween season, so the photos and my firsthand experiences in this guide are from that trip. A LOT has changed since then—including a major transformation of the second park! I’ve updated this guide with current 2026 planning information while keeping all of those original experiences, comparisons and photos.

I couldn't stop taking photos of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Paris—especially with all the Halloween decorations!

Disneyland Paris at a Glance

Disneyland Paris has two theme parks:

• Disneyland Park — This is the classic castle park and the one that feels most like Disneyland in California or Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

• Disney Adventure World — Formerly Walt Disney Studios Park, the second park has undergone a HUGE transformation and officially became Disney Adventure World in March 2026.

If you only have one day and you’re choosing one park, I’d prioritize Disneyland Park, especially if this is your first visit.

That’s where you’ll find Sleeping Beauty Castle, Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Phantom Manor and many of the things that make Disneyland Paris unique.

What’s New at Disneyland Paris in 2026?

Okay, this is where my original 2012 Disneyland Paris guide needed a BIG update!

When we visited, the second park was called Walt Disney Studios Park.

As of March 29, 2026, it is officially Disney Adventure World.

The park has undergone a huge expansion that includes World of Frozen, Adventure Way, Adventure Bay, a Tangled-themed attraction and new restaurants and experiences.

There’s also Marvel Avengers Campus, which opened long after my visit. The old Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster that I remember has been transformed into Avengers Assemble: Flight Force.

So if you’re looking at my older photos and wondering why parts of Disney Adventure World look completely different today — that’s why!

How to Get to Disneyland Paris From Paris

One of the things that surprised me about Disneyland Paris was how EASY it was to get there from Paris.

We were staying in Paris and took the RER A train to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy.

The ride from central Paris takes about 40 minutes, and the station is right by the entrance to Disneyland Paris.

For us, it made Disneyland Paris completely doable as a day trip without changing hotels.

TIP: I wouldn’t rely on old blog posts for train prices (including the original version of this post!). Check current transportation information before your trip since fares can change.

Walt Disney Studios Paris, now Disney Adventure World

Disneyland Park vs. Disney Adventure World

If you’ve been to the Disney parks in the United States, the easiest way to understand Disneyland Paris is to think of it as two separate experiences.

Disneyland Park

This is the classic Disney park.

You’ll find:

• Sleeping Beauty Castle

• Big Thunder Mountain

• Pirates of the Caribbean

• Phantom Manor

• Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain

• “it’s a small world”

• Fantasyland

• Adventureland

• Discoveryland

• Frontierland

• Main Street, U.S.A.

But don’t assume you’ve seen everything just because you’ve been to Disneyland in California.

Some of the Paris versions are VERY different.

Disney Adventure World

Disney Adventure World is the dramatically expanded second park, formerly known as Walt Disney Studios Park.

Today you’ll find experiences including:

• World of Frozen

• Marvel Avengers Campus

• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

• Crush’s Coaster

• Toy Story Playland

• Avengers Assemble: Flight Force

• Ratatouille: The Adventure

• Adventure Way

• Adventure Bay

This park is probably the biggest difference between the Disneyland Paris I visited and the Disneyland Paris you’ll experience today.

WALT AND MICKEY STATUE - Hollywood Tower of Terror PARIS - Disney Adventure World

Best Things to Do at Disneyland Paris

Wondering what you absolutely shouldn't miss at Disneyland Paris? From exploring Sleeping Beauty Castle and its dragon to riding Big Thunder Mountain, Phantom Manor and Hyperspace Mountain, there are plenty of attractions that feel surprisingly different from their California counterparts. These are some of my favorite Disneyland Paris must-dos, plus a few newer experiences I'd add to my list today.

Big Thunder Mountain

If you love Big Thunder Mountain in California, you HAVE to ride the Disneyland Paris version.

It’s one of those rides that’s familiar but different enough to make it exciting.

The biggest difference?

The attraction is located on an island in the middle of the Rivers of the Far West!

That alone makes it worth riding even if you’ve been on Big Thunder Mountain dozens of times in the United States.

Phantom Manor AKA Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Paris

Phantom Manor

Disneyland Paris has its own take on the Haunted Mansion called Phantom Manor.

And I LOVE seeing how Disney reimagines attractions for different parks.

Phantom Manor fits perfectly into Frontierland and has a darker Western feel than the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland in California.

If Haunted Mansion is one of your favorites, don’t skip this one.

SPACE MOUNTAIN MISSION 2, now Hyperspace Mountain at DISNEYLAND PARIS

Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain

When we visited, this attraction was called Space Mountain: Mission 2, and it was one of my favorite rides at Disneyland Paris!

Today, it’s Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain.

Unlike Space Mountain in California, the Disneyland Paris coaster is much more intense. It has a loop and inversions which none of the other parks do.

And here’s another reason my old photos are kind of fun now: Disney has announced that the current Hyperspace Mountain version will eventually give way to a newly reimagined version inspired by the attraction’s original Jules Verne concept.

Skull rock and Peter Pan’s Pirate Ship at DISNEYLAND PARIS

Pirates of the Caribbean

Pirates is another attraction that feels familiar but isn’t exactly the same as its California counterpart.

I always recommend riding Disney attractions that exist at multiple parks because comparing them is half the fun!

Crush’s Coaster

Over in Disney Adventure World, Crush’s Coaster is one of the attractions I’d have on my list.

This spinning coaster is themed to Finding Nemo and is unique to Disneyland Paris.

I wish they had this in California Adventure! You ride with Crush from Finding Nemo in a turtle shell along the EAC. It's fast, it spins, it's fun! We waited about an hour for it, but it was worth it (and dry).

DRAGON UNDER SLEEPING BEAUTY'S CASTLE

Don’t Miss the Dragon Under Sleeping Beauty Castle!

THIS was one of my favorite discoveries at Disneyland Paris.

Sleeping Beauty Castle — Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant — is beautiful on its own.

But underneath it?

There’s a DRAGON.

Head underneath the castle into La Tanière du Dragon, where you’ll find a huge Audio-Animatronic dragon lurking in the cave.

I remember thinking this was SO COOL because there isn’t anything like it underneath Sleeping Beauty Castle in California.

It’s exactly the kind of detail that makes Disneyland Paris worth exploring instead of just running from ride to ride.

If you’re a Disneyland regular visiting Paris for the first time, DO NOT MISS THIS!

BONJOUR BUZZ! Toy Story Playland

Toy Story Playland

Elements of Disneyland Paris felt familiar from the Disney parks back home, but when we walked into Toy Story Playland and were greeted by a GIANT Buzz Lightyear saying “Bonjour,” Disneyland Paris definitely had its own unique charm!

The entire area makes you feel like you’ve been shrunk down to the size of a toy in Andy’s backyard, with oversized toys and larger-than-life details everywhere.

When we visited, we were kid-free, so we didn’t spend as much time on the rides here. Today, Toy Story Playland is part of Worlds of Pixar in Disney Adventure World, and you’ll still find Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin, Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop and RC Racer.

Funny enough, now that I’ve visited different Toy Story-themed lands around the world, I still love comparing them. Disneyland Paris was my first experience with Toy Story Playland, although I personally liked Hong Kong Disneyland’s version the best!

CAR'S LAND CORNER

What About the Cars Area?

Near Toy Story Playland, we also came across a little taste of Cars. It wasn’t anything like the full Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, but seeing familiar Cars theming in Paris was another fun Disney-parks-around-the-world moment.

This area has changed quite a bit since our visit. Today, the larger Worlds of Pixar area includes several Pixar-themed attractions, including Cars Quatre Roues Rallye and Cars ROAD TRIP, along with Toy Story Playland, Crush’s Coaster and Ratatouille: The Adventure.

If you’re used to Cars Land in California, don’t expect a Paris version of Radiator Springs. Instead, think of it as several Cars-inspired experiences within the much larger Worlds of Pixar area.

Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril - Outdoor roller coaster

Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril

As a HUGE fan of the Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland in California, I was surprised when we came across Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril at Disneyland Paris.

Despite the name, this is a completely different ride!

Instead of the dark indoor adventure you’ll find in California, Disneyland Paris’ Indiana Jones attraction is an outdoor roller coaster through ancient temple ruins. It actually reminded me more of the coaster-style thrills of Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom than California’s Indiana Jones ride.

It was definitely fun, but when we visited, Space Mountain: Mission 2 was my favorite of the two. Today, that attraction is called Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, but if you’re trying to prioritize thrill rides, I’d put Hyperspace Mountain ahead of Indiana Jones.

California Disneyland fans: Don’t go into this one expecting the Indiana Jones Adventure you know from Anaheim. They’re VERY different attractions — which is also part of the fun of visiting Disneyland Paris!

Don't Miss the Disneyland Paris Drone Show!

One thing I REALLY wish had existed when we visited Disneyland Paris is the incredible nighttime drone technology they have today!

The newest show is Disney Cascade of Lights at Disney Adventure World. It takes place over Adventure Bay and combines more than 380 aerial and aquatic drones with fountains, water screens, projections, flames and other special effects.

I've seen videos of Disneyland Paris' drone shows all over social media, and they look AMAZING. This is definitely something I'd put on my list for a future trip!

Disney Cascade of Lights takes place in the evening and is included with valid admission to Disney Adventure World. Check the Disneyland Paris app for the showtime on the day of your visit, since schedules can change and the show may be affected by weather or technical conditions.

TIP: Disneyland Paris currently has TWO nighttime spectaculars — and you can't see both on the same night! Disney Cascade of Lights at Disney Adventure World takes place at the same time as Disney Tales of Magic over at Disneyland Park. If seeing both nighttime shows is important to you, Disney recommends planning at least two days.

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What’s Different About Disneyland Paris vs. Disneyland California?

This was honestly one of my favorite parts of visiting.

Because I knew Disneyland California so well, I loved spotting all of the differences.

Disneyland Paris isn’t simply Disneyland transplanted to France.

The castle is different.

Big Thunder Mountain is different.

Space Mountain is VERY different. It has a loop!

Phantom Manor has its own story.

And then there are completely unique details like the dragon underneath the castle.

My advice?

Don’t skip an attraction simply because you’ve ridden the “same” ride in California or Florida.

Sometimes comparing the different versions is the most fun part!

🏰 Related Post: Guide to Hong Kong Disneyland

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Halloween at Disneyland Paris

We happened to visit during the Halloween season, and I LOVED seeing Disneyland Paris decorated for fall!

There were pumpkins, ghosts, orange decorations and Halloween touches throughout the park. Looking back at these photos is actually one of my favorite parts of our trip.

And Halloween is still a BIG deal at Disneyland Paris.

For 2026, the Disney Halloween Festival runs September 26 through November 1 at Disneyland Park.

Disneyland Park gets covered in colorful pumpkins, lanterns and autumn decorations, particularly around Main Street, U.S.A. and Frontierland.

There are also special seasonal experiences, including:

• Mickey’s Halloween Celebration

• Disney Characters dressed for Halloween

• Disney Villains

• Jack Skellington and Sally on select dates

• Halloween-inspired food and treats

• Seasonal merchandise

• Special Halloween decorations throughout Disneyland Park

And I especially love that Disneyland Paris describes its Halloween celebration as family-friendly rather than super scary.

If you already love fall and Halloween, I think this would be an especially fun time to plan a Disneyland Paris trip.

Our photos in this post show the Halloween decorations from our 2012 visit, so the exact decorations and entertainment you’ll see today will be different.

🎃 Related Post: Halloweentime at the Disneyland Resort

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Can You Visit Disneyland Paris in One Day?

YES — that’s exactly what we did.

If you’re visiting Paris and mostly want a taste of Disneyland Paris, I think a day trip can absolutely work.

But there’s one big difference between our trip and visiting today:

Disneyland Paris has MUCH more to do now.

With the massive expansion of Disney Adventure World, trying to thoroughly experience both parks in a single day would be a lot.

If I were planning a first trip today, I’d think about it this way:

One day: Focus primarily on Disneyland Park and choose a few priorities at Disney Adventure World if you have a park-hopper ticket.

Two days: Much better if you really want to experience both parks.

Three days: Gives you time to slow down, repeat favorites and enjoy shows and entertainment without feeling like you’re racing through everything.

What Replaced FastPass at Disneyland Paris?

Here’s another major change from our visit.

When we went to Disneyland Paris, we used Disney’s old FastPass system.

That system is gone.

Disneyland Paris now uses Disney Premier Access, a paid service that allows you to access a faster queue at participating attractions.

There are different options, including Premier Access One for individual attractions and Premier Access Ultimate for access to multiple eligible attractions.

Because pricing and participating attractions can change, I’d check the Disneyland Paris app shortly before your trip rather than planning around an old list.

Food at Disneyland Paris

One of the places we ate during our visit was Restaurant Hakuna Matata in Adventureland.

We mainly ended up there because we were hungry, it was raining and we wanted something quick!

Funny enough, Restaurant Hakuna Matata is STILL THERE.

The menu has changed since our 2012 trip, so definitely don’t use my old meal as your current menu guide. Check the Disneyland Paris app for current restaurant menus and opening hours.

If I were planning another trip today, I’d also make dining reservations for any must-do table-service restaurants rather than waiting until we were hungry to figure out where to eat.

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Paris Disneyland Hotel and mickey statue with floral arrangement

Disneyland Paris Tips for First-Time Visitors

Here are the biggest things I’d keep in mind when planning:

Download the Disneyland Paris app before your trip.

You’ll be able to see attraction wait times, show schedules, restaurant information and other current park details.

Don’t assume the rides are identical to Disneyland or Walt Disney World.

That’s part of the fun!

Give yourself time to explore the castle.

Don’t just take a picture in front and walk away. Go underneath it and FIND THE DRAGON.

Check attraction closures before your trip.

Disneyland Paris attractions can close for refurbishment, and you don’t want to discover that one of your must-do rides is unavailable after you arrive.

Prepare for weather.

We experienced plenty of rain during our trip. Paris weather can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly.

Consider two days if you want to see both parks.

Disneyland Paris has expanded considerably since our one-day trip.

If you love Halloween, consider visiting in the fall.

Disneyland Paris really embraces the season!

Is Disneyland Paris Worth It?

For a Disney fan?

I think so!

I wouldn’t necessarily sacrifice a huge chunk of a first-ever trip to Paris just to visit Disney. Paris has SO MUCH to see.

But if you have an extra day, you’re traveling with kids, or you’re a Disney fan who loves experiencing the different parks around the world, Disneyland Paris is an incredibly fun addition to a Paris itinerary.

For me, one of the best parts wasn’t simply riding Disney attractions.

It was discovering how DIFFERENT everything could be.

From Big Thunder Mountain’s island location to Phantom Manor and the dragon hiding underneath Sleeping Beauty Castle, Disneyland Paris has its own personality.

And now that Disney Adventure World has completely transformed the second park, there’s even more to experience than when we visited!

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ENTRANCE TO WALT DISNEY STUDIOS

Disneyland Paris FAQ

Is Disneyland Paris close to Paris?

Disneyland Paris is outside central Paris in Marne-la-Vallée. The RER A train ride from central Paris takes about 40 minutes and arrives at Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy, right by Disneyland Paris.

How many parks are at Disneyland Paris?

There are two: Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure World, formerly Walt Disney Studios Park.

Is one day enough for Disneyland Paris?

You can absolutely visit Disneyland Paris as a day trip, especially if you focus on Disneyland Park. If you want to thoroughly experience both parks, I’d plan at least two days.

Is Disneyland Paris worth visiting if you’ve already been to Disneyland?

YES! That’s actually what made the experience so fun for me. Attractions like Big Thunder Mountain, Phantom Manor and Hyperspace Mountain are different from their U.S. counterparts, and Disneyland Paris has unique experiences like the dragon underneath Sleeping Beauty Castle.

When is Halloween at Disneyland Paris in 2026?

Disney Halloween Festival runs from September 26 through November 1, 2026 in Disneyland Park. The park features Halloween decorations, seasonal entertainment, Disney Characters and Villains, special treats and other Halloween experiences.

Is Disneyland Paris Halloween scary for kids?

Disneyland Paris describes its Halloween Festival as suitable for the whole family. Expect colorful pumpkins, cute ghosts, Disney Villains and playful Halloween decorations rather than a traditional haunted theme park experience.

What is Walt Disney Studios Park called now?

Walt Disney Studios Park officially became Disney Adventure World on March 29, 2026 as part of a major transformation and expansion of Disneyland Paris’s second park.

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DISNEYLAND PARIS GUIDE

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Best Restaurants and Where to Eat in Paris

Best Restaurants in Paris

If you're as starving as a gargoyle (I mean, come on, they HAVE to be hungry), then you've come to the right place. Here is a list of restaurants/bars and the neighborhoods to find them:

Breakfast

Get a croissant (chocolate croissants are my favorite) or a crepe wherever it smells good. A few places make crepes near the window leaking that delightful smell of sweetness in the air. It's hard to resist! 

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Best Restaurants in Saint-Germain des Prés

It seems we ate near here more than any other area! It's been awhile since I've been to some, but they still deserve recognition.

Le Bon Saint-Pourçain

Address: 10 bis r. Servandoni, 75006 Paris

I still remember this meal like it was yesterday. This was the best meal in Paris. It was off the beaten path and was authentic inside and out. Even our chef looked like a cartoon character with his thick eyebrows and long white apron. For our entrees, I had a chicken with wine sauce served with the softest potatoes.  Even though we were full, we ended the meal with an incredible creme brulee, with the consistency having the perfect amount of sticky and goodness. Apparently, new owners took over in 2015, and it has been re-vamped. I hope the food is still just as good.

Les Deux Magots

Address: 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris, France

This was a great bistro in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area. So nice, we went there twice with my family. It once had a reputation as the rendezvous of the literary and intellectual élite of the city. The waiters were very nice and helpful on our first night in Paris. No, they don't serve maggots - don't let the name get to you. They actually had a chicken dish that was delicious. To end your night, make sure you try their sorbets and chocolate mousse! 

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Relais de l'Entrecôte

Address: 20 Rue Saint-Benoît, 75006 Paris, France

Relais de l'Entrecôte has a few locations, but you must go for their steak frites. What's better than steak frites? They have even better desserts! We went to the one on RUE SAINT-BENOÎT. Like most of the Parisian restaurants, the tables were really close and it was pretty loud, but the price wasn't bad for the amount of food you basically inhale. The Chocolate Profiteroles were the highlight of the meal in my book!

CHOCOLATE PROFITEROLES - ONE OF THEIR MOST POPULAR DESSERTS: DELICIOUS DONUT LIKE CAKES WITH VANILLA ICE CREAM, ALL SPRINKLED WITH HOT CHOCOLATE AND TOASTED ALMONDS.

VACHERIN DU RELAIS - A SUPERB DESSERT WITH MERINGUES, VANILLA ICE CREAM AND PRALINE ICE CREAM, COVERED WITH HOT CHOCOLATE AND WHIPPED CREAM

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We found the cutest little Cupcake and Macaron stand. Literally!

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Restaurants Near the Eiffel Tower 

Au Pied De Fouet

45 Rue de Babylone, 75007 Paris, France

The translation means “At the Whiplash,” I don’t quite know what that means but the FOOD WAS AMAZING! As a traditional French meal, many courses came out and the place looked like it had been there for years! It was small and crowded but we enjoyed the authenticity of the restaurant (and the wine).

Alfio

43 Avenue de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, France

We were watching the lights twinkle on the Eiffel Tower and felt rumblies in our tumblies. We walked along the cobblestone streets and after walking 10 miles that day (see our How to Spend 24 hours in Paris post), pizza sounded good. We stumbled upon Alfio after watching the Eiffel Tower light up at night. It's a small quaint place but the pizza and pasta were delicious. I ordered spicy pasta and it was pretty spicy! Decor is great too, they melted wine bottles down and hung them around the restaurant. Highly recommend for those looking for a non fancy, great food, decent price kinda place.

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More Paris Guides:

HOW TO SPEND 24 HOURS IN PARIS AND SEE EVERYTHING IN ONE DAY - COMPLETE ITINERARY AND MAP

10 MILE GALAVANT ACROSS PARIS SEEING ALL THE SIGHTS

Can you see everything in Paris in one day? Yes! It may be exhausting but totally worth it (your feet might not agree). Pro-tip wear SUPER comfy shoes.

Here is a map to guide you throughout your day! You can save it to view offline on your phone if you save it to the Google maps app when you have Wifi.

Park Hyatt Paris - Best hotel in Paris!

MORNING IN PARIS

7:00 AM We started with a big breakfast in the hotel (we stayed at the Park Hyatt Paris Vendome using our reward nights).

We ALWAYS find THE BEST rates through Booking.com. See deals of up to 50% off! You can save a bunch of money if you book a bundle flight+room+rental car! They even have apartments, lodges, and houses you can rent, just like AirBnB or VRBO! By booking through this link, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link!

Paris views from the Park Hyatt Vendome

Of course I had a chocolate croissant and coffee, but there was also cheese and cured meat so I had to have some! Do as the Parisian's do!

PLACE DE LA CONCORDE

From the Hyatt, we went down to the fountain in the Place de la Concorde. I love it because it's the fountain Anne Hathaway throws her phone in, in the Devil Wears Prada. It was Fall and the leaves were turning, adding extra charm to the city (who knew it could get better?). We walked through the gardens and past the Grand Palais.

CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES

10:00 AM We strolled down the Champs-Élysées past Chanel, Cartier, Lauderee, and then there's Nike, H&M, Tiffany, Gap... come on, a GAP shirt would be that much better because it came from PARIS!

Arc de Triomphe

I could shop all day, but we had tons to see. We went down to the Arc de Triomphe. You can actually see the sights atop the Arc for about 12 euro or so. We have already walked about 2 miles.

EIFFEL TOWER

From the Arc, we enjoyed the fall day and walked along the Parisian neighborhood via Avenue Pont d'Iéna for another mile or so to the Eiffel Tower.

After taking a ton of pictures and finding out the wait to go to the top was over an hour, we decided to find some lunch. We came across a little cafe to get some sandwiches and take a little break. 

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AFTERNOON IN PARIS

2:00 PM We hopped on the metro to head to the Catacombs of Paris. From following our map we had trouble finding the entrance, and after making a loop around the block, we discovered it was closed due to ventilation issues. 

Panthéon

Our next destination was Notre Dame, and along the way we came across rain and the 18th century mausoleum, the Panthéon. We didn't go inside but continued on through the Latin quarter to find the cathedral. Totaling a 2 mile walk from the Catacombs, we had finally arrived at Notre Dame! After a 15 minute wait or so, we went through the Cathedral taking in all the beautiful stain glass windows, chandeliers, and fine craftsmanship of the church (note - this was prior to the fire ☹️).

NOTRE DAME before the fire

At this point, I was wishing I would have worn sneakers instead of my cute boots. We had already walked over 6 miles, it was time for a break and a crepe. We stopped in Crêperie du Cloître across from Notre Dame for crepes and french fries.

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EVENING IN PARIS

PONT DES ARTS - Love Lock Bridge

5:00 PM We set out again, walking another mile to the bridge, Pont des Arts, where tourists would leave "love locks" or an engraved padlock along the fence of the bridge. However, the excess weight of the locks were destroying the structure of the bridge and on June 1st, 2015, more than 700,000 locks weighing 45 tons were removed.

Sunset in Paris

Louvre

Mona Lisa

From the bridge, we trekked over to the Louvre. After 6 PM on a Wednesday or Friday, entrance fees are only €6 (instead of €9) and the museum is open until 9:45 PM. Free Admittance to those under 26 on Friday evenings. I had just missed the free entrance by a year. Note: they are closed on Tuesdays. If you are an art fan, you could spend hours or days going through the museum. We weren't that enthused to spend more time on our feet, so we did a brief walk-through to see the must-see artwork such as da Vinci's Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, Michelangelo’s Dying Slave, and the Sphinx. If you stretched out the Louvre walking paths, it would cover 8 miles. We didn't walk that much, but got in a good 2 miles or so.

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PARIS AT NIGHT

8:00 PM It was worth every penny to take a cab to save our feet. From the Louvre, we went back to the Eiffel Tower to see it twinkle at night. You'll be able to see the well known iron lady lit up every day from sunset to 1AM. During summer, it turns of one hour later at 2AM.

Eiffel Tower AT NIGHT!

After a few pictures, it started to rain, meaning it was time for dinner.

We found the best little place called Alfio (along the Avenue de la Bourdonnais across from the Eiffel Tower) that had spicy pasta and tasty pizza. The decor had wine bottles that had been melted down and were hung from the ceiling. 

Alfio Restaurant

 It was finally time to head back to the hotel (we took a cab) where we posted a picture or two to Facebook / Instagram and passed out!

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