Things to Do Before or After Your Seine River Cruise
Explore Nearby Attractions, Eat, Walk, And Relax
Many travelers arrive at the dock too early or finish their cruise with spare time and no plan.
That’s where a bit of smart planning makes your day smoother, more enjoyable, and less stressful.
Doing something nearby means less commuting, fewer decisions, and more chances to enjoy the local charm, all while staying close to your cruise location.
This guide gives you practical ideas on what to do before or after your Seine River Cruise so you enjoy more, stress less, and make every moment in Paris count.
Famous attractions near the Seine River
If you’re planning a Seine River Cruise, chances are you’re already close to several must-see landmarks.
Here’s a quick guide to the most popular places that line the river, so you can easily combine your cruise with a visit to one (or more) of them.
- Eiffel Tower
- Louvre Museum
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Musée d’Orsay
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Place de la Concorde
- Pont Alexandre III
- Conciergerie
- Tuileries Garden
- Palais de Justice
- Flame of Liberty
🧭 Helpful tip for tourists: You don’t need to plan a separate visit to see most of these attractions. Just walking to or from your cruise dock will take you past several of them. Or even better, choose your favourite attraction and book a combo cruise that will give you an entry ticket to the attraction and the cruise experience in one ticket.
Popular attractions near popular cruise departure points
If you know your departure dock, you can easily plan a short visit, a coffee stop, or even a scenic stroll nearby without rushing or wasting time. Find easy routes for your departure docks.
Below are the most common cruise departure points and a few handpicked things you can enjoy just steps away.
Port de la Bourdonnais (near the Eiffel Tower)
Most sightseeing and dinner cruises depart from here, right at the base of the Eiffel Tower.
Here you can expect big crowds, great views, and numerous easy-to-reach locations.
Do this if you’re early or staying after:
- Walk 2 minutes and stand right under the Eiffel Tower for classic photos.
- Sit down at Champ de Mars park, perfect for a snack or rest.
- Visit Rue Cler (a 10-minute walk away) for street food and charming cafés.
- Snap a photo at the carousel near the riverbank for a fun memory.
Pont de l’Alma
Pont de l’Alma is a quieter spot with boats like Bateaux-Mouches departing here.
You’ll find fewer tourists and some unique attractions around.
Do this nearby:
- See the Flame of Liberty (3 mins) which is also a tribute to Princess Diana.
- Head underground at the Paris Sewer Museum (5 mins) — surprisingly fascinating!
- Enjoy a quiet riverfront walk along the Seine, away from big crowds.
- Take great photos of the Eiffel Tower from a side angle at the bridge.
Pont Neuf (Vedettes du Pont Neuf)
One of the most charming docks, this is where many shorter, flexible cruises begin, especially from Vedettes du Pont Neuf.
Things to do nearby:
- Walk to Notre-Dame Cathedral (10 mins) for beautiful river views.
- Visit Sainte-Chapelle (8 mins), a Gothic church filled with stained glass.
- Explore Place Dauphine, a hidden square just 3 minutes away.
- Browse old books at Shakespeare & Company (7 mins) — a Paris classic.
Port de Solférino (near Musée d’Orsay)
This dock is popular for shorter cruises and museum lovers. It’s calm, elegant, and easy to reach from central Paris attractions.
Nearby options:
- Step into the Musée d’Orsay, literally next door, full of impressionist art.
- Walk across the pedestrian bridge (3 mins) to Tuileries Garden.
- Relax on a bench with a view of the Louvre across the water.
| ✅ Quick tip: Always check your ticket for the exact dock address. Some cruise companies have boats at multiple locations. Knowing your starting point helps you plan the best before-and-after moments with zero confusion. |
Places to eat or grab a quick bite near the docks
Hunger hits fast after or before a boat ride. Here’s where you can eat without losing time.
| Place to Eat | Nearby Landmark | Specialty |
| Le Champ de Mars Café | Eiffel Tower | Ideal for coffee or breakfast before your cruise |
| Café Constant | Eiffel Tower | Traditional French meals, 7-minute walk from the dock |
| Berthillon Ice Cream | Pont Neuf / Notre-Dame | Famous for artisanal ice cream, best on sunny days |
| Carette | Trocadéro (Eiffel Tower views) | Elegant café with light snacks, pastries, and great views |
| Au Petit Sud Ouest | Near Port de la Bourdonnais | Duck-focused French cuisine in a cozy setting |
| Le Fumoir | Louvre Museum | Stylish café with seasonal menu and great cocktails |
| Angelina Paris | Tuileries Garden | Renowned for hot chocolate and delicate pastries |
| Paul (Bakery chain) | Multiple locations along Seine | Grab-and-go sandwiches, croissants, and coffee |
Quick photo spots near cruise departure points
While your Seine River Cruise offers enchanting views from the water, some of the best photo angles are found right on land, before or after you board.
These nearby spots give you iconic backdrops and lesser-known angles, all within walking distance of the main docks.
- Trocadéro Square: Offers the most symmetrical and wide-angle view of the Eiffel Tower — especially stunning at sunrise or just before sunset.
- Pont Alexandre III: Capture the grand bridges, gold statues, and dome of Les Invalides all in one sweeping shot.
- Directly under the Eiffel Tower: Stand beneath the iron lattice for a dramatic upward photo few tourists think to take.
- Bridge on Île de la Cité: Snap classic Paris scenes with boats on the water, Notre-Dame in the background, and the city skyline beyond.
✅ Tip: Go early for soft lighting and fewer crowds, or time your shots right after your cruise for golden hour magic. Get more such tips.
Best things to do with kids before or after the cruise
Traveling with children? Do you think it’s worth it? Just keep it simple, close, and fun.
- Eiffel Tower Carousel – colorful, fun, just steps away
- Playground at Champ de Mars – space to run around
- Ice cream stop at Berthillon – a guaranteed winner
- Family-friendly cruise options – like Vedettes de Paris, with onboard commentary for kids
FAQs about planning before or after a Seine River Cruise
From sightseeing to dining, planning your time around a Seine River cruise can be easy. Find answers to your top questions (FAQs) here.
Can I store luggage near Seine River cruise departure points?
Most cruise docks do not offer luggage storage. Use lockers at nearby train stations like Gare du Nord or book short-term storage through services like Nannybag or Stasher.
Are there public toilets near Seine River cruise docks?
Yes, public restrooms can be found near major docks like Port de la Bourdonnais and Pont Neuf, but they may charge a small fee. Cafés nearby often have cleaner options if you make a purchase.
Is it safe to walk around the cruise departure points after dark?
Yes, most areas like Eiffel Tower, Pont Neuf, and Orsay are well-lit and safe in the evening. Still, stay alert, avoid empty alleyways, and keep your belongings close.
Can I visit the Eiffel Tower right after my Seine River Cruise?
Absolutely. If your cruise ends at Port de la Bourdonnais, you can walk to the Eiffel Tower in under 3 minutes. Make sure to book tower tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
Can I combine a Seine River Cruise with a visit to the Louvre?
Yes, the Louvre Museum is just a 5–7 minute walk from the Port des Tuileries. It’s perfect to pair with a daytime cruise if you start or end your visit near that dock.
What’s the best thing to do if I finish my cruise late in the evening?
Take a short walk to view the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night or relax at a nearby café. Most attractions are closed, so enjoy the river views or grab a late dinner.
Can I explore the nearby attractions without a guide?
Absolutely. Most spots like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, or Tuileries Garden are self-guided and free to visit. You can explore at your own pace without booking any tour.
Do I need to book restaurants near cruise docks in advance?
For lunch or snacks, no reservation is usually needed. But if you’re planning a riverside dinner after your cruise, especially near the Eiffel Tower, it’s best to book a table in advance.
Key takeaways
✓ Plan around your cruise, not just the cruise itself. A little thought before or after boarding unlocks some of Paris’ best sights, walks, and experiences.
✓ Each cruise dock connects you to famous landmarks, from the Eiffel Tower to Notre-Dame, most attractions are just 5–10 minutes away.
✓ Use spare time smartly. Grab a snack, visit a photo spot, or relax in a garden without rushing or straying too far.
✓ Families, solo travelers, and couples all have options like nearby activities are easy, flexible, and suit every kind of visitor.
You don’t need a full itinerary. Just knowing what’s around your dock lets you explore confidently and enjoy more with less effort.
