Relaxed afternoon walk through Retiro's gardens and the glass Palacio de Cristal; open spaces are great if museums are running shorter hours on Christmas Eve.
On public holidays many museums close; the hop‑on bus runs on holidays and lets you see major sights (Prado exterior, Gran Vía, Royal Palace) without museum interiors.
Climb the Giralda tower for panoramic city views and visit the vast Gothic cathedral — typically open 11:00–17:00 for worship times, check entry slots.
Visit the world's largest art museum — typical hours 9:00–18:00; check special New Year’s Eve hours and book a morning slot to avoid closures or altered times.
Walk the Champs‑Élysées and view the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro — security and closures are common on NYE, so plan for walking views rather than tower ascent unless pre‑booked.
Join public celebrations or watch fireworks/light show (depending on municipal plan); expect crowds and enhanced security — allow 60–90 minutes to reach your transport afterwards.
New Year's Day services are limited — enjoy the included hotel breakfast and confirm departure transfer to the airport if leaving late 01 Jan or early 02 Jan.
Stroll around the cathedral exterior and Île de la Cité; interior access may be restricted due to restoration, but the island and neighbouring Sainte‑Chapelle (check hours) are pleasant for a morning walk.
Allow 60–90 minutes to Charles de Gaulle (longer at peak) and extra time for airport security/check‑in — if your flight departs in the early hours of 02 Jan, confirm hotel transfer and check‑out procedures.