one day walking tour paris

Follow our travels on Instagram!

One Day in Paris France – A Free Self Guided Walking Tour of Paris

There’s nothing better than taking the time to stroll around a beautiful city and delight in its ambience. And there’s no better city to indulge in such a pastime than Paris. After all, this is the birthplace of flâneur – the word the French use to describe the act of strolling idly; sauntering, while observing the goings-on around you.

Usually, my time in Paris is limited to rushed stopovers. But recently I got to spend an afternoon getting reacquainted with “la Ville Lumière”. And it was while practising the art of flânerie that I was able to rediscover the highlights of Paris organically, without an agenda.

What unfolded was a beautiful free walking tour of Paris, taking in some of the city’s most pleasurable sights.

Free Paris Walking Tour Map

If you want to maximise your time in Paris, getting the train is a great alternative to flying. Forget check-in times, collecting baggage and having to schlep into central Paris on the metro or bus. The TGV or Eurostar will drop you right near the heart of Paris. Both the Gare de Lyon or Gare du Nord train stations are a fantastic place to start a walking tour of Paris.

The self-guided walking tour of Paris mapped out below starts from the Gare de Lyon and could take as little as an afternoon (if you don’t linger too long at any one-stop) or the entire day if you take time to appreciate each site. Walking is a great way to explore the city and get your bearings – and it’s so much more fun than taking the metro!

Total walk = 12km / 2.3 hours 

Get your free printable version of this map here.

One Day Tour of Paris

Stop #1 bastille.

A swift 10-minute walk from Paris’s Gare de Lyon station will have you outside the Place de la Bastille. Once the site of a prison, it was stormed on what is now known as “Bastille Day” and destroyed during the French Revolution.

While you can still see the outline of the prison marked on the ground, now all that stands here is the 52m high  Colonne de Juillet – a tribute to the 504 lives lost during another revolution in 1830. From the Place de la Bastille you can take a short detour along the Bassin de l’Arsenal to see the colourful houseboats moored at its banks.

Stop #2 Le Marais

If you had to choose just one district of Paris to explore, my advice would be to park yourself in Le Marais. With oodles of old-world charm wrapped in a layer of style and luxury, Le Marais offers the quintessential Paris experience.

Browse the boutiques, soak up the sun in a leafy park, or station yourself in a cafe to watch the passersby. Whatever you do in Le Marais, you’ll be sure to have experienced Paris at its finest.

Stop #3 Hotel de Ville and the Circular Pavilion

The Hotel de Ville is a city hall on a grande scale. Its intricate exterior is only surpassed in beauty by the artwork on display inside the impressive building. Located on the banks of the Seine, the square that houses the Hotel de Ville makes the perfect resting spot and regularly holds concerts and seasonal events throughout the year.

Hearing the name “Circular Pavilion” might have you imagining an entirely different building. Deceivingly, the angular construction completely defies its name. Instead, ‘circular’ comes from the idea of recycling and up-cycling. A message reflected by the use of recycled materials used in its construction.  

The sight of the recycled door  façade  against the flamboyant nature of the Hotel de Ville makes a startling contrast!

Stop #4 Notre Dame

The Cathedral of Notre Dame is one of France’s most famous landmarks . Situated on the Île de la Cité – a natural island in the River Seine – it’s just a short walk from the Hotel de Ville over the Pont d’Arcole. Stop here to admire the building’s amazingly detailed sculpture work, gothic style, and grandiose structure that took over 170 years to build.

It’s worth venturing inside (entrance is free) if only to appreciate the stunning effect of the stained glass windows.*

*Sadly, the cathedral is currently closed due to the devastating fires of 2019.

Stop #5 Pont Neuf

At the opposite end of the Île de la Cité you’ll discover Pont Neuf – the oldest bridge in Paris. Although it’s perhaps preferable to admire it from afar – in order to take in the 12 arches that support the structure – walking over the Pont Neuf is an experience also.

As I heard one passerby explain, “the Pont Neuf used to be the Eiffel Tower of Paris”. Meaning, before Paris’s iconic landmark was around, the Pont Neuf was the city’s most famous attraction.

These days it has taken over as the prime spot for placing ‘love locks’ – padlocks adorned with lovers names before being affixed to the bridge. An honour that used to belong to the nearby Pont des Arts until they were removed due to safety concerns.

Stop #6 Louvre Palace & Pyramid

If you’ve only got 1 day in Paris, you probably won’t have the chance to appreciate the works on display inside the world’s largest museum – the Louvre. But you’ll still be able to admire the architecture of the Louvre from the outside!

Napoleon Courtyard, framed by the Louvre Palace, is an amazing place to sit and soak up the atmosphere. Often you’ll be accompanied by the melodic harmony of a busker or two, and always by the sounds of several dialects being spoken around you.

The Louvre Pyramid, which is actually the biggest of five pyramids onsite, serves as the entrance to the museum. Designed by Ieoh Ming Pei, the architect behind the  Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar, it was constructed to the same proportions as the Pyramid of Giza. It consists of 673 glass panels in the shape of diamonds and triangles – giving the effect of sparkling jewels as it reflects the light.

Read more about the Louvre Palace here.

Stop #7 Tuileries Garden

A short jaunt across the road from the Louvre Museum will have you crossing the Carousel Gardens and entering the Tuileries Garden. This formal French garden in the centre of Paris is accentuated with ponds, fountains and statues. 

Pull one of the iconic green metal chairs to the water’s edge and settle in for the afternoon with a good book, or to watch Paris’ younger residents sailing model boats. In the hottest months, seek shade in one of the benches tucked under rows of leafy green trees.

Stop #8 Place de la Concorde

The eighth stop on your Paris walking tour, the Place de la Concorde, lies in between the Tuileries Gardens and the Champs-Élysées. Even though it’s called a ‘square’, Place de la Concorde takes on the form of an Octagon. At the eight points surrounding the square is a monument representing a French city; Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nantes, Brest, Rouen, Lille and Strasbourg. And it’s in the middle of the square you’ll find the oldest monument in Paris – the Luxor Obelisk.

At over 3,300 years old, this Egyptian obelisk was transferred to Paris in 1833 – taking a ginormous effort in those times. On either side of the obelisk, you can see the Fontaine des Mers and the Fontaine des Fleuves. Despite so much to see in the area, it’s not the most serene area to go for a stroll – with multiple lanes of traffic heaving through the square with every green light.

Stop #9 Champs-Élysées

While the Jardins des Champs-Elysées at the lower end of the avenue are very much worthy of a Sunday stroll, it’s been said that the Champs-Élysées has had its heyday. Now it’s a hub for the fashion stores and cafés which line either side of the almost 2km long avenue.

In any case, tourists still flock here in droves and it does still hold the charm of yesteryear – most noticeably when you look up! In the middle of the road (take care when crossing!) you’ll be met with an outstanding view of the avenue and the Arc de Triomphe in the distance.

Stop #10 Arc de Triomphe

At the upper end of the Champs-Elysées lies the Arc de Triomphe. The Arch, which is the biggest in the world, was commissioned by Napoleon and completed in 1836. It’s difficult to judge from afar just how mammoth a structure it is until you stand underneath it. At just shy of 50m, the Arc de Triomphe towers over the Place Charles de Gaulle, making people and cars look miniature at its foot.

The Arc is a full-scale attraction, with a museum, tours and viewing platform – plan some time to visit if you can. The viewing platform offers the one the best views over Paris (including a great perspective of the Eiffel Tower) and the Champs-Elysées.

Stop #11 Jardins du Trocadéro

From the terrace of the Palais de Chaillot you’ll have a fantastic view over the Jardins du Trocadéro, and of course, the Eiffel Tower which looks almost surreal as it appears in front of you. Try not to get too sidetracked from the gardens though, as they offer an incredible experience in their own right.

The Fountain of Warsaw is the main feature of the gardens – a large mirror-like basin in which multiple fountains shoot water up to 12m in the air. In summer, the garden creates a spectacle as lights illuminate the fountains from below.

If visiting Paris with kids , there is a playground right next door and a carousel to delight the little ones .

Stop #12 Eiffel Tower

The last stop on your self-guided walking tour of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, is the most iconic landmark in the city of lights! You can see it rising up above the slate grey rooftops around the city, but seeing it up close is another experience entirely.

While taking the elevator to the summit offers a breathtaking birds-eye view of the city, the best way to view the tower itself is to make yourself comfortable in the park below. The Champ de Mars park extends out in front of the tower and is the perfect place for a picnic, impromptu game of boules, or simply enjoying the convivial atmosphere.

And there you have it, your one day tour in Paris has come to an end! If you have the time, I’d recommend hanging out at the last stop until sunset so you can experience the magic of the Eiffel Tower at night (it’s one of the loveliest things to do on an evening in Paris !). And then once you’re ready to rest your weary feet, there is a few Metro stops close by.

The Champ de Mars/Tour Eiffel is the closest, followed by Bir-Hakeim and Ecole Militaire.

Essentials for your Free Walking Tour of Paris

For walking tours in Paris, there are a few things you’ll need to take with you to make the most of your one day in Paris:

• A quality, lightweight camera – I recommend the Sony A6000
• A phone to use Google Maps, or you can print out the map (above) ahead of time. Keep a map of the metro lines handy too.
• A reusable water bottle – you can fill it up at drinking fountains en route.
• A few euros. Don’t rely on cards, as some places won’t accept them for small items. Also, you’ll need coins for the public toilets in popular spots.
• Keep cool and look the part with a lightweight linen dress, sandals and sunnies. And don’t forget a travel-safe purse for carrying the items above!

Pin this for later!

Similar Posts

Paris With Kids: Your Guide To A Family-Friendly City Break

The Ultimate Paris 4 Day Itinerary: As Recommended By A Local

23 comments.

Brilliant itinerary Nadine! I’ve never followed a walking route through Paris and this is a great way to see the ‘big’ sights in one go. Loved your photos and tips too – it makes me want to jump on Eurostar immediately!

Thanks Nancy! Walking is such a great way to get around – as you normally end up discovering a few surprises on the way too (whether by accident or not!). Keep an eye out for some cheap tickets 😉

This is the walking tour that I usually propose when I have guests (usually starting from Notre Dame) on a Paris Getaway. The thing is that when we arrive at Pont Alexandre III they are so destroyed that they are just happy watching the Eiffel Tower from the right bank :-))

I can’t wait to use your tour, but perhaps you should align your map points (letters) with your text points (numbers)!! Thanks!

Hi Kiim, Good point about the letters/numbers, thanks! I’ll fix that up asap. I’m also working on a cool printable map to go with this post so stay tuned 🙂

We loved your walk Nadine. It gave us and our teenager a great day out, we did some shopping and we saw some great Parisienne landmarks.

Hi Liz, Oh, I’m so glad you enjoyed the walk! Thanks for letting me know my plan was useful 🙂

This was an amazing and spot on walking tour. We followed everything that we wanted to see plus we expirience other sites that were along the way like Iglesi Saint Paul – Saint Louis which was an amazing find beautiful church. This made our only day in Paris amazing and we took into consideration on what to bring along for the long journey. Thank you Nadine

Oh, that’s such lovely feedback Saul! I’m so glad the walking tour helped you to enjoy your time in Paris 🙂

Wonderful itinerary. Thanks ❤️❤️❤️

You’re very welcome 🙂

Hi Nadine I just did the same a day in Paris walk tour as mentioned by yourself – thank you for putting this together as it helped me make most of my short time – notes made me feel I was on a guided tour. – le Marais was amazing totally unexpected

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience

Hi Nandu, thanks for the feedback! I’m so glad this walking tour helped you enjoy your time in Paris!

Its going to be my 2nd visit to Paris, and I am already sure that this walk is going to be even more fun than the HoHo bus ride we took last time. The map is part of my travel pouch already. Thanks in advance. You are doing a great job!

Awesome! I’m sure you’ll have a great time 🙂

This was amazing! Must say it is very long so be prepared for that. I combined it with the new Lime Scooter rentals in Paris, and it made it much easier. I would recommend this to anyone because I feel like I’ve seen almost everything in one day! I will say this though a if you plan on stopping and visiting many of the stops, this will take you more than one day. I only went up the Eiffel Tower at the end and it was still a 6 hour mission. Would be great split into two days if you wanted to go into places like the Notre Dame and the Arc de Triumph. Overall it was amazing and I would definetly recommend it!

Yes, it’s a long walk for sure – my feet were quite sore by the end (but I didn’t wear appropriate footwear!). You could absolutely break it down and do it over a few days to allow time for sightseeing on the way. Thanks for your comment!

Hello Nadine, Thank you for the itinerary! This will be a lifesaver. We only have one day in Paris, and this will ensure we get to see the best parts for sure! I see that you have it listed as a 2.5 hour walk, but realistically, (like Hannah posted above), how long would it take if we were to stop at the landmarks? I guess I could do the math, add a half-hour here, and an hour there, but I was just wondering if you had a good idea from feedback you might have received. Thanks!

Hi Patrick, I came up with this itinerary from doing the walk myself and it took a full afternoon with stops for lunch, browsing, to look at landmarks etc. So around 12pm – 7pm. You could most definitely cover it all in a full day if you don’t spend more than an hour at each stop. Hope that helps!

This looks like a great walking route! I’ve been looking for something like this as we’ll be walking with our dog & kids so we’ll take it slow. Do you know specifically if any of the points on your itinerary don’t allow dog access?

Sorry, I don’t know that specifically. But Travelnuity has a great guide on visiting Paris with dogs which may help you. You can find it here .

Thank you very much for your amazing job, Nadine. We visited Paris many years ago, but we didn’t have such a great tool. We’ll be in Paris again, just in four days, and thanks to you now we know what we will do on the first day!

That’s great Michael – hope you love the walk!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Virginia Beach
• History & facts
• Famous people
• Famous landmarks
• AI interviews
• Science & Nature
• Tech & Business

Discover something new everyday

• Famous places
• Food & Drinks
• Tech & Business

Paris - What you need to know before coming to Paris , Travel

One Day in Paris: The Perfect 1 Day Itinerary

Trocadero - by Gianluca Cosetta - Wikimedia Commons

Read Next →

Things to do Near Gare du Nord Station

Paris - Our top 10 lists

Top 45 souvenirs to bring back from Paris

Paris - Night-time activities

15 Most Luxurious Paris Nightclubs

Morning: breakfast with a view.

Eiffel Tower at 9 AM

Place de la Concorde at 10 AM

The Louvre Museum at 11 AM

Lunch around the City Island

An Afternoon Walk

Notre Dame at 1 PM

The Latin Quarter at 2:30 PM

River Seine at 3 PM

DiscoA340 , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Boulevard Saint-Germain at 3:30 PM

Aleksandr Zykov from Russia , CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Le Marais at 4 PM

Montmartre at 5:30 PM

Evening at Montparnasse

The Eiffel Tower

Dinner with a View

Tips for One Day in Paris

• the Eiffel Tower
• the Louvre Museum
• the Arc of Triumph
• Champs Élysées
• the Latin Quarter

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !

These are  Amazon’s best-selling  travel products that you may need for coming to Paris.

• The best travel book : Rick Steves – Paris 2023 –  Learn more here
• Fodor’s Paris 2024 –  Learn more here

Travel Gear

• Venture Pal Lightweight Backpack –  Learn more here
• Samsonite Winfield 2 28″ Luggage –  Learn more here
• Swig Savvy’s Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle –  Learn more here

Check Amazon’s best-seller list for the most popular travel accessories. We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.

Anna was born and raised in Paris. She studied Languages in Paris and Social Communication in Lisbon. Anna also lived in Madrid for a year. She has been to many places and hopes to go places. Wherever she goes, she always tries to experience each city as locals do. Anna usually has croissants for breakfast in Paris, takes a walk in Camden Town in London, eats lunch in Chiado in Lisbon, and enjoys Madrid's nightlife.

Hello & Welcome

Free walking tours in Paris

Top 5 Tours & Sightseeing in Paris

• Tickets for Louvre Museum
• Musée d'Orsay Reserved Access
• Free Montmartre Tour
• Guided Tour of the Eiffel Tower + Summit access
• Arc de Triomphe: Skip The Line + Rooftop Access

with GetYourGuide and Tiqets

Popular Articles

Top 20 Streets to See in Paris

Paris in two days

Top 15 Things to do Around the Eiffel Tower

The Best Way to Visit Paris Museums

Top 15 Fashion Stores in Le Marais

Visit europe with discover walks.

• Paris walking tours
• Montmartre walking tour
• Lisbon walking tours
• Prague walking tours
• Barcelona walking tours
• Private tours in Europe
• Privacy policy

© 2024 Charing Cross Corporation

The Perfect One Day in Paris Itinerary (How to See Paris in a Day!)

Ah, Paris: the architecture, the food, the art, and the iconic sights are legendary for a reason, and even one day in Paris can be an absolute dream of a quick getaway.

One day in Paris may not be enough to work through a long wish list of what to see in the city (we’re still going strong on ours about 10 visits later), but don’t worry–you can indeed get a fantastic glimpse of Paris in one day.

Planning to spend a day in Paris and want to make sure you have the perfect itinerary?

Here’s how to see the best of the City of Light in a limited time!

I f you’re anything like us, when the sun sets on your day in Paris, you’ll say goodbye already dreaming of your next visit.

Table of Contents

Want to plan a day in Paris the easy way?

The perfect one day in paris itinerary, where to stay with one day in paris, tips for enjoying one day in paris, more than a day in paris, getting around during one day in paris, one day in paris itinerary map.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

The independent one day Paris itinerary we outlined below will show you many of our favorite places in the City of Light, from Notre Dame to the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower and beyond.

However, if you would rather not worry about navigating through Paris yourself, and your goal is to see absolutely as much as possible of Paris in one day, you can also consider signing up for this extremely well-reviewed tour .

Take Walks, who hosts this popular Paris in a day tour , is one of our favorite companies for small group tours in Europe, and we’ve used them in many cities (including on this Paris food tour ).

While there are trade-offs to booking a full-day tour of Paris–the thrill of meandering aimlessly through the streets of St. Germain and being beholden to no one’s schedule but your own as you munch on a crepe in front of the Eiffel Tower would be hard to give up–there are benefits to a tour, too.

The biggest one is that thanks to a knowledgeable and efficient tour guide, Take Walks’ tour covers an enormous amount of ground–be prepared for sore feet but a very satisfying day if you sign up.

Book your Paris in a day tour today!

Start at Notre Dame (though you can no longer go inside).

Located on Île de la Cité (one of the islands in the middle of the Seine, and the place where Paris was founded), there’s no better place to kick off your one day in Paris than at Notre Dame.

Iconic, beautiful, and centrally located, Notre Dame is an excellent starting point for any trip to Paris.

Sadly, after the awful fire at Notre Dame in April 2019 , the cathedral is closed to visitors.

We continue to recommend starting your one day in Paris here for a couple of reasons: Île de la Cité is still an incredibly central spot to start a day in Paris, and Notre Dame, though wounded, is still a beautiful structure.

As of December 2022, the area in front of and surrounding Notre Dame is closed to the public, and the damage from the fire is obvious from most angles (you can see lots of cranes if you look at the back of the building in particular).

Notre Dame is slated to reopen to visitors in 2024 , so fingers crossed we’ll all get to marvel at the interior of this Gothic beauty again soon!

For now, if you’d like to get the most “normal” view of Notre Dame possible at the moment as you start your one day in Paris, we recommend heading to the corner Rue de la Cite  and  Quai de Montebello , near the  Pont de Coeurs , where you can photograph the tops of the towers and some of the front of the cathedral looking semi-normal.

The front view of the Notre Dame, though not flawless, is worth a look too.

The views of Notre Dame from a Seine river cruise are also lovely, but more on that in a bit.

Stroll over to Shakespeare & Company.

5-minute walk from Notre Dame.

Just a short walk over the Seine from Notre Dame sits Shakespeare & Company, which is easily the most famous English-language bookstore in Paris.

Known as the haunt of Lost Generation writers like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, and later (in its current location), the gathering place of writers like Langston Hughes and Ray Bradbury, Shakespeare & Company has a storied history that includes many famous names, an eccentric owner or two, and even a closure during the Nazi occupation of France.

Today, Shakespeare & Company is stuffed with beautiful books and is worth visiting during even a one day trip to Paris.

Be sure to check out the view of Notre Dame through the second-floor window, say hello to the cat who lives upstairs, and purchase a book (they’ll stamp the title page with their seal at checkout, which makes for a wonderful Paris souvenir ).

Be sure to avoid taking photos inside–they are explicitly forbidden , so stick with admiring the books in real-time instead!

Grab a cup of coffee from a typical Parisian cafe.

Several gorgeous Parisian cafes are located within easy distance of Shakespeare & Company, and after an early start to your day in Paris, enjoying a traditional French breakfast is a great way to soak up the atmosphere of the city.

A few great options on or near Île de la Cité include Odette for something popular and photogenic, the cafe at Shakespeare & Company for surprisingly delicious and affordable options (their scones, while not typically French, are delightful).

For something iconic, Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole is an option for the late risers among us (though the cafe is extremely famous and photogenic, it also doesn’t open until noon).

For a less-famous but delightful option that we love, A. Lacroix Patisser offers wonderful drinks and pastries.

We’ve been eating there for years and love its cozy atmosphere and views of Notre Dame!

Check out the oldest clock in Paris.

8-minute walk from Shakespeare & Company or Odette.

On the side of the Conciergerie, mere steps from the Seine and affixed to the Tour de l’Horloge, sits the oldest clock in Paris.

Installed in the 14th century, the clock is both functional and absolutely stunning.

It also only takes a quick moment to stop to admire its beauty on the way to Sainte-Chapelle.

Make your way to Sainte-Chapelle.

3-minute walk from Tour de l’Horloge.

Since visiting the interior of Notre Dame is no longer an option, you now have time during your mad dash through Paris in a day to tour the interior of Sainte-Chapelle, which is–in my totally biased opinion–one of the prettiest church interiors in the entire world.

Built in the 13th century to hold precious Christian relics, including the Crown of Thorns that now typically lives at Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle’s magnificent upper chapel is home to soaring 15-meter walls that are made up almost entirely of stained glass.

And, as beautiful as it is, the sheer amount of stained glass becomes even more impressive when you realize that over 70% of it is original!

The lines do get long here, so we recommend purchasing a skip-the-line ticket in advance.

Like many attractions around Paris, they’re available with no upcharge at all!

Book tickets to visit Sainte-Chapelle today!

Head to the Luxembourg Gardens.

13-minute walk from Shakespeare & Company.

Home to the beautiful Luxembourg Palace, the Luxembourg Gardens are the perfect example of Paris’ iconic gardens.

Flowering and beautiful in the summer, it’s impossible to walk by during almost any kind of halfway-decent weather without seeing plenty of people gathered for a picnic, some gossip, or a quiet afternoon of reading.

Be sure to check the fountains for miniature sailboats in the summer: young Parisian children have a long tradition of playing with them there!

We have visited the Luxembourg Gardens in all seasons, and while each season has its pros and cons, summer is absolute magic.

Make your way to the Louvre through Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

18+ minute-walk from the Luxembourg Gardens to the Louvre.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is widely considered to be one of the most iconically Parisian neighborhoods, and for good reason.

With its lovely buildings, shuttered windows, and wrought-iron balconies, St. Germain feels like quite the Parisian postcard.

It’s also a wonderful place to eat, which means that a stroll through St. Germain as you vaguely make your way toward the Louvre serves 3 purposes: enjoying a beautiful Parisian neighborhood, resting your feet during lunch, and making your way to your next destination!

We enjoyed eating at Eggs & Co. in St. Germain, and, though it isn’t technically lunch, Laduree (makers of some of the best-known French macarons) has a beautiful store here as well.

Technically a few blocks outside of St. Germain but still delicious, we also love our lunches at Le Prince Racine.

The walk from the Luxembourg Gardens to the Louvre is technically under 20 minutes, but depending on how much you want to meander around the neighborhood, it could take quite a bit longer!

Dive into the Louvre.

Giant, overwhelming, and incredibly iconic, no attempt to see Paris in one day could leave out the Louvre .

There’s absolutely no way you could possibly see it all–we’ve been several times for many hours each and still feel like we’ve barely scratched the surface!

W ith only one day in Paris to work with, strategy and prioritization will both be important to making the most of your time in the Louvre.

We recommend spending 2 hours here, more or less, depending on what time it is when you arrive and how quickly you have moved during your day in Paris so far (keep an eye on the time of sunset–you don’t want to miss seeing the Eiffel Tower before dark!).

S tart by heading directly to the piece or collection that is most important to you–maybe that’s the iconic Mona Lisa, maybe it’s the Venus di Milo, maybe it’s the Egyptian artifacts. Who knows!

Alternatively, if you’d like some structure and a timeline to your visit, consider booking a guided tour ( we loved this one , and this popular tour is a more traditional option).

Regardless of whether you choose to take a guided tour of the Louvre or not, like with Notre Dame, we absolutely recommend purchasing a skip-the-line ticket for the Louvre before arriving .

T he lines can be insane, and even with a skip-the-line ticket, you’ll still have security to worry about!

Book your guided tour or skip-the-line tickets to visit the Louvre today!

Pay a visit to the Palais Garnier.

17-minute walk from the Louvre.

One day in Paris definitely isn’t enough time to visit Versailles–but you can get a small taste of Parisian glitz and glamour at the Palais Garnier (also called the Opera Garnier) all the same!

Paris’ iconic opera house is gilded and stunning–the incredible Grand Foyer might just make you think you’ve stepped into a smaller version of the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.

While the interior of the theatre itself is a bit standard, the rest of the building, from the Grand Staircase to the Loggia, is truly remarkable.

And while there’s unlikely to be a phantom under the opera house, some of the legends connected to the famous story do hold true, including a deadly accident involving the famous chandelier in 1896 (though in the real story the counterweight, not the chandelier itself, fell to the ground).

Though the lines are not typically as long at the Palais Garnier as opposed to the Louvre and Notre Dame, we still recommend purchasing skip-the-line tickets ahead of time at no additional cost to ensure your one day in Paris runs as smoothly as possible .

(The Palais Garnier is also right around the corner from the famous Galeries Lafayette, which boasts a beautiful, free view of Paris from its rooftop–if you have a bit of extra time to work with by this point in your Paris itinerary, consider making taking a quick detour).

Purchase your skip-the-line tickets for the Palais Garnier today!

Head to the Trocadero Gardens and enjoy iconic Eiffel Tower views.

23 minutes from Palais Garnier via metro line 9.

No one day Paris is complete without enjoying an iconic view of the Eiffel Tower!

The Trocadero Gardens offer the best view of the Eiffel Tower in all of Paris–so grab a crepe from one of the nearby vendors (the prices are surprisingly reasonable to be right next to the Eiffel Tower) and get ready to soak in some beautiful views.

If you’d like to wander closer to the Eiffel Tower, feel free to make your way through the Trocadero Gardens, past both the carousels, across the Seine, and to the Eiffel Tower itself.

Sadly, increased security measures have recently been imposed that prohibit anyone from walking directly under the Eiffel Tower without a ticket to the top, but you can still get pretty close!

Wrap up your one day in Paris with a Seine river cruise.

To be perfectly honest, it took us many trips to Paris before we  signed up for a Seine river cruise … and after taking one, we can’t believe that we waited so long!

Yes, they’re a bit touristy, but there’s nothing quite like admiring Paris and its many gorgeous monuments from the water.

Add in the possibility of a sunset, and the view is even better.

Many Seine river cruises leave from very close to the base of the Eiffel Tower, too, making taking one an easy addition to this one day Paris itinerary!

Want to splurge a bit for your first night in Paris?

You can even  sign up for a full dinner cruise  if a standard one-hour cruise doesn’t sound like quite enough time on the Seine.

Book your Seine river cruise  today!

In a city as large and dense as Paris, deciding where to stay (especially when you only have 24 hours in Paris to work with) can be quite daunting!

Paris is famously divided into 20  arrondissements , or neighborhoods, that are named via a number system that starts with 1 in the center of the city (where you’ll find the Louvre) and circles outward like the shell of a snail.

After roughly 10 trips to Paris, we’ve stayed in many neighborhoods spread across the city, from Montmartre ( we loved this aparthotel ) to the Bastille area (an underappreciated place to stay, and  this hotel was wonderful ).

And, while everyone has their own opinions about where to stay in Paris (there’s no one right answer) we love and highly recommend Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th  arrondissement ) or the Latin Quarter (5th  arrondissement ) to travelers visiting Paris for the first time and frequently choose to stay there ourselves.

In these areas, you’ll be within walking distance of attractions like Île de la Cité (home of Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle), the Seine, the Luxembourg Garden, the Louvre, and many more.

Here are a few hotels we’ve personally stayed in and loved in the 5th and 6th, arranged more or less from most budget-friendly to most luxurious (though if it’s Parisian charm you’re after,  this one  is the clear winner).

Hotel Abbatial Saint Germain  (Centrally Located & Cozy)

We love this cute boutique hotel in Paris, mostly because of its truly unbeatable location less than a 10-minute walk from Notre Dame and therefore an easy walk away from much of the attractions of Île de la Cité (and a metro stop, of course).

Despite the super central location, the streets outside were still quiet at night, a huge benefit, and the views during the day were lovely.

The customer service was excellent, the bed cozy, and the room, while still very small by global standards, was a bit roomy compared to what we’ve gotten used to in Paris.

We’d be happy to stay again!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Abbatial Saint Germain!

Relais Hôtel du Vieux Paris  (Classic Parisian Charm)

Located on a quiet street less than a block from the Seine and Île de la Cité,  Relais Hôtel du Vieux Paris  offers all the advantages of a central location while maintaining its peace and quiet.

… and it does all that while still managing to have one of the most charming interiors we’ve experienced in a Paris hotel!

The ceilings, wallpaper, and overall decor never let you forget that you’re in the City of Light, and we loved every second.

The breakfast is also delicious, served at the table, and includes a generous selection of pastries as well as fruit, cheese, orange juice, coffee, and tea.

Check rates & book your stay at Relais Hôtel du Vieux Paris!

Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris  (Modern Amenities + Kitchens on the Seine)

Located right on the Seine in one of the most convenient locations in Paris, the crisp and modern  Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris  offers ease at every turn.

And, that includes the fact that studios and apartments here include kitchens or kitchenettes!

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat from sightseeing in Paris, a chance to enjoy an occasional dinner of cheese and baguette you picked up at the market, and a bit more elbow room than is traditional in the City of Light, this is the place for you.

We loved our stay here–and, thanks to the hotel being pet-friendly, so did Ranger.

Check rates & book your stay at Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris!

Don’t let simple mistakes cost you time during your one day in Paris!

T hese Paris travel tips will help you make the most of your limited hours in the city!

Get started early.

We are the absolute opposite of early risers, but with one day in Paris, we would be amiss to suggest anything but an early start.

The earlier you start, the more time you can spend enjoying Parisian cafes, shops, and views, and the most ambitious among us may even want to squeeze in one more attraction or museum along the way.

Here are the best things to do in Paris if you’re looking for even more ideas on what to see in the city!

For those who like to stay out late and want to expand their one day Paris itinerary a bit further, here’s what to do in Paris at night .

Strategize your metro use.

For most of this itinerary for seeing Paris in a day, the best way to enjoy the city is on foot.

You’ll experience the neighborhoods, the sights, the cafes, and so much more on a different level by spending as much time on your feet as you can!

Fo r that reason, we’ve only suggested one metro ride in this guide to spending one day in Paris.

However, if your feet are killing you (even one day in Paris could mean many hours of walking), the weather is terrible, or you’re short on time, you can definitely consider adding more metro rides into this itinerary.

Skip-the-line passes are your best friend.

Without planning in advance, one day in Paris during the popular summer months could easily mean spending your whole day in line!

Skip-the-line passes are absolutely the way to go in Paris–we use them ourselves whenever we visit–and often don’t cost even a penny extra!

Based on the itinerary sketched out here for one day in Paris, we recommend purchasing skip-the-lines passes for Sainte-Chapelle ,  the Louvre , and the Palais Garnier .

You’ll also want to book your Seine river cruise in advance to make sure you end up with the time slot you want.

Shop skip-the-line tickets for your day in Paris now!

Embrace the weather.

Paris is a cloudy, rainy city–there’s just no getting around it.

For that reason, we recommend planning your one day in Paris expecting the weather to include thick clouds with the occasional rain shower.

That leaves you room to be pleasantly surprised with a beautiful day, but lowers the risk of disappointment with a dreary one.

Regardless of what the weather is like when you arrive in Paris, try not to let it get you down–Paris is beautiful in the rain!

If you’re a museum buff who gets caught in the rain and wants to enjoy more art, the Musée de l’Orangerie is small, conveniently located for this itinerary, and one of our favorite museums in the city.

Dress with Paris in mind.

Deciding what to wear for one day in Paris requires taking a few things into consideration–even for those who aren’t particularly concerned about fashion.

Be sure to wear comfortable clothes (especially shoes!) that are easy to wear for an entire day.

Shoes are by far the most important–if your feet are incredibly pained by noon, your one day in Paris won’t be nearly as fun as it could be.

We’d also recommend wearing something classically fashionable (think dark colors, flattering cuts, and simple lines)–this is Paris, after all, and you’ll want to look good in your photos!

If you’re lucky enough to have more than one day in Paris, you have so much to look forward to!

With a little extra time–say an afternoon or a morning–consider adding on a visit to the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysses, or a visit to the Musée d’Orsay .

To enjoy a different side of Paris, consider heading out to the gorgeous and wildly popular neighborhood of Montmartre , which is home to some of the most charming streets in the city (not to mention phenomenal views from the Sacré-Coeur).

If you have a few days in Paris, be sure to check out our detailed 3 day Paris itinerary to help you find the best sights.

We’ve intentionally structured this one day in Paris guide to include a lot of walking.

W alking directly between every attraction before heading to the Trocadero Gardens (we definitely recommend a metro there) will require about an hour of walking total, but that doesn’t include time spent on your feet in places like the Luxembourg Gardens and the Louvre.

Be prepared for sore feet after your day in Paris!

If you’d like to use the metro several times throughout the day instead of walking, consider purchasing a “carnet” of metro tickets–by buying 10 tickets at once, you save a little money.

Alternatively, if you’d like to avoid as much walking as possible, a hop-on, hop-off bus tour can help.

Coming from Charles de Gaulle Airport

To get into the center of Paris from the Charles de Gaulle airport, take the RER B line into the city.

I f you’re arriving in the morning ready to start your one day in Paris, you won’t even need to make any changes!

The Saint Michel – Notre Dame metro stop is on the same line, so you can jump on the train at the airport and get off right at Notre Dame.

Travel time is about 40 minutes, though I’d recommend allowing an hour for any delays.

Coming from Orly Airport

Coming from the Orly airport, you’ll follow almost the same directions as arriving from Charles de Gaulle.

T he only difference is that you’ll need to hop onto a train called the “Orlyval” first, which will take you over to pick up the RER B line.

The signs are very clear, so don’t worry–getting into the center of Paris is the goal of just about everyone arriving at the airport, so the directions are designed to be easy to follow.

Travel time is about 40 minutes, just like Charles de Gaulle, and I’d recommend allowing an hour for any delays here, as well.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

[convertkit form=3386241]

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

36 thoughts on “The Perfect One Day in Paris Itinerary (How to See Paris in a Day!)”

I’m gonna be in Paris next week! Definitely doing this for one of the days I’m there

Jeremy y Kate Agradezco muchísimo vuestros consejos, es exactamente lo que necesitaba. Pienso que me serán de mucha ayuda. Mil gracias! Tania

Muchas gracias, Tania! Espero que tengas un viaje increíble a París!

I am planning to travel Europe for a month but was so concerned about time and making sure I was able to see the most of each place. This was so incredibly helpful! Thank you!

That’s so great to hear, Anna! Hope you have a fantastic time in both Paris and Europe as a whole!

Thanks for the great guide. Will be using it for my trip next month.

So glad to hear it helped! Hope you have a wonderful day in Paris. 🙂

Thank you!! Perfect itinerary. Got everything mapped and ready to go!!!

Have an amazing time, Debbie! 🙂

I will definitely be using this guide for this weekend – so helpful!! Thank you! We’re going for a weekend but I’m dying to see Versailles on sunday so I’m going to squeeze everything else on Saturday!

So glad we could help, Annie! Enjoy Paris–and Versailles! 😀

hey Kate, writing this after a long time after all the pandemic, but your post was so helpful for us to see Paris in 2 days before covid, we almost tried to go to each and every places as you suggested in the particular order and ended up having the best time in Paris, Thank you so much for your post and helping us out…….

So happy to hear this, thank you so much! Glad we could help! 🙂

Is it a problem having luggage on the metro from the airport to the hotel?

Definitely not! You’ll be in good company. 🙂

I’m a big time traveler and am planning a trip for my sister (I don’t have much time to organize it). Your report was wonderful!! So much better than I could have done. Thanks for making it seem good for everyone.

So glad we could help, Susan! Hope you and your sister have an amazing time in Paris. 🙂

I’m planning a trip for next year, hope we can enjoy most of the places listed. I love all your detail and links for references, save us a lot of time. This is a very useful blog, thanks!!

So happy you found it helpful, Anna! Hope you have a wonderful time in Paris. 🙂

Going to Paris in late July! This is very helpful. Will fly in and out on the same day, with approx 8-9 hours to see the city. Any recommended itinerary or changes based on this info or since the article was written?

It all depends on how fast you sightsee!

If you’re not a big museum person, you could skip the Louvre since you have such limited time and just take a stroll past the exterior.

Paris in a day! is looking possible and achievable now with your wonderful itinerary. It is so helpful for old couple like us. We intend to arrive at 9 am and return to London by 9 pm Euro rail. Can we purchase Hop on & Hop off bus tickets at the station or online? Does the bus stops at all the places you mentioned? We definitely want to visit all the attractions you mentioned in your blog. Do we have time for a river cruise? You saved us lots of planning and thank you.

So glad our itinerary helps! 🙂

You can purchase Hop on/Hop off tickets either online or in person (though I’m not sure exactly what stops you can buy them at in person). We tend to book everything online these days. There are a few different companies running similar tours, but with slightly different schedules/stops/prices, so it’s definitely worth comparing. They’re listed with Get Your Guide, the same company we linked for skip-the-line tickets in this post.

As for a Seine River Cruise, you may have to trim a stop or two to make it work, but there are 1-hour cruises and if you want to do one, there’s no reason you can’t fit it into your schedule!

Thank you for this info i am wanting to do as much as possible in 1 day in Paris. Most things we just want to see and photograph but Eiffel is a to the top place. Moulin Rouge is a stop, would love a show, but not sure about late night. the area up the hill Montmartre looks fascinating to us. see Notre Dame and Shakespeare bookstore. a river cruise would be lovely and to see Arc de Triomphe.. we are staying at DLP.and commuting to city so a long day walking is fine for the next day we come back to exit Paris from CDG to USA.

Hi Marlene,

I think you can easily fit in most of what you want, but definitely be open to cutting a few things based on time!

Mouline Rouge and Montmartre are the furthest away from the center, but if they’re a priority you can make it happen.

The Arc de Triomphe is a bit out of the way from everything else on your list, so I’d ask yourself how badly you want to see it. The view from the top is one of our favorites, but so is the view from the top of Sacre-Coeur in Montmartre.

Without the Arc de Triomphe, you have 3 distinct geographic areas on your list: Il de la Cite and nearby with Notre Dame/Shakespeare and Company, Eiffel Tower + river cruise (many leave from near the tower), and Montmartre + Moulin Rouge.

You’ll absolutely want to use the metro to get between those areas, especially going out to Montmartre and back!

Thank you for this itinerary. We are going to follow it exactly since we are just coming over from London for a day. Do you think we will manage all of these locations okay considering we are traveling alone and don’t speak any French?

Yes, definitely–you don’t need to speak any French to enjoy your day in Paris!

That being said, if you have time to at least learn basic greetings, it will be much appreciated (and may help you feel more at ease).

Thank you. You’re being so helpful I’d like to ask one more… working out our timeline to make the train back to London, I think we will have to choose between going inside the Louvre and doing the River cruise. What would you recommend? Thank you again!!

Personally, I’d definitely do the Louvre!

The river cruise is lovely and worth it if you have time, but the Louvre is one of the best museums in the world. No contest in my opinion. 🙂

Is your itinerary printable?

Sadly we don’t have a printable version yet, though we hope to make some in the future!

It seems that purchasing timed tickets directly from places like Versailles, Louvre, and Eiffel Tower are just as effective and less expensive than skip the line tours. Would you agree?

I think you’re conflating a couple of different things.

In Paris, timed entrance or skip-the-line tickets (separate from tours) can be booked in many places for the same price. Whether you purchase an entrance ticket (not tour) to those attractions through the website or through an authorized reseller like Get Your Guide, the price is the same. We like to use Get Your Guide for ease and also due to their generous cancellation policy, but if you prefer to go direct you of course can. It’s the same price either way.

Skip-the-line tours (not tickets) include a guide, and of course cost more than tickets do. Often, guided tours are able to skip more lines or ensure additional access than independent travelers have, though that varies based on the tour you book. Security lines generally can’t be skipped anywhere, for obvious reasons, though guided tours sometimes have access to dedicated ones for groups that are much shorter. Getting the lowest possible price isn’t the point in the case of a tour!

Thanks for the great suggestions! We just had a fun day visiting several of the places mentioned here. One note: at Sainte-Chapelle the security lines were still pretty long (20-30 mins) even with pre-purchased tickets. No lines with or without tickets at the Opera building though. Thanks!

So glad you guys had a great time!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Paris in Just One Day: A Quick Exploration Guide!

Salut from Paris is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

If you’ve got just one day in Paris and you’re wondering how to make the most of it, you’re in the right place. Having lived in this magical city since 2006, I’ve got the insider scoop on how to experience the best of Paris in a day.

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re back for more, this itinerary is packed with must-see spots and local secrets. From the charming streets of Montmartre to the iconic Eiffel Tower , we’ll cover it all.

How to make the most out of your one day in Paris?

If you’ve ever searched for “perfect day in Paris” or “one day in Paris”, you’ve probably seen a bunch of guides and itineraries. I’ve looked through them too, and to be honest, they often leave me scratching my head.

Some are jam-packed to the brim, while others suggest you’ll barely have time to do anything. Let’s find a happy medium and plan a day in Paris that’s just right!

But let’s set the record straight: if you’re in Paris for just a day, you won’t tick off every highlight. But don’t think for a second that a one-day visit isn’t worth it. You can absolutely have a fantastic time and get a real taste of what Paris has to offer. Let’s make that day count!

Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷

A word of warning: This 1 day in Paris itinerary that I created for you is sportive, and you better pack your most comfortable walking shoes for Paris because you’ll be on your feet all day.

Also interesting:

• 2 days in Paris : read more here
• Paris first timer guide: read more here

In this guide I am aiming for that the sweet spot between sightseeing and joie de vivre. Because let’s be honest: you can visit the Louvre, but if you have only one or two spare hours, what’s the point?

And you can also just rush from one sight to another next on your Paris in one day tour. But if you don’t have a moment to just sit and enjoy a glass of wine on e terrace?

Visiting Paris is not a race . Paris is about pleasure and joy, about taking it all in, about being fully there.

Your Realistic iItinerary for One Day in Paris

I have been living in Paris for many years, and I put together a realistic itinerary of things to do in Paris in a day.

Everything you could and should do if you are in Paris for a day to make the most out of your stay and get a comprehensive impression of the city .

For a café on a patio and even a glass of wine at sunset. You will also see some of Paris’ most iconic sights , and I can assure you it won’t be the most stressful day of your life. And you most likely want to come back!)

What does this 1 day in Paris Itinerary cover? 

In a nutshell, these are the sights and activities you can be looking forward to if you are following more or less this one-day itinerary for Paris:

• Eiffel Tower
• Pyramid of the Louvre
• Seine River Cruise
• Sacré Coeur
• Shakespeare & Company
• Centre Pompidou
• The Bouquiniste
• a café in a Parisian street café
• of course: An authentic french croissant
• and: a glass of wine

If you are thinking now that I am out of my mind to be intending to squeeze all those activities to do in Paris in one day, that’s fair.

Though, I am good at coming up with efficient plans. Read on to see for yourself how you can maximize your day in Paris .

Paris in a Day Walking Distance: 9.5km ≡ Duration: 8h to 10h

Feel free to use the itinerary below as is, or think of it as a set of building blocks.

Depending on your schedule, energy, and personal preferences, you can easily skip parts like the Louvre Pyramid or Montmartre.

You might even want to start with Montmartre and skip the Marais. These modules are flexible and can be swapped around to suit your mood. This way, you can create a memorable day in Paris that’s tailored just for you.

Your 1 day in Paris Itinerary

Maybe you’re thinking of a quick stopover in Paris for a day while heading to Southern Europe. Or perhaps you’re in luck with a long layover in Paris, giving you enough time to venture into the city. And depending on where you’re based, a day trip to Paris could even be on the cards!

Either way, visiting Paris for one day is a fantastic way to get to know the city a bit.

If you need precise information regarding your arrival point, for example how to get into town from airports , where to park your car , etc., please read also the last section of this article

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. Here’s your itinerary for one perfect day in Paris.

#1 Châtelet & Marais

Length: 4km | Duration: 1h30

Paris works really well when you’re short on time. It’s not a massive city, quite the opposite, actually, and most of its sights are centered around the same area.

That’s why I’ve picked Châtelet, a major metro and train station, as the starting point for this itinerary. Châtelet is a key public transport hub, making it easy to connect from wherever you’re arriving in Paris.

It’s directly linked to Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, and to major train stations like Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, Gare Saint Lazare, and Gare de Lyon. So, getting here should be a breeze.

Tour de Saint-Jaques

After enjoying the obligatory French Croissant and are at the Metro station, head east. If you are unsure where east is, look out for the Tour de Saint-Jaques . The 52m high tower is the only remains of a gothic 16th-century church that got destroyed following the French Revolution in 1797.

Hôtel de Ville

Heading down the Rue de Rivoli, you will soon see the Hôtel de Ville , the Parisian mayor house, on your right. I suggest paying a visit to the tourist office that is located on the left side of the building.

It’s a good occasion to stuck up on some Paris knick-knack as a memory of your one-day trip to Paris, but the real reason why it’s worth to step in are the free temporary exhibitions!

24 hours in Paris – Visit the Marais! 

Starting from Hôtel de Ville, make your way north, passing the Centre Pompidou , and enter the Marais. This area was the aristocratic district of Paris until the French Revolution, and many historic buildings here are remnants of that era.

Post-revolution, the Marais transformed into a bustling commercial area and became the heart of Paris’ Jewish community . Nowadays, it’s also known as the center of LGBT culture in Paris and a hub for galleries, boutiques, trendy restaurants, and bars.

So if it comes down to what to see in Paris in one day, the Marais is definitely high up on the list. If you have a bit more time in Paris, the Marais is a wonderful district to take a walking tour for foodies!

Your Exact Itinerary: Châtelet & Marais

If you follow the itinerary below, you will come across the most interesting and representative sights within the Marais area.

The actual walking time in the Marais, according to Google, is about 53 minutes. But you should really allocate at least 1h30, if not 2 hours. The Marais is filled with charming shops and small galleries, and I did promise you’d have time for a café, right? Taking it slow here is part of the experience.

To save time, I suggest you have (an early) lunch in the Marais.

The Marais, with its strong Jewish and Middle Eastern influences, is a great spot for kosher food and, of course, falafel!

A top choice is L’As du Falafel on Rue des Rosiers . This famous falafel shop is even a favorite of Lenny Kravitz. That’s quite the endorsement (and honestly, the falafel really is delicious). You’ll spot it easily thanks to the queue, but don’t worry, they serve fast.

Alternatively, I can recommend Le Sabich Sandwich from Babka Zana near Place de Vosges on 8 rue du Pas de la Mule .

For more food ideas, check out our Paris Food Guide to discover the best eats in the city!

#2 Île de Saint-Louis

Length 300m | Duration 15min (if you make an ice cream stop!)

After you’ve visited the Shoah Memorial in the Marais, cross over the Pont Marie to reach Île Saint-Louis. While the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral might tempt you to detour, hold off for a bit — it’s not on our agenda just yet. Stay patient, there’s more to explore first!

Just when you set foot on the Île Saint-Louis, you’ll pass by Berthillon . It’s the most famous (and best) glacier in Paris, and their ice creams and sorbets are knowingly among the 10 best ice creams in the world . And isn’t time for a desert anyway? Treat yourself!

By the way, does the café in the picture above look familiar? It’s a filming location for Emily in Paris!

If you’ve got a little extra time and you’re still up for a walk, I recommend adding about 15 minutes to your schedule for some detours around Île Saint-Louis. It’s a really pleasant island and worth the extra exploration.

#3 Quartier Latin

Complete Loop 4 km |  Duration 1h30—2h

Shortcut Tour 1.2 km  |  Duration 20 – 40 min

The Quartier Latin, known as the traditional university district of Paris , still houses most of the city’s educational establishments. The area gets its name from its history — Latin used to be the language of academia!

Today, the Latin Quarter is a vibrant student hub , bustling with pubs, bars, markets, shops, and picturesque cobbled streets. It’s a lively part of the city that’s full of energy and character.

Given that you’ve already done a fair amount of walking today, it might be wise to keep your Latin Quarter tour relatively brief. The full loop on the map below is more suited for those who are particularly keen on exploring Paris or for those opting to rent a Vélib bike for quicker travel.

If you’re leaning towards the shorter route, head directly to Odette, marked as point G on the map. This will streamline your tour while still allowing you to experience a key part of the Latin Quarter.

Latin Quarter Shortcut Tour (If you lack time)

The shortcut itinerary through the Latin Quarter includes some iconic Parisian spots, starting with Odette .

This charming tea house is famous for its choux à la crème – a type of filled puff pastry. It’s a great place to either sit down for some people-watching with a tasty pastry or to grab some choux to go.

Just a short walk from Odette, you’ll find the renowned bookstore Shakespeare and Company . Specializing in English and American literature, this bookstore is a true Parisian institution and one of the city’s most unique spots.

If you’re short on time, Shakespeare and Company is a must-visit in Paris, even for just a day. It’s no longer a hidden gem , but it’s absolutely worth stepping inside to explore.

When you visit Shakespeare and Company, make sure to take in the view of Notre Dame from the first floor. And while you’re there, give some love to the resident cat who lives in the bookstore (not in Notre Dame!).

For a unique souvenir, any book you buy can be stamped upon request – a nice little touch to remember your visit.

If you haven’t grabbed a bite yet, the Latin Quarter offers plenty of lunch options. But a heads-up: try to avoid the restaurants around Rue de la Harpe.

They might be cheap and look tempting, but trust me, you can find much better food elsewhere in the area for just a bit more.

#4 Île de la Cité

Length 1,8 km | Duration 40 min (if you visit the Hôtel Dieu)

From the the Latin Quarter, just cross the St. Michel Bridge and finally head over to Notre Dame . Since the tragic incident in 2019, Notre Dame cannot be visited currently.

Some blinds are put in place, so you cannot get even close to Notre Dame. However, you can still snap some pictures and the Île-de-la-Cité has a few nice places to discover, for example, the Hôtel Dieu just left from Notre Dame.

It’s not a very time-consuming activity, but a real secret tip and definitely worth it! See our post here and know more about visiting .

Editor’s advice : if you are around Notre Dame, be extra wary of pickpockets and do not stop if some girls ask for your signature for something.

#5 Seine River Cruise – Time to Relax

Book your Ticket here | Duration 1h30 

After wandering through the Marais, much of the Latin Quarter and the Seine islands, you’ve definitely earned a break!

On the Seine Island Île de la Cité, where you currently are, you find the pier for the Seine River Cruise . It’s the perfect chance to just hop on and enjoy a relaxing cruise along the river!

Taking a cruise on the Seine will not only let you relax and stretch your legs a wee bit after quite a busy day, but you will also see most of Paris’ important sights (at a very fair price!)

• Tour Eiffel
• Musée d’Orsay
• Musée de Louvre
• Île de la Cité
• Grand Palais
• Petit Palais
• Pont Alexandre III

There are many companies in Paris that are offering Cruises on the Seine and one is usually as good as the other, but most of them are leaving at the Eiffel Tower. So not at all where you are.

If you are visiting Paris only for a very short time and following my itinerary, you need to book a Seine Cruise with Vedettes de Pont Neuf . It’s the only company that starts in the center of Paris.

I strongly recommend booking  your Seine cruise in advance , as some time slots are very popular and superfast sold out. Check here for availabilities, schedules, and rates .

Tip : The boats are leaving from the Seine island Île de la Cité and the entrance is next to the statue of Henry IV, in the middle of Pont Neuf.

#6 The Pyramid of the Louvre

Length 1,1 km | Duration 14 min 

The Louvre is the world’s most visited museum and is located in the former king’s palace, the Palais du Louvre. It’s also the largest art museum of the world, with more than 30.000 exhibited objects on 72.735 square meters.

But bad news first : you won’t have time to visit the Louvre if you are on a one day trip to Paris.

That being said, if you skip one or two of the suggested itineraries, you could make it. Just think about purchasing your tickets in advance, as even a museum like the Louvre can be sold out. Click here to reserve your spot!

Need help deciding? Read this article: Is the Louvre Worth It? Your No-Nonsense Guide

The great news is, you’ve got time to see the famous Pyramid of the Louvre . This glass pyramid, situated in the main courtyard of the Louvre, was inaugurated in 1988.

Initially, it wasn’t widely embraced, but today, it stands as one of Paris’ key landmarks. Interestingly, it’s not just one pyramid – there’s also an inverted glass pyramid inside, a fact you might recognize if you’ve seen the film or read Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code” .

It’s a striking piece of architecture that blends modern and historical elements, making it a must-see on your Paris trip.

(Well, there are 4 Pyramids, but those 2 are the most significant)

#7 Montmartre & the Sacre Cœur

Length 700m | Duration 25min – if you linger

Montmartre is one of Paris’ loveliest areas, and if you’ve still got a bit of energy left, consider taking an Uber up north. (The Metro is also an option, about a 30-minute ride.)

When you arrive at Abbesses Metro station, take some time to grab dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. I personally recommend Comptoir Breizh .

It’s a traditional Crêperie serving both sweet and savory dishes, and their offerings are truly delicious. It’s a great way to wrap up your day with some authentic French cuisine.

Right next to the Abbesses Metro station, you’ll find your first Montmartre highlight: “ Le mur des je t’aime” or the Wall of Love. It’s a perfect spot for a quick photo. Then, get ready to head uphill.

Yes, there are a few stairs involved, but soon you’ll arrive at “Place du Tertre” , the famous square bustling with painters ready to sketch your portrait.

And just a bit further, you reach the grand finale of your one-day Paris adventure: the majestic Basilica of Sacre Coeur . What better way to end an amazing day than by watching the city lights come on at night from this stunning vantage point?

P.S.: Don’t forget to grab some beers or wine to enjoy as you take in the breathtaking view.

Editor’s advice: A s you descend the stairs at Sacre Coeur, keep an eye out for individuals who might approach you to tie a friendship bracelet around your wrist, often expecting money in return.

The best strategy is to simply ignore them and walk past quickly. They’re not dangerous, just quite persistent and can be annoying. Being aware and moving on swiftly is your best bet.

How to organize your day trip to Paris?

No matter how long or short you stay in Paris, there are always a few things to organize.

The most common question for travelers is understandably about how to get to Paris in the first place.

If you’re arriving by car, finding a convenient and reasonably priced parking spot is crucial. On the other hand, if you’re flying in, it’s important to know the best ways to get from the airport into the city.

The following articles will be interesting for you:

• 5 ways to get from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris: THE complete guide!
• How to use the Parisian Metro in 2022!
• Paris by bike: How to rent a bike in Paris in 2022!

1 Day in Paris: Transportation & Accomodation

Each mode of arrival requires a bit of planning to ensure a smooth start to your Paris adventure.

Arriving in Paris by Plane

The paris layover tour.

If you are traveling internationally in or out of Europe with a connection in Paris, you might have some waiting time between flights. You can also plan an easy overnight layover to benefit from the occasion to explore Paris.

Paris isn’t very far from the airport, and it’s easily possible to use a layover by visiting Paris.

How to get to Paris from the Airport?

Paris has 2 airports: Roissy/Charles de Gaulle (CDG) in the north and Orly (ORY) in the south. Both airports are connected to Paris by RER B (Parisian express train) with several inner-city stops.

By Public Transport

The train from the airport , whether it’s Orly or Charles de Gaulle, takes around 45 minutes to Châtelet, the center of Paris.

By Private Transport

If you are short on time and don’t want to stress about figuring out public transportation, you can also easily book a private transfer from the airport to Paris.

I recommend you to check with Welcome Pickup because they are reliable, speak English and track your flight to be aware of delays.

Check here our very extensive guide on how to get from CDG airport to Paris!

Where to stay when traveling by Plane?

If your layover requires reserving a hotel, you can either check in to a hotel close by the airport or spend the night in Paris.

However, it depends on your flight departure time. If your plane is scheduled before noon, I suggest staying close to the airport. Traffic in Paris can be VERY busy, both on roads and public transportation.

Where to stay near Charles de Gaulle Airport (Roissy)?

A few Hotels are located directly on the Airport premise, so you don’t have to worry about transportation in the morning. The best Hotels are:

• Ibis Paris CDG (Budget)
• Innside by Melia Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (Midrange)
• Pullman Paris Roissy Cdg Airport (Upscale)

Where to stay near Orly Airport?

If you are leaving from Orly in the south, you have less of a choice because there are only two hotels in the airport area. Both are good and convenient:

• ibis Paris Coeur d’Orly Airport (Midrange)
• Novotel Paris Coeur d’Orly Airport (Upscale)

Arriving in Paris by Car

If you’re heading north or south or are on a road trip through Europe, you might find yourself arriving in Paris by car . However, having a car in Paris isn’t really ideal.

I strongly recommend against driving into the city center and also suggest avoiding street parking. The traffic in Paris can be intense, and finding a parking spot is often a challenge.

Moreover, leaving all your luggage in your car while you’re out exploring Paris is not a good idea.

It’s better to find a secure parking solution or consider alternative transportation options once you’re in the city to ensure your belongings stay safe and you avoid the stress of navigating Parisian traffic.

There are many paid and surveilled parking places all around town that are close to public transportation. You can find your convenient location and even book a parking place ahead of your arrival.

You can do that for example here , but there are many parking place providers in Paris.

Rent a Hotel with Parking Place

If you’re planning to stay overnight in Paris and have a car, booking a hotel with private parking can solve your parking dilemma. I recommend checking out these hotel options.

All of them are conveniently located near Metro stations, ensuring quick access to the city center. Plus, they’re situated just far enough from the heart of the city to avoid getting caught in Paris’ notorious traffic.

This way, you get the best of both worlds – ease of travel and a stress-free place to park your vehicle.

However, parking is not free and all hotels charge a minimum of €20 per day.

Mama Shelter East: ultra-modern hotel with iMacs in each room. The hotels also have an in-house restaurant, a Pizzeria, and a bar.

Le Mireille: The nice French hotel lies nearby to the Sacre Coeur. The location is perfect for everyone who is following our one-day in Paris itinerary, as the Sacre Coeur is the end of the tour!

Arriving in Paris by Train

If you’re traveling to Paris from London, Brussels, or Cologne, you’ll most likely arrive at Gare du Nord. On the other hand, if you’re coming from the south of France, your arrival point will probably be Gare de Lyon.

Conveniently, each of these train stations is connected to Châtelet by a direct Metro line , and the journey takes about 10 minutes.

A single ride Metro ticket costs €1,90 at the time of writing and can be loaded on a Navigo Easy Travel card that you either buy at the station for €2 or load on your phone for free.

Where to stay in Paris for one night?

If you are looking for a hotel in Paris for one night, it’s best to stay in the center of Paris. This way, you are saving time in public transportation, you get the full Paris flair, and you are quickly everywhere.

But it is hard to choose the right Hotel in Paris, I know. That’s why I have a few Paris hotel guides that will help you find your perfect accommodation.

• 5 most convenient Ibis Hotels in Paris  – Budget Hotel Guide
• 14 Hotels with stunning Eiffel Tower views- for (almost) every budget!
• The best Hotels in Montmartre; for every budget!

If you’re planning to follow this itinerary and need to catch a flight from Charles de Gaulle Airport later, it’s actually a smart idea to look for a hotel in Montmartre .

This location offers you a convenient route back after a day of sightseeing, and it also means a shorter trip to the airport, as both Montmartre and Roissy Airport are in the northern part of the city.

Plus, Montmartre is an incredibly beautiful area, perfect for enjoying a morning coffee before you head to the airport. Staying there not only simplifies your logistics but also adds a charming start to your departure day.

Parisienne since 2006 🩷

Expert in: Parisian Life &

French Culture, Travel

Planning, Crochet & Food and Drinks

Join me on Facebook for updates and news about Paris.

Must Have Paris Travel Essentials

International Travel Adapter

Order here from Amazon

Portable Charger for your Phone

FAQ: One Day in Paris

One day in Paris may not be enough to explore the city to its core, but it is enough time to get a good glimpse of the city and to take in that exceptional Paris vibe.

Absolutely. Paris is surprisingly small, especially if you compare it to London, Berlin, or New York. Everything is close together, and crossing Paris on foot from North to South takes not even 3 hours. If you stroll around Paris for one day, you see a lot and surely can check off a few of your bucket list items.

Paris is a safe city to visit, especially if you roam around the center. However, avoid having your valuables at places, that are easily accessible because pickpockets are everywhere.

Paris is easily visited from London for a day. The Eurostar takes not even 2.5 hours from London to Paris, and the station is very close to attractions and sights.

The cheapest way to travel around Paris is the Metro, 1,90€ one way.

If you find this post useful, share it! 🙂

Similar Posts

20 Intriguing Louvre Facts: Untold stories you can’t miss

Paris Walks: 14th & 15th Arrondissement (+ Petite Ceinture)

31 Fantastic Things to do in Montmartre – Local Insider Guide

Monceau and Batignolles – Paris’ Hidden Gem

Paris by Bike: How to rent a Vélib bike in Paris (2024)

The Ultimate “Emily in Paris” – Paris Guide!

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

Paris in a Day: A 1 Day Paris Itinerary

Last updated: December 1, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 32 Comments

We love Paris, it’s one of our favourite cities in Europe and one we have visited many times. Ideally, we’d love for you to visit it for as long as possible! Still, we know that’s not always possible, and you might only have a short amount of time to see the city.

The good news is that whilst having a few days to explore Paris is wonderful, it’s also possible to see many of the highlights of Paris in a day. And in this post, that’s just what we’re going to help you do.

We’ve put together this post to help you get the most out of your 1 day in Paris. It’s going to take you to the highlights of the city – everything you’re going to want to see, even on a 24-hour timetable.

As well as a step-by-step itinerary, we’re also going to share some tips for getting around efficiently, saving money in Paris, tips on where to stay if you’re here overnight, and the fastest way to get to and from the major Paris airports, if you’re arriving by plane. Let’s get started.

Paris in a Day: Itinerary

This is a full all day Paris itinerary that will have you seeing some of our favourite sights in Paris – which also happen to be the highlights of Paris that most visitors want to see. It’s definitely set up to be a full day, with the sights towards the end opening late so you can keep sightseeing even into the evening.

It’s just a suggestion though, so don’t feel obliged to see everything on this list – it’s important to tailor any itinerary you read to your specific interests, available time, budget, and travel style.

• Sainte Chapelle

It took me multiple visits to Paris before I finally made it to Sainte Chapelle . Now I urge everyone to make it a priority on their trip to Paris!

This is a relatively small chapel that is not too far from Notre Dame, but the interior, which consists of almost floor to ceiling stained glass, is absolutely outstanding. It will definitely take your breath away.

The 13th century Saint Chapelle is quite popular, and the small size and mandatory security checks mean that the line to get in can be long. This is why I have put it on my list as the first thing for your second day in Paris – you want to get here early, ideally get in line ten – fifteen minutes before the opening time. After all, no-one wants to spend their time standing in lines.

There’s a fee to enter Saint Chapelle, and you can buy tickets online here .

Sainte Chapelle is close to Notre Dame , one of the world’s most recognisable cathedrals. However, following a devastating fire seriously damaged Notre Dame in 2019, and the cathedral is closed to visitors as a result. We definitely still recommend walking by to get a glimpse of Notre Dame, however you can’t currently go inside.

Other nearby attractions on Île de la Cité include the Conciergerie (you can get a combined ticket for that and Sainte Chapelle here ), and the Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation (Deportation Memorial) .

If you’re arriving into Paris on the same day as this itinerary, getting from the airport to Sainte Chapelle isn’t too hard.

From Charles de Gaulle, RER line B stops at St. Michel / Notre Dame, and a single ticket at time of writing costs under €10. From Paris Orly, you can take the Orlyval light rail train to the Antony RER station, from where you can also take the RER line B to the Sainte Chapelle area.

Another option is to take the bus, with bus companies operating routes from both airports into Paris city center. You can also book a shuttle bus transfer or a private transfer from the airports of course.

From Sainte Chapelle to the Louvre Museum , our next stop for our day in Paris, it’s either an 18 minute walk, or around 13 minutes if you take Metro line 7. We’d recommend walking as the views along the river are very pretty, and it doesn’t take much longer.

The Louvre was originally built as a fortress, and the first buildings date from around the 12th century. However, as the city developed, it evolved in function, and in the 16th century it became the main palace of the French Kings when they lived in Paris. Following the French Revolution, it was turned into a museum, and has served as an art museum since 1793.

Today, it is the world’s largest art museum, and is home to over 380,000 objects, with 35,000 on display at any one time. Highlights include the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, but as you would imagine, there’s a great deal to see here. In fact, you could probably spend a full day (or more!) just exploring the Louvre.

Of course, with just a day in Paris, this won’t let you see anything else if you really want to explore the Louvre. But if you want to see a lot of highlights in Paris, we suggest you limit yourself to about two hours. Entry is ticketed and timed, and as one of Paris’s most popular attractions, the lines here can be long. This is definitely an attraction you’ll want a skip the line ticket for.

You can buy them from GetYourGuide here , or on the official site here . It’s also included on the Paris City Card .

Alternatively, you can take advantage of a Paris Museum Pass , which includes skip the line access to the Louvre as well as a number of other attractions, however see the note below about reserving your entry time.

Note that in the busy times, which tend to be the summer periods especially, the Louvre gets very busy, and it’s recommended that you purchase a ticket online in advance to avoid disappointement.

If have a Paris Museum Pass , you must reserve your entry online on the official website . This is mandatory for pass holders in order to guarantee entry, and we highly recommend you do this in advance. If you do not reserve your slot in advance, you are not guaranteed entry even with the pass.

Another pass option to consider is the Paris City Card . This includes entry to the Louvre, and you can book the timeslot when you buy the card.

For more on the various pass options in Paris, check out the section further on in the post on saving money during your time in Paris to make sure you get the right option for you.

If you do not have a pass, you can reserve your ticket online on GetYourGuide here , on Tiqets here or on the official website here .

We have found that third party websites may have availability even if the official site does not as their allocation comes from a separate pool. Just note that sometimes there will be a booking fee added to these services which makes the price a touch higher.

We would recommend only using reputable websites – we can recommend either GetYourGuide , or Tiqets , both of which we have used in the past.

• Eiffel Tower

You can’t really avoid seeing the Eiffel Tower when you visit Paris, and a visit to this huge wrought iron tower is a definite must for your day in Paris!

Almost every time we visit Paris we visit the Eiffel Tower, and we are always awed by just how big it is. When it was opened in 1889 it became the tallest man-made structure in the world, with a total height of 324 metres to the very tip. As a visitor, you can go nearly to the top – the very top observation platform is 276 metres above the ground, making it the highest publicly accessible observation deck in Europe.

Of course, you don’t have to go to the very top to enjoy the Eiffel Tower, or in fact, to climb it at all. You can enjoy excellent views of the tower from the Champ de Mars gardens, as well as from the Trocadero on the other side of the River Seine. If pressed for time or not really into the tower, we’d recommend coming here instead for a nice view.

That said, if this is your first visit to Paris, we do recommend that you go up inside the tower. There are three floors that you can visit, and the first two levels even have restaurants. If it’s near a meal time, this is certainly a unique place to get a meal whilst you’re in Paris!

The more casual eateries don’t require reservations but if you want eat at 58 Tour Eiffel or Jules Verne you’ll want to make a reservation before your trip. You can reserve directly with the restaurants here .

The Eiffel Tower is definitely one of the most popular attractions in Paris, and if you want to go up it, it’s very much worth planning a little in advance. The on-site ticket lines get very long, so you definitely want to book in advance.

Tickets for going up the Eiffel tower are available from the official website , and prices vary depending on which level you want to access, and if you want to take the lift or stairs to the first floor.

We very much recommend that you buy your tickets in advance to save time. The best prices are definitely available by booking direct on the official website.

If you’d prefer to take a tour, we recommend this one with 2nd floor access or this one with summit access. These both include free cancellation last time we checked, which official tickets do not.

If you have a Paris Pass , a guided climb to the second floor is included. These tend to run in the middle of the day, so check times on the official site to ensure they meet your schedule. The Paris City Card also includes guided access to the second floor, with optional summit access.

Note that even with pre-booked tickets, you will still need to go through security screening, as with all the other major Paris attractions.

Getting to the Eiffel Tower from the Louvre will involve either a lovely 40-minute walk along the Seine, a 30-minute metro ride, or a 25-minute bus ride. For more tips on visiting, see our complete guide to the Eiffel Tower .

• Seine River Cruise

If all this walking around seems a bit much, then we suggest you take a Seine River Cruise . These are a really popular way to sight-see in Paris, and a number of Seine River cruises depart from right next to the Eiffel Tower.

There are a wide variety of Seine Cruise options available, from shorter cruises of around an hour to ninety minutes, as well as longer cruises that feature a meal.

Additionally, cruises differ in terms of commentary, from pre-recorded to live commentary, as well as the languages on offer. In terms of sight-seeing, cruises usually start at the Eiffel Tower and head along the Seine River towards Notre Dame.

We have a full post comparing Seine River sightseeing options , which we definitely recommend reading to understand all your options. If you’d prefer a dinner cruise, we also have a comprehensive guide to Seine River dinner cruises .

Our recommendation for an Eiffel Tower departure is a cruise with Bateaux Mouches (small discount with our link ) or Bateaux Parisiens . The latter is also included for holders of the Paris Pass and the Paris City Card .

You can also see a selection of cruise options, some of which include dinner, here or here .

• Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is a massive monument in the shape of an arch, which commemorates and honors those who fought and died for France in both the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. It was commissioned by the Emperor Napoleon in 1806, but due to its massive scale, it was not completed until 1836.

Today, the Arc de Triomphe stands alongside the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre as a must-visit location in Paris. You can admire it from the outside for free, but my suggestion would be to pay the entry fee and to go to the top.

From here, you get stunning views across the city. Twelve roads radiate out from the arch, including the Champs-Élysées, and from the top you can see the majority of the highlights of Paris.

Note that the Arc de Triomphe is in the middle of a huge traffic roundabout, and many visitors make the mistake of trying to walk across this. Don’t do this! There are pedestrian access tunnels which are far safer and what you should be taking.

You can purchase tickets on site for access, although you may have to queue. You can also purchase a skip the line ticket online here which is what we would recommend doing as the cost is the same and you get to skip the ticket line.

From the Eiffel Tower it’s a 15-minute metro ride or half-hour walk to the Arc de Triomphe. If you walk, we suggest going via the Trocadero for great views back to the Eiffel Tower.

Champs-Élysées

From culture to consumerism! The Champs-Élysées is the most famous shopping street to Paris, particularly for luxury items. It’s over a mile long and is home to everything from car brands to clothing stores to French macaroon shops .

It’s also one of the major streets in Paris for celebrations. The Bastille Day military parade for example, passes down the Champs-Élysées every year on the 14th July, and Europe’s most famous cycling race, the Tour de France, has finished here every year since 1975.

The Arc De Triomphe is at one end of the Champs Elysees so it’s easy to get here!

• Tour Montparnasse

Our last suggested stop in Paris, if you still have time and stamina, is the Tour Montparnasse , one of our favourite photography locations in Paris . We’d even argue that if you only go up one “tower” in Paris, you make it this one. That’s because from the top you get a spectacular view of Paris that includes the Eiffel Tower.

The 210 metre high tower has two main observation decks, an inside one which is also home to a restaurant, and an open top floor deck. This is surrounded by glass, but it does have cutouts through which you can take pictures and avoid nasty reflections – something I wish more observation decks in towers had!

This is a wonderful spot for watching the sunset over the Paris, and experiencing the city turning into the “City of Light”, as all the street lights come on and the daylight fades through dusk into night. It’s also open late, so you can come up here relatively late into the evening to enjoy the view.

The Tour Montparnasse is next to Gare Montparnasse, from where you can get the bus to Orly Airport, or take the Metro / RER out to Charles De Gaulle, if your day in Paris doesn’t involve an overnight stop and you have to get out to a transport hub. Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time to check-in and catch your flight.

There’s an entry fee for visiting, and you can either buy your tickets in person, or you can buy skip the line tickets in advance here on GetYourGuide . Free skip the line entry is also included for holders of the Paris Pass .

Map for Spending A Day in Paris

Here’s a map of the attractions to give you an idea of how it all fits together. As you can see, the route forms a rough circle, and sticks to central Paris, making it easier to get around. You can also see this map  here on Google Maps .

Paris 1 Day Itinerary Summary

Here’s an overview of what you will be doing on your day in Paris for quick reference:

• Louvre Museum
• Champs Elysees

How to Get Around Paris

Paris is an easy city to get around. For much of this itinerary you will be able to travel by foot, and then you can use public transport for any slightly longer trips. The Metro network is easy to use, and there are also buses. Jess loves using this Streetwise laminated map which also includes a metro map.

In terms of tickets, you can buy a single ticket which is valid on Zones 1 and 2 (this includes everywhere on our itinerary), and with this you can travel on either the bus, metro or RER (suburban railway). A better deal though is to buy a pack of ten tickets, known as a Carnet, which can only be loaded to a Navigo Easy card.

The Navigo Easy Card is a rechargeable card system which costs €2 to buy, but if you will be using public transport a few times the savings from the T10 carnet can add up.

Other than being electronically stored, the tickets work the same, so we would recommend visitors to Paris using the Navigo Easy system as the most cost effective method of paying for transport as a visitor to Paris.

You can buy the Navigo Easy card at all Paris Métro stations or RER ticket booths across the city.

It’s also possible to buy a ticket that is valid for a whole day. This is called a Paris Visite Pass. Depending on your situation, this may or may not be better value.

We have a full guide to how to get around Paris , which should help you plan your transport in the city.

Getting to and from Paris Airport

There are three major airports in Paris. Charles de Gaulle is the main airport for international arrivals, with Paris Orly being the second most popular international airport. Both of these airports are easily reachable by public transport from the city centre.

From Paris Orly to central Paris you can take the bus (see information here ), which takes 15 – 20 minutes to get to central Paris.

Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is a little further away. You have the option of taking the bus, which will be around 30-45 minutes, or you can take the RER train from the airport which takes between 25 and 50 minutes to Gare du Nord, depending on if it is a fast or a slow service.

Another option, which might be more cost effective if you are travelling in a group, is to take a taxi or private shuttle. This will take you for a fixed price from the airport to central Paris. You can book this service in advance here .

Walking Tours of Paris

If you want to see the highlights of Paris in a day, but would prefer to do so as part of a guided tour, then we suggest you take a look at Take Walks . We’ve used them for walking tours in cities around the world, and have never been disappointed.

They focus on small group tours, led by experts, and they have a number of walking tours in Paris we can recommend. These are:

• A full day walking tour of Paris which includes many of the highlights in our post, including a major art museum, the Eiffel Tower, and a Seine River Cruise
• A three hour tour that includes Saint Chapelle and Notre Dame
• They also have more tours in Paris, see all the options here

Of course, there are other operators running tours in Paris, such as  this delicious looking food tour ,  this in-depth tour of Hemingway locations  in Paris or  this tour of Montmartre .

As you can see, there are lots of good options for walking tours in Paris!

Where to Stay in Paris

If you have the time to spend a night in Paris, this will definitely give you more time to fit more into your day as you won’t have to rush off and catch a flight or train to your next destination. You might even be able to fit in a bit more sight-seeing, so check out our 2 day and 3 day Paris itineraries for some inspiration.

Paris has no shortage of accommodation options across a wide variety of budgets. Whilst it’s by no means a cheap destination, we think good value can be had. Based on our itinerary, we’d recommend finding somewhere as central as your budget will allow, to reduce time spent travelling to and from your accommodation.

Our recommended tool for finding accommodation in Paris  booking.com . They’re our favourite booking engine when we travel, usually giving us the best choice and the best prices. They also have everything, from apartments and hostels to high end hotels. Here are some options we suggest, depending on your budget.

• The People – Paris Marais , a well-reviewed hostel in the Marais, one of our favourite parts of Paris to stay
• Hôtel Eiffel Turenne , a well rated 3* hotel within a ten-minute walk of the Eiffel Tower
• Hotel Dress Code & Spa , a highly reviewed centrally located 4-star hotel right a few hundred yards from the opera house
• Hotel le Compostelle , a highly rated 3* hotel centrally located near the Louvre Museum
• The Montparnasse Studio Deluxe – a highly rated apartment right next to where our itinerary ends

If you prefer an apartment, then we recommend Plum Guide or Vrbo .

Plum Guide carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. We’ve stayed at a number of their properties around the world, including a beautiful apartment in Paris with spectacular Eiffel Tower views. See their listings for Paris here .

If you can’t find what you want from the above choices, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the  best alternatives to AirBnB  which you should check out!

We also have a page full of travel resources, which includes our tips for getting the best deals on accommodation, which you can find  here .

How to Save Money in Paris

Often when we put together a city itinerary, we recommend a city pass. For Paris, our favourite passes are the Paris Pass  (see our review here ) the Paris Museum Pass (see our review here ), and the Paris City Card .

For the Paris Pass, and the Paris Museum Pass, the minimum duration for both these passes is two days, which means that for just a day in Paris, you might not see much in the way of cost savings.

Here’s how the costs break down, as of November 2023, along with which passes they are included on and links to book tickets directly.

• Sainte Chapelle (€11.5) – included on Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass. Book online here .
• Louvre Museum (€17) – included on Paris Pass, Paris Museum Pass and Paris City Card. Book on  GetYourGuide here , or on the official site here .
• Eiffel Tower (€34 for guided tour, €11.30 for standard stair access ticket) – tour included on Paris City Card and Paris Pass. Book tickets on the official website here
• Seine River Cruise (€18) – included on Paris City Card and Paris Pass. Book online here .
• Arc de Triomphe (€13) – included on Paris Pass and Paris Museum Pass. Book online here .
• Tour Montparnasse (€19) – included on Paris Pass. Book online here .

Whilst all the attractions are included on the Paris Pass, as this is only available for two days, we don’t think it offers good value.

Honestly, with only a day in Paris, we think you are better off booking individual tickets for each attraction for the best value for this Paris itinerary.

If you are in the city for a bit longer though, or choose to visit some different attractions, then they are definitely worth checking out. In this case, we recommend comparing inclusions and prices between the following attraction passes to see which might work for you:

• The Paris Pass  (see our review here )
• The Paris Museum Pass (see our review here )
• The Paris City Card
• The Go City Paris Explorer Pass

Practicalities for visiting Paris

Eating in paris.

Paris has a wide range of dining options to choose from, from Michelin starred restaurants through to bistros and cafes.  You certainly won’t go hungry!

Generally we don’t recommend specific restaurants as they can change so quickly, however we do have a guide to some of our favourite restaurants in Paris here to give you some options.

Usually you’ll find that most restaurants in Paris and France will offer some sort of menu of the day, or “menu du jour”, which can be a cost-effective way to get a great meal.

We’d also suggest that if you want to eat at one of the more popular restaurants in Paris that you consider booking in advance. We recommend and use La Fourchette (the fork), which is the most popular online restaurant booking website in France.

It’s easy to use and makes booking a breeze, especially if you don’t speak French. Check it out here to find reviews, sample menus and book a table.

Electricity in Paris is of the 220v standard, with the 2 pin European style plug. Travellers from countries like the UK and the US will need an adapter like this . See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters .

US travellers need to check their equipment supports the 220v standard – it will be written clearly on the power adapter. As a general rule, we have found that laptops, phone and camera chargers and other small electronics are universal, whilst larger devices like hair dryers and hair straighteners are not.

Paris is part of the Eurozone, so the currency is the Euro. You can get Euros from ATM’s, banks and currency exchanges, although credit cards are of course widely accepted, and there is no need to carry large quantities of currency.

Internet Access

Internet access is widely available in the form of WiFi all around the city and in hotels and coffee shops, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting online. You can also pick up local SIM cards if you have an unlocked phone. If you are travelling from the USA, consider a Google Fi package which lets you use your data overseas, or an eSIM service like Airalo .

For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options. We also have a guide to picking the best travel router , which can help you extend a weak WiFi network and share it across multiple devices.

Water 

The water in the taps in Paris is safe to drink unless otherwise indicated. If you don’t like the taste, bottled water is widely available.

We usually recommend you travel with a re-usable water bottle like one of these to save on having to buy water bottles. We love our Klean Kanteen water bottles for travel as they are lightweight, easy to clean and the company is a certified B-Corp.

Paris is a safe city in our experience, although it does have a reputation for being home to a number of scams. Most of these are easy to avoid once you know about them (read up on some of the common scams in Paris here ).

As with any major city, of course you need to keep your wits about you – keep your possessions in view all the time, keep your wallet or phone in a front pocket (with a zip if possible), and don’t do anything that you wouldn’t do at home.

We’ve not had any problems in Paris, although there are a few scams to be aware of – check our guide to avoiding common Paris scams so you are prepared in advance.

Further Reading for Your Paris Visit

We’ve been lucky enough to visit Paris a number of times, and from our visits we’ve put together quite a few articles to help you plan your trip. We hope you find them useful!

• If you decide to stay longer, we have a guide to spending  3 Days in Paris , as well as a guide to spending 2 Days in Paris
• If you’re looking for good photos, we have a guide to the  best photography locations in Paris
• We have detailed guides to  choosing a Seine river cruise , Seine River dinner cruises , buying Paris opera tickets ,  attending a fashion show in Paris  and  saving money on Michelin starred restaurants in Paris
• We have a detailed  review of the Paris Pass , to help you decide if it might save you money
• Galeries Lafayette is one of the most well-known stores in Paris. However, there’s more to do here than shop! See our complete guide to visiting Galeries Lafayette for more information.
• If you like afternoon tea, check out our definitive guide to the  best afternoon tea locations in Paris
• We have a detailed guide to attending the famous Moulin Rouge show in Paris
• For walking tours in Paris, we can recommend both  Context Tours  (link gives 10% off) and  Take Walks who both offer tours in Paris.
• If you want a guide book to Paris, we always like to recommend the Rick Steves guides – here’s the  Rick Steves Paris  edition. We also recommend the Lonely Planet guides, and they have a guidebook on Paris .

And that’s it for our guide to getting the most from a day in Paris! Is Paris on your travel list? Would you visit Paris for just a day? Do you have any feedback or questions about our day in Paris? Let us know in the comments below!

Enjoyed this post? Why not share it!

There are 32 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

6th November 2022 at 4:04 pm

Hello Laurence, Your blog is very helpful. Thank you and I appreciate it. We are traveling to Paris august 24 arrival early at 645 am. It’s our first time, from CDG airport what transportation that can you recommend going to hotel? I am going to book the hotel dress code and spa or can you recommend centralize hotel. We would like to visit rue de bac For St. CAtherone laborie church? Lastly we would like to visit Lourdes for one day an overnight stay there ( can you recommend a hotel please) will take a train from paris and then from there take a train going to London. Any suggestions please?

Thank you so much in advance and for taking time to read my questions.

Many Thanks, Karen

Laurence Norah says

7th November 2022 at 11:10 am

Probably the easiest option from Paris to the Hotel Dress Code & Spa (which is a good centrally located option) is the Roissybus . It will drop you at Opera which is a five-minute walk from the hotel. So that is probably what I would recommend. You can also book a car transfer service , which will be a bit more expensive (depending on group size), but will take you door to door.

For Lourdes we don’t have any experience as we haven’t visited. I’d recommend visiting this page on booking.com for Lourdes , and then choosing a property based on price. It is already filtered to those properties with a good guest review score.

Have a great trip and let me know if you have any more questions!

10th November 2022 at 12:28 am

Thank you so much and taking time to answer my questions. 😊

Linda King says

14th May 2022 at 12:11 pm

This is really helpful. Thanks. I have one day in Paris alone, and a second with my husband who is abandoning me on day 1 to attend a conference :-/ We have booked tickets to Versailles, but apparently you can’t leave luggage at the moment? We want to take a picnic, and brollies just in case, but it says they’re not allowed. Any hints?! Linda

15th May 2022 at 8:21 am

So according to the Versailles website , there is left luggage available on site. I’m not sure where you saw that it is closed, but I can’t find reference to that. In terms of picnics, you can picnic in certain areas, as described here .

Hope this helps, have a great time in Paris!

peter Murrell says

19th January 2020 at 9:45 pm

Can I walk around the grounds of Museum Louvre as i am more interested in talking photos of the exterior.

20th January 2020 at 9:54 am

Yes, the exterior of the building including the famous glass pyramid is open to all and free to walk around,

Peter Murrell says

20th January 2020 at 11:44 am

Thank you Laurence.

18th December 2019 at 9:05 pm

Hello, My father is travelling to USA , has a layover in pairs for a day. He would like to see the places in pairs and prefer to take taxis for all the places. Can you please provide me list of taxi services which are cheaper and trustworthy. Can i book them in the online? If so, please provide me the websites and please let me know about 1 day packages for taxi? And what would the minimum cost for taxi from/to airport to hotel to sightseeing places. Does taxi drivers accept credit cards/travel cards? Please reply me asap so that i can make necessary arrangements. Thanks!

19th December 2019 at 1:57 pm

My suggestion would be rather than trying to book a series of taxis, would be to book a specific layover tour. These are designed for the purpose you have in mind, and can be booked in advance and tailored to your need. For example, there’s this layover tour , plus a selection of others here .

20th December 2019 at 5:47 pm

Thank you Laurence. This Blog and your suggestions help me explore more things about Paris. Thanks alot!

21st December 2019 at 6:52 pm

My pleasure Harry – have a wonderful time in Paris, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions 🙂

K V Mohan says

25th September 2019 at 10:18 am

Hi I will be in Paris from 14/12/19 afternoon till 15/12/19 with my wife & daughter. First time visit, heard scam and conman stories in Paris. Also heard Parisians don’t like to speak English. Need your kind advise and itineraries. Thank you.

25th September 2019 at 9:20 pm

So there are a few scams in Paris, but I cover most of them in this post: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/tips-for-surviving-scams-of-paris/

To be honest, anything that seems to good to be true is, and ignore anyone with a clipboard or who tries to give you something “for free” and you should be fine.

In terms of Parisians being unfriendly or unwilling to speak English, this is definitely a well perpetuated stereotype. I’ve personally not found it to be true, although it depends how you approach it. Personally, I always try to start with a few words of French, like “bonjour”, and then most Parisians in my experience will realise I am not a native speaker, and switch to English. However, if one starts in English, this can sometimes work out less well.

However, consider if a French person appeared in your home town and launched into French, I’d suspect most people wouldn’t be too excited about that. So I think this is quite normal 🙂

I hope you have a great time in France!

26th September 2019 at 1:01 am

Thank you very much for your kind reply,hope to have a wonderful trip to Paris.

Ty Stewart says

13th September 2019 at 8:59 pm

I have a 7 hour layover in CDG Sept. 30. What do you recommend for seeing as much of Paris I can?

14th September 2019 at 2:46 pm

if you have not been to Paris before, then my recommendation would be to visit the Eiffel Tower and then take a Seine River Cruise. This will use up around 3 hours in total I’d say. You have to consider the time getting in and out of Paris as well, which will probably be around an hour each way, so that’s five hours. With your final couple of hours, you could have a meal, wander the left bank, or visit the Arc de Triomphe. You could also visit the outside of the Louvre, but I’m not sure it would be worth going inside unless you did a really quick visit.

I hope this helps – have a great trip!

16th September 2019 at 2:23 pm

Laurence, Thanks for the quick reply. I will let you know how it goes when I return home.

Anna Nelson says

9th September 2019 at 7:43 pm

Hiya folks, I will be visiting Paris for a day in January 2020 with an overnight stay.. Landing in CDG.. Is the itinerary recommended here good for winter too ? Any other tips ?

10th September 2019 at 9:14 am

It will certainly work for winter. The only thing to be aware of is that it gets dark a bit earlier in winter and obviously it’s colder, but the good news is that there will be less visitors to the city 🙂 I don’t think you need to change anything though, just wrap up warmly 🙂

Have a great trip!

Dave makota says

13th May 2019 at 11:55 am

Thank you very much for this guide. It was very useful for me when I visited Paris!

13th May 2019 at 5:21 pm

Our pleasure Dave, delighted to have been able to help!

Rajesh Kalla says

21st March 2019 at 4:56 am

I plan to be in Paris on way to Barcelona from 17th to 19th of June;2019. I have visited Paris in 2011 just for a day . However want to experience life in Paris without the guided tour. Would like to spend time walking .Have coffee at Maxims. Kindly guide how to reach from CDG Airport to City center. I am staying at Airport hotel Thanking you in advance. Rajesh

21st March 2019 at 11:01 am

The section of the post on how to get to Paris CDG from the airport should answer your question: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/paris-in-a-day-a-1-day-paris-itinerary/#Getting-to-and-from-Paris-Airport

I’d suggest taking the RER train into central Paris, it’s quite easy to do, you can buy a ticket at the train station 🙂

Lisa Shaw says

15th March 2019 at 6:19 am

Such wonderful tips, thank you so much! Will be in Europe for the first time ever, and Paris from May 5-7, 2019, all the way from Hawaii! Arrive the 5th, and leave the 7th. My boyfriend is not thrilled about a lot of walking and is not comfortable exploring on our own (unlike me, who LOVES to walk every where!) So I was looking for a tour that hits the main sites, as you listed: 1. Notre Dame 2. The Louvre 3. Champs-Élysées 4. Arc de Triomphe 5. Eiffel Tower 6. Seine River Cruise 7. Tour Montparnasse Any suggestions for a tour that covers the above? Mahalo nui loa!

15th March 2019 at 4:45 pm

So I have a couple of options for you, but this is quite a tough ask 😉 Many of the guided tours in Paris involve walking – it’s often faster than taking a vehicle due to traffic, and parking is also a challenge in the city. In addition, finding a tour that includes all of the above is probably going to be a bit of a challenge too!

I have done my best though to come up with some options for you.

So the first option option is this tour . It covers many of the sights you’ve requested, including the River Cruise, lunch at the Eiffel Tower and a guided visit of Notre Dame and the Louvre. I think this is a good starting point, although it does note in the description that there is some walking, largely in the attractions. The walking does seem to be minimal as the longer distances are covered by boat. With the inclusions it’s also pretty good value I think.

Another option would be to take a Hop on Hop off bus. This will hit all the major sites you want to see, however you would have to plan your own itinerary and this wouldn’t be guided.

Lastly, the tour I mention in the post is this full day walking tour of Paris . So obviously that one is going to involve some walking, but the tour does include metro rides between the main sites, so the only real walking will be around the various attractions, which is kind of unavoidable 🙂

Hopefully one of these options works for you. Have a wonderful time in Paris!

4th February 2019 at 8:44 pm

Booked a last minute trip to Paris for the day and this is exactly what i needed to help plan my trip as there is no much detail and information. Thanks so much!

5th February 2019 at 11:22 am

My pleasure Zay – have a wonderful time!

Shivank Sharma says

9th November 2018 at 11:50 am

This is excellent work, Something I was looking for, Really appreciate the details, maps and written guidelines.

11th November 2018 at 6:08 pm

Our pleasure Shivank – have a wonderful trip to Paris!

21st August 2018 at 12:07 pm

I have been to Paris on 2 separate occasions for multiple days each but you still were able to suggest places I haven’t been. I will definately be reading up your guides before my next visit.

21st August 2018 at 12:17 pm

Awesome to hear that 😀

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let me know when there's a reply to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips. This also makes you eligible to enter our monthly giveaways!

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store your data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

BEST of Paris in One Day: Most Complete Itinerary (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 18, 2024

Are you planning to visit Paris for a day and wondering what you can see and do in such a short time? In this guide, we share a suggested 1-day Paris itinerary that will bring you to all the must-see spots and help you make the most out of your time. Find out!

Paris, France, is a fascinating city that has a lot more to offer than you could ever see in a week, let alone in a day. So figuring out an itinerary that allows you to see the best of Paris in one day can be overwhelming. But – with some advance planning and preparation – it’s definitely possible.

Below, you can find our recommended itinerary that allows you to see many of the ‘musts’ in Paris in one day. We also share a map as well as useful information and our experience-based tips to help you plan your first visit to this fascinating city.

Keep in mind that there is not one ‘best’ itinerary to follow for a day trip to Paris. So this is just one of many possibilities. The aim of this itinerary is to show you what’s possible and how you could plan your time if this is your first time in the city and you want to experience the very best of Paris in one day. Take a look!

Top Experiences to Book for Paris in a Day:

• Sainte Chapelle .
• River Seine Cruise .
• The Louvre .
• Eiffel Tower .

Some planning tips and info to make the most out of your day in Paris:

Further below, you will find a detailed itinerary indicating what to see, plus approximate hours based on the time that you need in order to get to and visit the places. Please note that these are only meant for your reference, to give you a better idea of how it all could fit together and how to help you plan your time and pre-book time slots for all the sights.

Important to know: If you are exploring Paris on your own, you will need to book timed-entry tickets for all the attractions that you want to visit!!!

For this itinerary, you will need tickets to Sainte-Chapelle , either the Louvre OR d’Orsay Museum , the Eiffel Tower , the Seine cruise , and also Arc de Triomphe . If you decide to see the show at the famous Moulin Rouge , you will need to reserve that well in advance too!

TIP: If you find it all too overwhelming to plan a good Paris 1-day itinerary on your own, take a look at this highly-rated day tour . It takes you to many of the best spots in Paris in a day and you don’t have to worry about tickets or timing and how to make it all fit together. It’s a great option if you are short on time and want to make the most of it without having to stress about anything.

This tour has a somewhat similar itinerary as the one described below and ends at the Eiffel Tower. So you could easily visit the places that we recommend seeing in the evening after doing this tour as well.

And now, let’s take a look at what your day in Paris could look like – see below!

1-Day Paris Itinerary – Overview

Here is an overview of our recommended Paris itinerary for one day. Further below, you’ll find all the details about each place we recommend visiting.

As you can see, this is a very full itinerary that starts very early in the morning and ends late at night. We did our best to create a very complete itinerary that shows you as much as possible in a day.

If you feel like this is way too much for you, you can easily adjust this itinerary to suit your interests. For example, skip the places/activities that are marked as optional. Not interested in spending 2 hours inside a museum? Just see the architecture of the Louvre from the outside. Not interested in the sightseeing river cruise? Head straight to the Eiffel Tower, etc.

But this gives you a good idea of what can be done in Paris in a day, which places are worth it the most on the first visit, and how to plan your time.

Here is our recommended Paris 1-day itinerary in a nutshell:

• 7-8.30 am: Montmartre & Sacre-Coeur Basilica (optional).
• 9-11 am: Île de la Cité ( Sainte-Chapelle , Notre Dame, early lunch).
• 12-2.30 pm: The Louvre or Musée d’Orsay .
• 2.30-3.30 pm:Jardins de Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, Pont Alexandre III (optional).
• Walk, taxi, or metro.
• 4 – 5.30 pm: Eiffel Tower *.
• 6-7 pm: Seine Cruise .
• 8-9 pm: Arc de Triomphe .
• Evening: Champs-Élysées and dinner.
• Metro or taxi to Moulin Rouge or back to your hotel.
• 11 pm: Moulin Rouge (optional).

* Good to know: If you opt to visit the Eiffel Tower summit (instead of just Levels 1 and 2), you’ll need at least 1 hour more, so skip something else and adjust the rest of your itinerary as needed.

Map & Getting Around

To give you a better idea of where everything is located and how to plan your time, we created a map indicating all the places mentioned in this article. See below!

If you want to make the most of your day in Paris, it’s best to cover all the biggest distances by metro. For smaller distances, you can walk or take a taxi/Uber.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

This is our recommended Paris itinerary for one day:

Montmartre & Sacre-Coeur Basilica (Optional)

7 – 8.30 am

If you want to make the utmost out of your day in Paris, start with a visit to Montmartre . This is one of the most charming neighborhoods in the city and you could easily spend a day here alone. But even if you just come for an hour, you can see the best parts!

Start by taking the metro from your hotel to Abbesses station. Check out the Wall of Love ( Le Mur des Je t’aime ), and then take the stairs or funicular to the Sacre-Coeur Basilica . The church is usually open from 6.30 am so you can even visit inside (it’s free).

Enjoy the stunning city views from the stairs in front of the church, then turn right, and walk to Place du Tertre . This charming square is the heart of the Montmartre.

During the day, it’s very lively, full of local artists and tourists. In the morning, you will likely find it very quiet, so the atmosphere won’t be the same, but it’s worth visiting either way. You will also find many cafes and restaurants here. Many of them are open from early morning, so this could be a nice place for a coffee or breakfast.

Depending on how much time you have, you could explore a bit more of the neighborhood. For more tips on what to see, take a look at our detailed guide to this neighborhood via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Montmartre

Next, take a metro to the Cité station in the center or a taxi/Uber straight to your next destination – Sainte-Chapelle.

Good to know: We indicate this as optional because we realize that not everybody will be able/want to start their day this early. Plus, Montmartre is quite out of the way from all the main attractions in the city center. But if you want to get the maximum out of your day in Paris and see different facets of the city, then definitely consider a short visit here.

Île de la Cité: Sainte Chapelle, Notre Dame

9 – 11 am

Île de la Cité is the heart of Paris. This little island on the Seine River is best known as home to the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, but there is so much more to see here!

With just a day in Paris, you will have to be selective, however. So we recommend just focusing on the two main landmarks – Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle.

TIP: Book the earliest possible time slot for Sainte Chapelle and head there first ( reserve timed-entry tickets here asap – it’s extremely popular!). This Gothic masterpiece with 1113 stained glass windows will take your breath away! It’s the most impressive church to see in Paris, and I promise you, it will be one of the highlights of your day!

Then walk to Notre Dame to admire its impressive exterior. Keep in mind that the church is still closed for restoration after the devastating fire, so you cannot visit it inside. The opening is now foreseen for December 2024.

Early Lunch

Now it could be a good time to find something for lunch. There are many cafés on Île de la Cité, or you could just grab a crêpe (French pancake) on the go.

You could stop by the restaurant called Aux Vieux Paris d’Arcole (it’s quite famous for its Instagrammable exterior). But it looks more charming in the photos than in reality, and quite frankly, there are better price/quality places nearby.

Recently, we had a very good low-key lunch at the nearby café Sur le Pouce. But both of these cafes are a bit out of the way for this itinerary.

Anyway, you will find many other good places in this area too. There are a few nice crêperies on the way to the Louvre which would probably fit this itinerary the best. We indicated all these places on our map further below.

Louvre Museum OR Musée d’Orsay

12 – 2.30 pm.

Next, you could visit one of the most famous museums in Paris – either the Louvre or d’Orsay Museum .

The Louvre is somewhat closer by, about 15 minutes walk, and the d’Orsay Museum is on the opposite side of the river, about 30 minutes walk from Notre Dame.

If you go to the Louvre, you could also see the Hôtel de Ville (the City Hall of Paris) and Pont Neuf on your way there. This iconic bridge can also be seen on the way to the d’Orsay Museum. 

No matter which museum you choose, a walk to get there along the shores of the Seine is really nice. You will pass the famous green Parisian Bouquinistes kiosks selling old books, posters, and postcards. Often, you will also see street vendors selling roasted chestnuts (one of the traditional French foods you should try in Paris !)

Musee d’Orsay is located inside an old train station and the interior is stunning. It also has an incredible art collection. The must-see here is the Impressionist section with some of the best works by Monet, Renoir, Manet, and many others. You can also see some masterpieces by Vincent van Gogh.

At the Louvre , you can see the famous Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, Venus de Milo, and countless other famous masterpieces. In addition, you will see the famous Louvre pyramids. 

Considering all this and its location, for this itinerary, I think I would recommend choosing the Louvre, especially if this is your first time in Paris. On the other hand, d’Orsay Museum is usually a bit less crowded. But both are among the most popular Paris attractions, so it will be very busy either way.

Important! If you want to visit any of the museums, count to spend about 2 hours inside (or you won’t have much time left for the other places). Also, you absolutely have to reserve timed-entry tickets in advance! Here you can book tickets for the Louvre and here – for d’Orsay Museum .

If you decide to visit the Louvre, below, you can find a link to our detailed guide with useful tips (such as which entrance to take in order to avoid the biggest crowds).

LEARN MORE: Tips for Visiting the Louvre Museum

Jardins de Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, Pont Alexandre III (Optional)

2.30 – 3.30 pm.

Located just next to the Louvre is the famous Tuileries Garden ( Jardins de Tuileries ), one of the most beautiful parks in Paris. You can also easily get here from d’Orsay Museum – just cross the bridge to the other side of the river.

If you are coming here from the Louvre, you will also pass Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel . This triumphal arch was built earlier, before the famous Arc de Triomphe de Etoile which you can see in the distance from here (and can visit in the evening – see further).

Next, you will pass Place de la Concorde , one of the biggest squares in Paris. In the center, you can see an ancient Egyptian Obelisk, and there is a really nice fountain here too.

Walking towards the river, you will arrive at Pont Alexandre III , the most decorative bridge in Paris.

Good to know: I indicate these places as optional since visiting them all adds quite a bit of walking to this itinerary (about 1.8 km (1.1 miles) – at least 20 minutes of walking time). You could also skip these places to save time, or just walk through the garden and then take a metro from Concorde station.

Next, make your way to the Eiffel Tower. A walk from the Alexandre III bridge is another 1.6 km (1 mile). The distances may not look big, but it all adds up throughout the day, also in terms of time… So you may want to take a taxi or a metro.

Eiffel Tower

4 – 5.30 pm.

No trip to Paris would be complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower ! You can just walk around admiring its impressive structure, but you’ll probably also want to go up and see the views from the top.

In that case, you really have to reserve timed-entry tickets in advance!!! And you have to choose which levels you’ll visit in advance when booking your ticket.

Good to know: Eiffel Tower has three levels that you can visit: Level 1, Level 2, and the Summit. Level 2 tickets include levels 1 and 2, and the Summit tickets include all levels. In addition, for the first part – up to level 2, you can choose between taking the elevator or the stairs. The summit can only be reached by a separate elevator from the second level.

While going all the way to the summit is a very unique experience, the city views are probably somewhat better from the second level. From the top, you can see much further, of course; it’s just a different perspective really.

Also, it takes much more time to visit the top since the queues for the elevator can be really long. Realistically, you need about 1.5 hours for levels 1 and 2, and 2.5 hours if you visit the summit.

So with just a day in Paris and limited time, visiting level 2 is probably a better option. But if standing at the summit of the Eiffel Tower is high on your bucket list, then definitely go for it! In that case, you’ll probably need to skip something else from this itinerary.

Good to know: You can book Eiffel Tower tickets on their website and also on sites like GetYourGuide or Tiqets . Depending on how long in advance you book, often, Summit tickets on the official site might not be available anymore, but you can still find them on these other sites, sometimes in combination with e.g. a Seine Cruise or other popular attractions. Tickets for the second level are easier to get, but also there, if you want to be able to choose the best time slot, try to book asap!

TIP: Alternatively, you could also opt for this Eiffel Summit + Seine Cruise ticket combo . Keep in mind that you’ll need to foresee extra time if you go to the summit.

Seine River Cruise

6 – 7 pm.

Next, take a scenic cruise on the Seine River . It’s a great way to see more of Paris and at the same time rest your legs a bit after all the walking and sightseeing. A river cruise is something that should be on any Paris bucket list, so don’t miss it!

There are many cruise options departing from various locations. For this itinerary, exactly as described here, you could take this sightseeing cruise . It starts near the Eiffel Tower and has regular departures throughout the day. The ticket is valid for any boat on the selected day (more info via the booking link above). Or, as said earlier, simply get this popular Eiffel Tower + Seine Cruise combination ticket .

TIP: If you feel like this itinerary is already full enough as it is and would like to call it a day after this, opt for a Seine Cruise with dinner !

If you are determined to make the most out of your day in Paris, next, make your way to Arc de Triomphe. You can walk there from the Eiffel Tower, take a metro, or get a taxi/Uber. If you walk, you can enjoy nice views of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero Gardens on the other side of the river. If you are visiting in winter when it gets dark early, you might be lucky to catch a sunset and/or see how the Eiffel Tower sparkles in the dark. 

Good to know:  Eiffel Tower lits up a few minutes after sunset. In addition, the tower ‘sparkles’ for 5 minutes on the hour every hour, between dusk and 11 pm.

Arc de Triomphe

8 – 9 pm.

The Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile is one of the most iconic landmarks of Paris and needs no introduction. You probably have seen it in countless movies, usually in a scene involving cars trying to navigate the 12-fork roundabout around the Arch.

Also here, you have two options. You can simply admire the Arch from the outside or you can go all the way to the rooftop to enjoy some amazing views of Paris. Inside, you will also find a small museum. And on the outside, you can see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The 360° views from the top of the Arch are amazing. It’s one of the most impressive viewpoints in Paris ! Just below, you can see the iconic Avenue des Champs-Élysées. The view of the Eiffel Tower is great too and in the distance, you can see the modern La Défense district, Montmartre and Sacre Coeur Basilica, and many other landmarks of Paris.

Good to know: Arc de Triomphe is extremely popular at sunset. The views can be magical indeed, but it’s also crazy busy… Depending on the season when you visit, it’s possible that you will be here around sunset, but with just a day in Paris, I wouldn’t time your visit just for that. You’ll have difficulties squeezing in all the top sights in a day already, so just come here when it suits your itinerary the best.

The views are really nice in the dark as well, and the Arch stays open until late (usually around 10.30 pm).

TIP: If you want to go up, we also highly recommend booking your tickets in advance . At the moment, they are not timed (so are valid at any time during the day of your choice), but purchasing them online saves you a long queue at the ticket desk. You’ll still have to queue at the security check, but that can’t be avoided anywhere.

Champs-Élysées & Dinner

9 – 10.30 pm.

End your day in Paris at the city’s most famous boulevard – Avenue des Champs-Élysées .

This street is a few miles long, but the nicest and the liveliest part is right at the Triumph Arch. Here you will find many famous fashion designer stores and this area also has tons of restaurants.

If you are visiting on a weekend or want to dine at a specific place at a specific time, be sure to reserve in advance. Otherwise, it should be possible to find something on the go. 

TIP: Restaurants on Champs-Élysées are very expensive and price/quality-wise not always the best. But in the side streets, you can often find much better value for your money. Despite the touristy location, we had a really good dinner at La Flamme, just 5 minutes walk from the Triumph Arch. I indicated it on our map below.

Alternatively, if you are heading to Moulin-Rouge, you can find some very good restaurants in that area (more local and much cheaper too).

Moulin Rouge (optional)

If you want to experience the very best of Paris in a day and think that you’ll still have some energy left, we highly recommend seeing a cabaret show at the iconic Moulin Rouge.

It’s a very professional show with fantastic artists, dazzling acts, colorful costumes, and great music. Furthermore, a traditional Parisian cabaret is something that you can only experience in Paris! It’s an experience you won’t quickly forget!

Good to know: You’ll need to take a taxi/Uber to get here. There are two shows here every evening – at around 9 pm and at 11 pm. The Moulin Rouge show tickets usually sell out at least a few weeks in advance, so you really have to book them asap ( see here for the availability and to book ).

They also have a dinner + show combo , but dinner starts at 7 pm already and these tickets usually sell out at least a month in advance.

TIP: If Moulin Rouge tickets are sold out, check if there is availability at other cabarets in Paris . While the Moulin Rouge is the most iconic and best known, many others – like Paradis Latin or Crazy Horse are just as good.

Where to Stay

Even if you only have just one day in Paris that probably means that you’ll spend at least 1 or 2 nights in the city. 

Since you will be sightseeing all day, the location of your accommodation doesn’t matter that much. Ideally, it’s close to a metro station so that you can easily get to wherever you start/end your sightseeing itinerary.

For this itinerary (if you visit everything), you could stay close to Montmartre/Moulin Rouge. That way, you are close to your hotel in the morning and in the evening too. And if you decide to go to Moulin Rouge in the evening, you could even quickly change clothes before the show.

Here are some highly-rated hotels in this part of Paris:

• €€€€€ Manolita Paris .
• €€€ Hôtel des Arts Montmartre (great value).
• €€ Hotel Darcet .

So, this is our recommended itinerary that brings you to all the must-see places in Paris in a day.

I hope that this gives you a better idea of what to expect, what to see, and how it could all fit together.

As you can see, it’s packed, so you may want to adjust it a bit to suit your interests, time, and budget.

Once again, you really have to book timed entry slots for all the main attractions . It’s not just a matter of wasting time at the ticket desk anymore. Without advance reservations, you can’t even expect to visit most places at all, especially in the high season.

Have a great trip!

READ ALSO: Know Before You Go: Paris Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

More travel inspiration for Paris:

• Traditional French Food
• Best Museums in Paris
• Best Views in Paris
• Tips for Visiting the Louvre Museum
• Best Things to Do in Montmartre
• Paris Itinerary for 4 Days
• Paris in October

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More 1-day itineraries for some of the nicest European cities:

• 1 Day in Amsterdam (Netherlands)
• 1 Day in Barcelona (Spain)
• 1 Day in Edinburgh (UK)
• 1 Day in Florence (Italy)
• 1 Day in Glasgow (UK)
• 1 Day in Lisbon (Portugal)
• 1 Day in London (UK)
• 1 Day in Madrid (Spain)
• 1 Day in Milan (Italy)
• 1 Day in Manchester (UK)
• 1 Day in Naples (Italy)
• 1 Day in Rome (Italy)
• 1 Day in Salzburg (Austria)
• 1 Day in Seville (Spain)
• 1 Day in Toledo (Spain)
• 1 Day in Venice (Italy)
• Read also our top tips for traveling to Europe (includes itinerary suggestions and so much more).

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Aimee Morland

Sunday 4th of February 2024

We will have 2 full days in Paris. I love your one day tour. My husband is interested in visiting Versailles but I know it is a whole hour away. Do you think it make sense to do your one day itinerary in Paris and then the other day to go to Versailles? Or should we skip Versailles and spread your one day itinerary into two days?

Thank you!!

Monday 5th of February 2024

@Jurga, Thank you! That is helpful. We will do Versailles on the second day. I just booked a combined Eiffel Tower and Siene River cruise from a link from your page. It says "get your guide" and "Full Suitcase" at the top. I want to make sure this is a legit website as it was more money and it doesnt give you a ticket but just a meeting place to pick up your ticket. My second question is in regards to the river cruise. I would like to book the time but I don't see how to do that. It just says use anytime after the Eiffel Tower visit. But will all the cruises be booked for the rest of the day? We only will be there for one day. Thank you for your help!

Hi Aimee, the Palace of Versailles is well worth a visit, but you can easily visit the Palace and see some of the gardens in about half a day. So you could 'spread' this itinerary over 1.5 days and then visit Versailles in the afternoon of day 2. You can also take a look at the first two days of our suggested 4-day Paris itinerary and see if it looks more doable for you. It's more relaxed on day 1 and includes Versailles on the second day. There are literally countless ways to plan any trip to Paris, so pick the places that interest you the most, see what makes sense location and timing-wise, and you can easily adjust this to plan your own dream trip. Hope this helps.

Thursday 10th of August 2023

i am going to Paris with my 3 kids. I think the most important tip is to plan the entry tickets well in advance. If you want to go to the TOP of the eiffel tower without spending an arm and a leg on fees for tourist agencies or without queuing the day itself, you should buy tickets EXACTLY 2 months before your visit and EXACTLY at midnight 12 pm. Five minutes later, the top-tickets will be sold out.

Friday 11th of August 2023

Yes, it is very important to plan ahead nowadays, Koen. I didn't know Eiffel Tower has gotten this crazy this summer. It was not nearly as difficult last fall, so it's likely just in the peak season and hopefully, it gets better again as the summer is over. But yes, if you travel in any major city in Europe and don't think to prebook all your tickets in advance, you won't be able to visit (m)any of the top sights... Btw, we have this and many other useful tips for visiting Paris in this article.

Tuesday 8th of August 2023

We just returned from Paris and followed this itinerary to the t. It was such a great day. Well thought out and we saw so much. We would have never been able to do all this without you! PS We bought the Paris City Card as you suggested and it was very easy. Moulin Rouge was sold out so we went to Crazy Horse 😊. Thanks, Tim & Tina

Wednesday 9th of August 2023

Thanks for sharing your experience, Tim. Glad to hear that you had such a wonderful time in Paris!

Wednesday 28th of June 2023

What a brilliant itinerary. Thank You! We followed it to the t and had the best time in Paris. Sadly, Moulin Rouge was sold out but we booked a dinner cruise which was amazing.

Saturday 1st of July 2023

Glad to hear that, Frances, and appreciate your feedback. Happy travels!

Michael Cicchi

Monday 17th of April 2023

I will make sure to try Sur La pouce and La Flamme restaurants. Musée d'Orsey is on my must do for next Paris visit.👍

@Jurga, Hello again, I was thinking that I could help you make some sponsorship $$ if I followed some of your suggestions.🙂

Oh, Michael, there are SO MANY restaurants in Paris! These are just a few that we chose on this particular trip. :) And yes, d'Orsay Museum is absolutely worth a visit next time you are in Paris!

Visit Paris in 1 day

Visit Paris in 1 day? Of course it won't be enough but with good organization, a good itinerary and a good program, it is possible to do a nice walking tour to enjoy the most beautiful monuments of Paris in one day.

I share with you my self-guided walking tour to visit Paris in 1 day. Simply open the attached map to follow the route which allows you to discover the main tourist sites of the beautiful French capital on foot. I recommend downloading the map in advance in order to use it offline when you are in Paris.

And in addition to the walking route to follow to visit Paris in 1 day, I also tell you the program of the day, the details of the visits with photos and advice.

How to visit Paris in 1 day?

To discover or visit Paris in 1 day, you have several possibilities, everything will depend on your desires:

• Panoramic tour of Paris + cruise on the Seine + visit to the Eiffel Tower
• Private tour of Paris with a guide
• Discover Paris by bike
• Tour of Paris by tourist bus
• Visit Paris on your own by following my self-guided walking tour which allows you to see the essentials of Paris in 1 day.

It was during a professional internship that I extended for a day that I was able to experience this tourist route. But be careful, this tour of Paris in 1 day Strolling along was really very sporty! This is why I have arranged it below to make it more pleasant and less tiring.

What to visit in Paris in 1 day?

Visiting Paris in 1 day does not allow you to discover the city in its entirety, but it still allows you to visit the city's most emblematic sites:

• Champs-Elysees
• Arc de Triomphe

Eiffel Tower

Pont des arts, holy chapel.

• Notre-Dame cathedral

Louvre Museum

Orangerie museum.

• Sacred Heart
• Moulin Rouge

Paris in 1 day – Self-guided walking tour

Here is the circuit that you can follow on foot:

Itinerary to visit Paris in 1 day

My visit to Paris begins with the most beautiful avenue in the world (forgive my chauvinism…): the Avenue des Champs Elysées.

Take advantage of a 30-minute walk to go leisurely to the Eiffel Tower. To get there from the Champs-Élysées, you have to take Avenue Montaigne (known for its luxury boutiques) to Place de l'Alma.  

Then you will have to follow the Seine via Avenue de New York to Place de Varsovie. You will have to cross the Jena bridge and you will arrive at the Eiffeil Tower, emblem of Paris! Inaugurated during the Universal Exhibition of 1889, at its 324 meters height, the Eiffel Tower overlooks the banks of the Seine and the Champ-de-Mars.

There, it's a shame not to walk but the day will be long, so I recommend taking the bus to go from Eiffel Tower until Pont des Arts (lovers bridge).

You have to go to the middle of the Champs de Mars at the Rapp – la Bourdonnais stop and take bus 69 in the direction of Gambetta Mairie du 20 rd . Allow about 15 minutes and ask the driver (at 11 rd stop) to stop at the Pont des Arts. After a few photos, return to the Quai de Conti and follow the Seine to the Pont Neuf.

You will be on the Ile de la Cité and can go in 10 minutes to the Sainte Chapelle, which I advise you to enter to admire the magnificent and gigantic stained glass windows.

Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral

Then take the Quai du Marché Neuf to arrive at the Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral in a 10-minute walk. An emblem of Gothic art, this magnificent Cathedral still proudly sits in the center of Paris despite the flames it was able to withstand...

From Notre Dame de Paris walk 10 minutes to the Pont Marie Metro crossing the Pont Saint Louis and the Pont Louis Philippe. Take Metro line 7 towards 8 Mai 1945 station. Get off at Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre station.

It is one of the largest and most beautiful museums in the world which houses, among others, the Mona Lisa, the Raft of the Medusa and the Venus de Milo. Corn , if you only spend 1 day in paris, there is no need to take tickets to visit the museum. It's so huge that you won't have enough time to enjoy a quick visit. On the other hand, if you come back for a visit, here is where is the Mona Lisa in the Louvre .

So after a few photos of this magnificent Palace, you can then go via the Quai des Tuileries to the Musée de l'Orangerie on foot (15 minutes).

This is one of my favorite museums in Paris because at the entrance the walls are magnificently painted by Claude Monet who created the superb frescoes of the Water Lilies.

To go to my favorite district of Paris , the Butte Montmartre and its picturesque little bistros, you will have to take a taxi or the metro. To get there by metro, allow around 30 minutes. From the Musée de l'Orangerie, go to Métro Concorde (5 minutes) then take line 12 Front Populaire. It is a direct line that will take you to Abbesses station where you will have to get off.

How to visit Montmartre on foot?

From Abbesses station, you can take a short tourist circuit on foot which will allow you to visit the most beautiful sites of Montmartre:

Located 50 meters from the Abbesses metro station, go through the Mur des Je t’aime:

Then head towards Place du Tertre to admire the painters of Montmartre.

From Place du Tertre, take rue Novrins then rue Du Mont Cenis. You will turn into rue du Chevalier de la Barre to arrive at the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur. It is accessed by the Funicular or by climbing the large stairs which lead to the Basilica.

Dining in Montmartre

Then you will have the choice between a nice dinner in Montmartre or a dinner show at the Moulin Rouge .

If you choose the restaurant option, I recommend the restaurant le POULBOT which offers a wide selection of craft beers and a carefully selected wine list. In this restaurant, you can taste typical French dishes in a very Parisian atmosphere!

If you prefer the French Cancan flans of the beautiful Parisians, the show at the famous Montmartre cabaret the Moulin Rouge awaits you.

Paris in 1 day - What a hotel in Montmartre

Only 10 minutes walk from the Sacré Cœur, I recommend my favorite hotel in Paris: the Hotel 29 Lepic (Rue Lepic).

With its ideal location in the heart of Paris, its romantic atmosphere, this is a dream hotel for a stay in Paris. Its rooms are comfortable, clean and very well equipped and the breakfast is generous and delicious.

If you have the chance to spend 2 days in Paris, here is my circuit to visit Paris in 2 days and my good plans for shopping in Paris .

And if you want to go sightseeing around Paris: My weekend around Paris or visit Paris for a stopover: Visit Paris in 1 afternoon

Leave comments Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

Save my name, email, and site in the browser for my next comment.

3 thoughts on “Visit Paris in 1 day”

I calculate with your explanations and the hours that you note on your circuit. thank you

hello thank you for sharing your travels. I am preparing a little tour of France by car with my family, my husband, my 2 children 7 and 9 years old and me. I am inspired by your itineraries, for the visit of Paris on foot can you tell me approximately how long you have to walk? it is to best adapt the circuit for my children. thank you and good luck noemie

Hello Noémie, I must tell you that my itinerary and the times given are really made for adults who like to walk. I think with kids you will probably have to adapt it so that it is not the race for them. In any case, I hope you enjoy Paris and have a good stay with your family!

Paris in a Day Tour with Louvre, City Walk, Eiffel Tower & River Cruise

816 reviews

Why take this tour?

• Drink in views of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero Square and reflect on the beauty of the city
• Explore the Sacré Coeur Basilica and the neighborhood of Montmartre
• Delve into the heart of Medieval Paris and pay a visit to Notre Dame
• Tour the Louvre Museum to see the Mona Lisa and other masterpieces
• Enjoy a relaxing cruise down the River Seine and take in the city from the water
• Sites Visited
• Sacré Coeur Basilica
• Charming French cafe
• Louvre Museum
• Notre-Dame (exterior)
• Île de la Cité & Pont Neuf
• La Conciergerie (exterior)
• Sainte-Chapelle (exterior)
• Latin Quarter
• Trocadero Square
• Eiffel Tower (exterior)
• Place du Tertre (exterior)
• Le Moulin de la Galette (exterior)
• Le Lapin Agile Cabaret (exterior)
• Seine River Cruise
• Tour Includes
• Local English-speaking guide
• Expertly guided walking tour
• Ticket for Louvre Museum
• One hour Seine River Cruise (flexible ticket)
• Metro tickets

Explore the City of Light on this complete Paris in a Day tour

Total customer reviews: 816, latest reviews.

Meeting Point

You can also experience these similar tours.

• We’re Hiring Guides - Join Us!
• Press / Media
• Terms & Conditions
• Terms Of Use
• Cancellation Policy
• Health & Safety
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Settings
• Affiliate Program
• Travel Agents
• City Experiences
• Devour Tours

Paris in a Day Tour with Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Seine River Cruise

See the mona lisa, sacre-coeur, and moulin rouge with organized transportation and an expert guide.

Want to see the best of Paris in just one day? With long entry lines and attractions spread out over the city, this can be a real challenge. But don’t worry, this day tour makes it easy! Join a local guide to see the city’s iconic highlights, including the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Sacre-Cœur, Notre Dame, and a Seine River Cruise (Eiffel Tower entry times might fall outside of tour time). With a small group, skip-the-line Louvre tickets, and transport, there’s no better way to see Paris in a day!

Skip the Line

• Meet your guide at Place des Abbesses
• Basilica of Sacré Coeur
• Ile de la Cite
• Lunch break
• Louvre Museum
• End at Eiffel Tower

*IMPORTANT* This Paris in a Day tour includes a self-guided Eiffel Tower ticket. Your tour will end around 4pm, but the Eiffel Tower entry could be from 4pm to 10pm. Don't worry, we will contact you in advance with your unique entry time so you can plan. If the time doesn't work for you, you can modify your tour booking up to 24 hours before the tour! The Eiffel Tower comes alive at night-- it's even home to bars and restaurants! For later tickets, we recommend you book a table, which may be a highlight of your trip!

You'll meet your guide this morning in the famous art district of Montmartre for a walking tour of this historic part of Paris, including a visit to the magnificent Basilica of Sacre-Cœur. Along with your small group, you'll continue to the city's literary heartland, the Latin Quarter, where your guide will tell stories of the famous writers who once called this place home. Here, you can also see the famous Notre Dame Cathedral from the outside—it's still undergoing repairs from the recent devastating fire, so entry isn't currently allowed.

Next, you'll catch the metro to the famous Louvre museum, home to the Mona Lisa and countless other iconic works. You'll skip the line at the Louvre so your super knowledgeable guide can show you the museum's highlights without the famously long wait. Finally, you'll cruise down the River Seine by boat, and finish you tour at France's most recognizable landmark : the Eiffel Tower. Learn the fascinating stories about the most iconic monument in Paris, before parting ways with your guide and using your entry ticket to ascend to the second floor, or enjoy a scenic river cruise on the Seine.

Paris in a Day Tour Description

Your 7-hour Paris tour includes: 

Guided walking tour of the Latin Quarter and Montmartre neighborhoods

Visit Sacre-Cœur and see Notre Dame Cathedral (from the outside)

Skip-the-line Louvre ticket and guided tour

Free time in Paris for lunch (not included)

Ticket for a 1-hour river cruise on the Seine

Entry tickets to the Eiffel Tower

Metro tickets included

A fun, professional English-speaking guide

A maximum group size of 18 people

Please note that the order of this tour could be different based on ticket times for the Louvre and Eiffel Tower.

Montmartre, Sacre-Cœur and the Latin Quarter

Home of the Moulin Rouge, Montmartre is Paris' famous art district. Your guide will show you the best of the neighborhood this morning, and you'll learn the best spots to return to if you're planning a big night out in the city. In addition to the nightlife of the neighborhood, Montmartre was also the epicenter of the Belle Époque.

Once home to Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Modigliani, the neighborhood produced countless famous pieces of art between the 1870s and 1920s. You will pass the café where Van Gogh painted one his most scandalous works—he dared to paint a woman reading!

After visiting the Basilica of the Sacre-Coeur, you'll follow your guide to the Latin Quarter. Montmartre is the center of art, but the Latin Quarter is the center of literature. You will see the café and bookstore where Hemingway and Joyce spent their ex-pat lives in Paris. Then, you can take photos of the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral from the outside—sadly, the cathedral suffered a terrible fire in 2019 and is still being reconstructed.

Louvre Museum Tour

Skip past the famously long lines at the Louvre and see the museum's most influential works on a 90-minute tour of the Louvre. These works include the two of the most important Greek statues still standing: the Venus of Milo and The Winged Victory of Samothrace . These two famous statues are full of mystery and history, and you guide will bring them to life with stories of their meanings and origins. 

You'll also see Eugene Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People. A symbol of French independence, strength and culture, it is the most politically important work at the Louvre. The painting is the most famous artistic depiction of the French Revolution and is often compared to the Washington Crossing the Delaware piece found in New York at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The Mystery Behind the Mona Lisa

Why is the Mona Lisa so famous? For starters, Mona Lisa’s expression has been often debated since its creation in the 16th century. Is she happy or sad or playful? Another intriguing thing about Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa is that it's the highest insured work of art at a whopping $800 million.

Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece (called La Gioconda in Italian), portrays the wife of a Tuscan aristocrat named Francesco del Giacondo. Though she has been in the Louvre for over 200 years, the portrait became famous when it was stolen in 1911 in a global scandal. Now she is protected with bulletproof glass and personal body guards.

Eiffel Tower

Finally, led by your professional guide, you'll head to the pièce de résistance of this Paris in a Day Tour. The guide will regale you with tales of the tower's construction, its significance to the City of Light, and the initial public reactions to this daring design. After saying goodbye to your guide, with your tickets in hand, you will have the opportunity to savor the magic of the Eiffel Tower.

Paris by Boat

With your tickets in hand, sit back and relax with beautiful views along the Seine. Paris river cruises are a great way to take in the ambiance of the city and get a taste of the luxury that Paris is known for. Cruise around the city and get a new perspective on the iconic landmarks, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame, and of course, the Eiffel Tower in all its glory.

" data-expanded-text="hide full description "> show full description

What you get with this tour

See what people are saying

268 total reviews

Our tour guide was phenomenal! This is a great way to learn and see a lot about Paris in a short period of time!

If you want a tour of Paris and learn some French history, then this tour is for you. Jess was so knowledgeable and funny. My group of 6 had an amazing time. I’ve been to Paris before but she made me appreciate it even more with all the history knowledge!

show more reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

This tour is primarily a walking tour, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes.

Is the Eiffel tower summit (top level) included on this tour?

Eiffel Tower second floor tickets are included in this tour. If you'd like to head to the coveted summit (with a stop at the second floor), check out our Eiffel Tower Summit Evening Tour .

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

If you have any doubts about your mobility, we suggest taking a Private Paris in a Day Tour so your needs can be better accommodated in terms of navigating attractions and the pace of the tour. Please note, Montmartre includes stairs and steep inclines, which may not be ideal for strollers or wheelchairs.

Can I use my Paris Museum Pass to get a discount on the Louvre tour?

We pre-book all of our reservations and tickets for the Louvre Museum in advance, so personal museum passes are not valid for entry or a discount.

How do we get around the city?

Your guided tour includes metro tickets to travel the longer distances between attractions. Other areas will be explored on foot, particularly Montmartre.

Will we enter Notre Dame?

Sadly, no. The cathedral is still undergoing extensive renovations following the 2019 fire, so no one is allowed inside yet. You'll be taken to it to see its progress up close though! And you can see it during your river cruise.

Do we enter the Eiffel Tower?

Yes, Eiffel Tower Tickets are included in this tour. Please note, entry times vary based on availability, meaning that the time of entry could be in the evening or the afternoon of the tour based on the day.

When can I take my Seine River Cruise?

Your tickets will be sent to you via email within 24 hours of your tour departure time. To redeem the boat tickets, please bring them to the Bateaux Parisiens boarding line. This is located below the Carousel at the Eiffel Tower, under the bridge to your right on the river. These tickets are valid for any date for boats between 10:30 am and 10:00 pm so you have lots of flexibility to enjoy this cruise during your time in Paris.

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

You may also like

Skip the line

Ultimate Palace of Versailles Tour from Paris

Breeze past the lines for the palace and gardens with a friendly English speaking guide

( 505 ) as low as $86.44

Secrets of the Louvre Museum Tour with Mona Lisa

Get to know Venus de Milo, Liberty Leading the People, and Napoleon's Coronation like never before

( 443 ) From: $84.70

Guided Tour

Eiffel Tower Climbing Tour with Summit Access

Get your steps in to the second floor before taking the elevator to the summit for epic Paris views

( 124 ) From: $59.89

Semi-Private Louvre Tour with Mona Lisa

Skip the line to see the World's greatest art with a max group size of 6 and a friendly expert guide

( 172 ) From: $141.20

Premium Access Eiffel Tower Summit Tour with Seine River Cruise

Fulfill your bucket-list dream of viewing the City of Lights from the best spot in the city

( 104 ) From: $106.73

Louvre at Closing Time Tour with Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo

See the best of the Louvre with fewer crowds and a passionate guide on this late afternoon tour

( 216 ) From: $79.05

Eiffel Tower Tickets with Exclusive Summit Access

Enhance your Eiffel Tower experience accessing the elevator and marvel at panoramic views of Paris

( 28 ) From: $119.67

Semi Private Paris Day Tour with Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Seine Cruise

Explore Montmartre and Latin Quarter neighborhoods and admire Mona Lisa in a group of 6

( 6 ) as low as $267.97

Montmartre Food and History Walking Tour

Sample traditional French dishes and pastries while learning about Montmartre’s fascinating history

( 99 ) From: $101.08

Privileged Access Eiffel Tower Tour with Seine River Cruise

See beautiful Paris with second floor Eiffel Tower elevator tickets, a river cruise, and champagne

( 175 ) as low as $63.09

Versailles Bike Tour from Paris

See the best of the palace and gardens & enjoy a picnic with Parisian delicacies

( 4 ) as low as $103.73

Versailles Gardens Tour from Paris with Skip the Line Palace Access

Guided tour of the gardens and the château, and round-trip transportation from Paris

( 48 ) From: $103.96

Eiffel Tower Morning Tour with Summit Access

Ride the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower and admire the City of Light from above!

( 7 ) From: $97.18

A Taste of French Tradition

Food Tour of Paris' Montmartre District

Savor the finest baguettes, macarons, wines, and cheeses while uncovering the soul of Montmartre

( 7 ) From: $167.24

Private Louvre Tour in Paris with Expert Guide

See the Louvre your way with the help of an expert guide, with Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and more!

( 65 ) From: $592.12

Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches Day Trip with Cider Tasting and Lunch

Pay respects on your visit to Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and more on this tour from Paris

( 7 ) From: $186.45

Paris in a Day

Private Paris in a Day Tour with Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Montmartre

See the most iconic Paris sites and cruise down the Seine in just a day with a dedicated local guide

( 28 ) From: $1,176.33

Skip the Line Paris Catacombs Tickets

The easy way to skip the long lines and explore Paris’s creepiest attraction on your own

( 20 ) From: $58.71

Private Musée d'Orsay Tour with Skip the Line Tickets

Discover the incredible Paris museum that most tourists miss, with Monet, Van Gogh, Gaugin, and more

( 27 ) From: $388.72

Monet’s House and Palace of Versailles Day Trip

Trade Paris' bustling streets for the tranquil village of Giverny and the Palace of Versailles

( 1 ) From: $179.67

Paris Catacombs Tour with Secret Rooms & Privileged Access

Skip the line and gain exclusive access to secret parts of the Catacombs

( 114 ) From: $99.39

Paris Food Tour

Paris Food Tour in Le Marais

Delight in superb French dishes and sample delicious wine in one of the city’s most vibrant district

( 2 ) From: $154.81

Paris Top 30 Sights by Metro Tour

Visit the highlights of the City of Light and see Paris' most iconic monuments with an expert guide

( 3 ) as low as $44.13

Private Paris E-Bike Tour

Zip around the City of Light monuments, while immersing yourself in history with a dedicated guide

From: $96.05

Loire Valley from Paris​

Loire Valley Day Trip with Castles & Wine from Paris

Visit fairy tale castles and drink delicious wine in the picturesque French countryside

( 3 ) From: $179.67

Local Cheese and Wine Tour in Latin Quarter

Explore Latin Quarter and sample local cheese and wine alongside a local guide and sommelier

( 4 ) From: $66.67

Mont Saint Michel Day Trip from Paris

Visit France's most Picturesque Island and Medieval City

( 6 ) From: $168.37

A Trip to Champagne Country

Private Day Trip from Paris to Champagne

Sip some of the finest bubbly while exploring one of the world's wine capital regions

( 4 ) From: $1,604.60

Private Tour from Paris to Normandy Beaches and WWII Memorials

Walk where heroes fought for freedom at Omaha Beach, American Cemetery, Pointe du Hoc, and more

( 3 ) From: $2,101.75

Private Golden Versailles Palace and Garden Tour

Travel to Versailles from Paris for a private tour with free time in the gardens and Trianon Estate

( 22 ) From: $676.82

Private Eiffel Tower Tour with Champagne and Seine River Cruise

Join your own personal guide to see the beauty of Paris by boat and from the Eiffel Tower 2nd floor

( 18 ) From: $337.87

Skip the Line Eiffel Tower Tour with Seine River Cruise

Cruise past Paris' landmarks and the Eiffel Tower's famously long lines and enjoy elevator access

( 24 ) From: $70.06

Semi-Private Musée d'Orsay Tour with Skip the Line Tickets

Admire pieces by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and more alongside an expert guide and semi-private group

( 3 ) From: $111.87

Guided Eiffel Tower Tour with Elevator and Summit Access

Take in the panoramic views of Paris with exclusive elevator access to the Summit

From: $111.87

Eiffel Tower Access with Host

Explore the first and second floors of Paris’ most iconic landmark for striking views of the city

as low as $24.57

Paris by Segway 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour

Effortlessly discover the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more

( 1 ) From: $77.97

Beat the Traffic Half-Day Versailles Tour by Sidecar Motorcycle

Ride through Paris to visit the Palace of Versailles grounds, Marie Antoinette’s Temple, and more

From: $393.24

Semi Private Champagne Day Trip From Paris With Lunch and Tastings

Delight in two tastings, tour iconic Champagne houses and indulge in a 3-course French feast

( 26 ) From: $394.37

Eiffel Tower Summit Tickets with Host

Reach the summit of Paris' most iconic landmark for unparalleled views of the City of Light.

From: $44.58

Thrilling Paris Monuments Tour by Sidecar Motorcycle

Join this two-hour excursion to see the Arc de Triomphe, the Dome des Invalides, and more

From: $235.04

From Versailles: Skip the Line Royal Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour

Breeze past the crowds and uncover the secrets of Versailles Palace with an engaging local guide

( 17 ) From: $90.35

Top tours customers bought with this tour:

Thank you for letting us know how your experience was!

Tell us about your experience.

If you need to book more than 7 guests on this tour, contact us at [email protected] A travel Expert will get back to you to arrange all the details.

Europe is re-opening for visitors!

Want to see which small group tours are now operating ?

More tours added weekly!

See Open Tours

• Travel Blog
• In The Press
• Help Center
• Top Attractions

Policy & Terms

• Cancellation Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• USA or Canada: +1 888 290 5595
• Email: [email protected]

© 2024 - The Tour Guy All rights reserved.

A travel & food blog

One Day Paris Itinerary Perfect for First-Time Visitors

Ahhh… Paris. “The City of Love” is one of the most charming cities in Europe. With its stunning landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, vibrant culture, and delicious pastries — it’s hard not to fall in love with this city! Some people have been here a few times and still discover something new every time. Ideally, you need a few days to explore the city, but if you’re only here for a layover, then take this guide to make the most of your one day Paris itinerary.

How to get around

Tips to enjoy paris in a day, eiffel tower, champs-elysees, louvre museum, notre-dame cathedral, sainte chapelle, seine river cruise, plan your own one day itinerary in paris, where to eat in paris.

Paris is a walkable city. In fact, some of its highlights are only 15-20 min of walking distance from one another, but other sites are much further. So map out your itinerary and depending on where you want to go, plan on whether you’re going on foot or using the public transport.

If you plan to explore the city by foot, you’ll be doing several hours of walking. So wear good shoes!

Please enable JavaScript

On the other hand, if you plan to utilize the public transport, the best options are the metro and buses . The metro is a popular way to get around Paris and offers single-ride passes or more cost-effective single-day passes called the Paris Visite Pass .

You might also consider going on a hop-on hop-off bus. Hop-on hop-off bus tours have an undeserved reputation. They are a convenient way to sightsee the best tourist attractions in a city, especially if you only have a limited time. If you’re visiting Paris with kids, getting on the tour bus is also recommended. Another thing that you should consider is looking for a tour agency specializing in Paris tour packages that fit your schedule.

Book a Paris hop-on hop-off bus .

Other options for getting around Paris include renting an electric scooter or an electric tuk-tuk or just hailing a cab.

This one day itinerary in Paris is a walking tour. So wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring a reusable travel bottle.

Is one day enough in Paris? Truthfully, no. But it’s still possible to see the highlights of the city in a day. Focus on the best attractions in the city — the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Or make your own custom one day itinerary in Paris by visiting other museums, galleries, or churches. When planning about the places you want to see, it’s important to be realistic and flexible in your itinerary.

If you’re planning for a proper vacation, allot 4-5 days in Paris. This is enough time to see the classics and even discover the hidden gems in Paris , including its own Statue of Liberty!

Try so speak French, even if it’s just Bonjour . Better yet, learn some essential French phrases so you can easily approach locals especially if you have questions.

Skip the lines . As a general rule, it’s best to purchase your tickets in advance especially in popular attractions to avoid wasting time getting in line. You can purchase tickets in advance if you plan on going up the Eiffel Tower or visiting Louvre and Sainte Chapelle. The same goes through when eating out — consider researching where you want to eat and making a reservation.

Paris is notorious for pickpockets . So make sure to always watch your belongings. It’s also recommended to wear a crossbody bag or other thief-proof bags to keep your valuables safe.

One Day Paris Itinerary

Here’s a suggested Paris in one day itinerary that will take you to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Included in each section are tips on how you can enjoy each location the best.

Whether it’s your first time visiting Paris or you’re a returning tourist, visiting the Eiffel Tower is a must-do!

Built in 1887-1889 by Gustave Eiffel, a French civil engineer, the tower was a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world, surpassing even the Washington Monument in the USA. Interestingly, Parisians initially viewed the tower as an eyesore, but over the years it has gained acceptance and became a symbol of French innovation and engineering prowess.

If you’re getting off at the metro, you can find stunning views of Eiffel Tower across the Trocadero Gardens ! From there, walk along the Seine River to the Champs de Mars , a beautiful green space located at the foot of Eiffel Tower. Sit down and relax, take a leisurely stroll, and of course take endless photos of the tower.

Have you had your breakfast yet? If not, then this space is perfect for breakfasts! Bring your own packed lunch, or pastry and coffee take out, and enjoy the view of the tower while eating. You can also go to one of the many trendy breakfast restaurants around the Eiffel Tower for that Parisian vibe.

Whether you want to get up the Eiffel Tower depends on you. If it’s your first time in Paris, it’s worth visiting the top floor for the panoramic views of the city. Other tourists prefer admiring the tower from other locations in the city.

If you’re going up the tower, you should book your tickets in advance because the line for getting them in person can be long — 30 min to 1 hour during off-season and even up to 2 hours during peak season. There are three floors that are open to the public. You can book tickets to the second floor via lift or stairs and then to the upper floor by lift.

Pro Tip : If you’re taking the stairs, make sure to bring water.

Book an Eiffel Tower Entry Ticket with Optional Summit Access .

From the Eiffel Tower, head to Champs-Elysees (Elysian Fields) — one of the most famous boulevards worldwide.

Back in the 17th century, this avenue was merely a dirt road connecting the Tuileries Palace to the village of Elysee. Beginning in the mid-18th century, under the direction of the architect Andre Le Notre during the rule of King Louis XV, the area was redesigned into an elegant promenade lined with trees, which was then known as the “Grand Cours” or “Promenade du Roule.”

Take a nice stroll down at this boulevard, which is home to some of the finest shopping in Paris, theaters, cafes, and iconic landmarks. You can find affordable clothing brands such as H&M or Zara or luxurious ones like Louis Vitton or Massiomo Dutti.

Start at Arc de Triomphe , a monumental arch commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte to honor French soldiers. Admire the intricate design of the arc or take a lift to the attic, where you can also enjoy panoramic views of the city. Sometimes, the lift is not accessible, in which case you need to climb 284 steps to get to the terrace.

Book an Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Ticket .

Go sightsee other attractions including the Grand Palais and Petit Palais , Theatre Marigny and Theatre des Champs-Elysees , and Place de la Concorde .

Take a break for a quick lunch at a nearby café or grab a snack from one of the vendors in the area to get energized for the afternoon itinerary.

Paris is home to a lot of art galleries and museums. For this one day itinerary in Paris, we’re choosing to explore the Louvre Museum.

Located at the heart of Paris City, Louvre Museum is one of the largest and most renowned museums in the world. It has a rich history that dates back several centuries. It was originally built as a fortress in the 12th century and then transformed into a royal palace in the 14th century. Finally, in 1793 during the French Revolution, it became a museum displaying the royal art collection to the public.

An important thing that you should know about the Louvre Museum is that it’s big. Its collection spans over 9,000 years of human history, encompassing artworks from Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to the Rennaissance and beyond.

If you’re a fan of museums, you can easily spend a day exploring the museum. However, for a one day Paris itinerary, it’s recommended to stay around 2 hours. This is enough time to see the best art pieces including the Mona Lisa — the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci, Venus de Milo , the Winged Victory of Samothrace , the Raft of the Medusa , and Liberty Leading the People .

Pro Tip : Mona Lisa is the most famous art piece in the Louvre. You’d be surprised to know that it is actually rather small and displayed in a distance from the barrier. There are often crowds in front, so it’s almost impossible to have it to yourself. So be content in seeing it from afar or try to squeeze in between the crowds, but don’t waste time waiting for the crowd to disperse because that is unlikely to happen. Rather, wisely spend your time exploring other interesting displays at the museum.

Book a Louvre Museum skip-the-line ticket .

The Notre-Dame Cathedral (also called Notre-Dame de Paris) is the most famous Gothic cathedral of the Middle Ages and an iconic landmark in Paris City.

Construction of Notre-Dame began in 1163 during the reign of King Louis VII and continued for nearly 200 years, with various architects contributing to its design. This cathedral represents an architectural masterpiece of the French Gothic style, known for its impressive stained glass windows, flying buttresses, and intricate stone carvings.

Over the years, the Notre-Dame Cathedral has suffered through deterioration and damages. In 2019, a fire broke out during a restoration campaign. Currently, reconstruction is ongoing and it is set to open in December 2024. In the meanwhile, you can still admire the church’s exterior.

Just a 5-minute walk from Notre-Dame Cathedral, you will find Sainte Chapelle. It is one of the hidden gems in Paris, and although it isn’t as grand as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, it is just as beautiful and less busy.

Sainte-Chapelle was commissioned by King Louis IX of France (Saint Louis) in the 13th century to house religious relics, including the Crown of Thorns . It was built in the years of 1241-1248.

The chapel has two levels. The lower chapel is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. From there, you can head up a narrow spiral staircase to the upper chapel — which is the main attraction of Sainte Chapelle.

The upper chapel is dedicated to Christ and features some of the finest examples of stained glass windows in the world. The stained glass windows depict biblical scenes and stories from the Old and New Testaments. You will find them particularly beautiful when sunlight streams through them, illuminating the interior with a kaleidoscope of colors.

Book a Sainte Chapelle entry ticket .

A cruise along the Seine River is the perfect end to a one day Paris itinerary! Take the cruise during sunset, sit back and relax as you pass underneath historic bridges, and enjoy the view  of the famous attractions along the river.

There are different river cruises available, often lasting 1 to 1.5 hour. Some cruises include live or recorded commentary, and some include a meal as well. Usually it’s fine to bring your own drinks, so you can pack a bottle of wine to enjoy while cruising.

Book a Seine River Cruise .

Aside from the river cruise, there are plenty of other things to do in Paris at night. You can head to the neighborhood of Montmarte where you can climb the steps to Sacre-Coeur Basilica to enjoy panoramic views of the city at dusk and then have dinner at Place du Tertre , a bustling square known for its artists and outdoor cafes.

If you’re still up for a fun nighlife in Paris, see a Moulin Rouge cabaret show or the Nouvelle Eve for its comedy kits and musical performances.

The itinerary we provided is a regular route where you can see the best highlights of Paris. It’s ideal especially for first-time tourists in the city. Depending on your preferences, you can easily customize your one day itinerary.

As above, start your Paris day tour at the Eiffel Tower and then the Champs Elysees.

From there, pick one art museum. Aside from Louvre, the best ones are Musee d’Orsay , Rodin Garden and Museum , and Musee de l’Orangerie . These museums are smaller and may offer a more pleasurable visit on a tight schedule compared to Louver.

Then pick one church to see. You can visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte Chapelle since they are only 5 minute walk away from each other. Another top choice is the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre .

As we said above, choose the places you most want to see beforehand. It’s not possible to see everything and if you make a jam-packed itinerary, you might end up just fast-paced walking through the city and not being able to absorb its beauty.

Paris is home to beautiful parks and gardens, so you can prepare your own pack of bread, cheese, and wine for a picnic lunch. You’ll also find numerous vegan restaurants and cafes in Paris . Rue Cler , the most beloved market in Paris, is also an excellent choice for its myriad of food options.

The Tuileries Garden is located near the Louvre, with relaxing outdoors, beautiful foliage, and 17th-century sculptures. The Luxembourg Gardens is another great choice for a picnic. Located near the Gothic Quarter, it features a garden inspired by the Bobili Gardens in Florence, notable monuments and statues including the Medici Fountain, and a beekeeping school.

Another great place to enjoy a picnic is down to the Seine riverside especially during sunset.

When looking a place to eat, it’s best to prioritize restaurants that are close to attractions to the attractions you want to see since you are on a limited time. Check Google Maps , TripAdvisor , or the Michelin Guide . Remember that many restaurants in the city are closed outside of meal times, so check the opening times as well.

Don’t forget to try some of the most popular Parisian delights, including macarons and crepes. There are also local restaurants offering classic French dishes, including escargot and onion soup.

This itinerary can help guide you on the best places and things to do in Paris in one day. Do you have personal suggestions on how to go about a one day Paris itinerary? Let us know in the comment section below!

Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).

One Comment

Thanks for this. I love the details and the pro-tips. I wonder how much the packages are for a tour like this.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Paris In A Day: How to Spend One Day In Paris (+ Maps & Tips)

Traveling to France but you only have one day in Paris ? This post will give you a detailed itinerary on how to see Paris in a day and get the most out of your short visit.

Paris is a fantastic city! It’s so beautiful that it would be a shame not to spend several days there!

But if you are just in Paris for 1 day, on a budget, have a stopover or for some other reason you can’t spend more time in the French capital, then this post will help you prepare the perfect visit to make the most out of your Parisian trip!

Disclaimer:  This post might contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) should you choose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using one of our links. It’s okay – We love all of the products we recommend anyway, and you will too! Also, that commission helps us keep this awesome free blog up to date! You can read our  full disclosure here  for more details!

In this Paris 1 day itinerary, there is something for everyone! From museums , historical monuments , shopping, nice strolls, French coffee, to French food ! You will inevitably find satisfaction and see so much even if you’re just spending 24 hours in Paris.

To get the most out of your one day in Paris, you’ll need to wake up early, be able to fit as much as possible in the 24 hours, and be ready to walk since most of the Paris attractions are not far from each other.

But before we look at the things to see in Paris in a day, you’ll need where to stay, and here are my expert suggestions.

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

WHERE TO STAY Best Eiffel Tower Views:  Hôtel Le Walt  (9.0) Luxury stay:  Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel  (8.2) Mid-range stay:  Hôtel Eiffel  (8.7) Budget Stay:  People – Paris Bercy  (8.9) Apartment Rental:  Résidence Charles Floquet  (9.1)  

BEST GUIDED TOURS Louvre Museum guided tour : (4.5/5) Seine River Dinner Cruise : (4.7/5) Montmartre Walking Tour : (4.8/5) Le Marais Walking Food Tour : (4.5/5) Versailles Guided Tour : (4.8/5) Eiffel Tower Guided Tour : (4.4/5) 

• Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
• Prepare your trip extensively with this Paris Travel guidebook .
• Don’t forget a universal travel adapter , a travel neck pouch , and comfortable walking shoes .
• Consider getting either the museum pass or the Paris city pass if you plan to visit many attractions. The city pass comes with free transportation and access to the hop-on-hop-off bus. You can read my Paris museum pass review to see if it’s right for you.
• Book this private transfer from CDG airport to Paris to avoid the hustle of figuring out how to get to Paris.

Psst… Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads .

Where To Stay When Visiting Paris for a Day

Budget Accommodation

Generator Hostel: If you’re traveling to Paris on budget, then the Generator hostel   in the 10th. Arrondissement is the best choice for you. It offers many amenities and offers stunning views. Book your stay at Generator from here .

City Inn Paris: It is cheap and perfectly located. Book your stay at City Inn Paris from here .

Mid-range Accommodation

Hôtel Paris La Fayette: It has nice rooms and friendly staff. Book a room at this hotel from here .

Hôtel Eiffel Turenne: This is the best hotel if you want to stay near the Eiffel Tower on a mid-range budget. You can book a room at this hotel from here .

Luxury Accommodation

Shangri-La Hotel, Paris: This hotel commands luxury in every aspect and it also offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. You can book your stay at this hotel from here .

Hôtel Raphael: This is the perfect hotel if you want to stay near the Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe without compromising on luxury. You can book a room at this hotel from here .

You can also check out other  hotels in Paris with Eiffel Tower views  or these  Paris hotels near the Louvre  if you want to stay near the famous museum. But if you prefer an apartment rental, check out my list of the best Airbnbs with Eiffel Tower views .

How to spend one day in Paris: The perfect Paris one day itinerary

Heads up: This is quite a long and detailed itinerary! If you want a summary, I have one at the end of this guide but if you don’t want to plan any of this on your own, I have also included a summary itinerary with specific tours that will take you through all the highlights of Paris in a day. Now let’s dive in!

Step 1: Enjoy A sunrise at the Trocadero

To make the most of your one day trip to Paris, leave your hotel before dawn! Put on your best walking shoes and head to the Trocadero for a memorable sunrise in front of Paris’ most emblematic monument!

To be more accurate, go to the esplanade of the Trocadero (Trocadero square). This gigantic balcony offers unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower and it is one of the best places to watch a sunrise in Paris . It is indeed the ideal place to enjoy the first lights of the day embracing the Iron Lady.

The terraces and gardens shape a gentle slope bordered by walnut trees and the century-old hazel trees offer a breathtaking view of the large basin of the Trocadero gardens.

From here, you will get panoramic views of the Pont d’Iéna in the foreground, the Fountain of Warsaw , the Eiffel Tower , and the grand Champ-de-Mars , with a vast open-air garden at the foot of the tower in the background!

The place offers a lot of sitting areas, so I recommend preparing a picnic breakfast to make the most of the moment!

From the Palais de Chaillot square , the sun will rise on the left side of the tower, so if you move slightly to the right of the square you will be able to get the sun in the very middle of the tower’s heart!

The best part about visiting the Trocadero Square at sunrise is that there will be few people, so you can take as many photos of the Iron Lady as you wish as this is one of the best spots to take photos of the Eiffel Tower .

Step 2: Get an Upclose look at the Eiffel Tower From Champs de Mars

Once you have admired the sunrise, go down the stairs, and cross Pont Iéna. This bridge, listed as a historical monument and decorated with four large statues of knights, is the first bridge built in tribute to Napoleon’s victory in Iéna in 1806.

A few more steps and you’ll finally be at the Eiffel Tower , the symbol of Paris. The Eiffel Tower was named after its brilliant architect Gustave Eiffel and it has dominated the Parisian landscape since 1889.

Its construction which took over a period of 2 years was a real challenge from an architectural point of view. While it was initially destined to remain for only about twenty years, its immense popular success saved it from destruction!

Unfortunately, recent public security measures against terrorist attacks now prevent people from walking freely under the tower without buying a ticket and going through security checks.

Since you only have one day in Paris, I advise you not to climb the tower because it is rather long, moreover if you left at dawn to watch the sunrise, you will probably have to wait for the opening time at 9:30 am.

However, if you feel compelled to wait and climb the tower, make sure that you  buy this skip-the-line entry ticket  to avoid the long queues.

But don’t worry! If you want to have a view of the rooftops of Paris, continue reading this 1 day in Paris itinerary and you will not be disappointed!

You can continue your walk, and take the small paths that cross the gardens of Champs de Mars , one of the largest parks in Paris .

Each corner of this large park offers a unique view of the Eiffel Tower. Walk up to the end of the garden to the “Wall for Peace” erected in March 2000, in front of the Military Academy.

Once you reach the end of the park, turn right and go to the “ La Motte-Picquet Grenelle” metro station, and head to Arc de Triomphe; the next stop of the day!

Time spent on this visit: 2 hours Distance covered by foot: 2 kilometers Price: Free of charge.

If you didn’t have breakfast during sunrise or if you want to take a little gourmet break before the next stage, I recommend the Kozy Paris (79 Avenue Bosquet) or Le Royale restaurant (212 Rue de Grenelle) which are both very close to the gardens of the Champs de Mars and ideal for breakfast.

Related post: Things to know before visiting the Eiffel Tower

Step 3: Climb The Arc de Triomphe

Once in the “La Motte Picquet Grenelle” station, jump into the subway to reach the “Charles De Gaulle-Etoile” station via line 6.

If you don’t know how to take the metro in Paris, don’t worry everything is explained in my previous post about visiting Paris for the first time .

Allow 15 minutes by metro to reach your destinations. The special feature of this route is that it is mostly aerial!

Keep your camera in hand because the crossing of the Seine on the viaduct above the Bir-Hakeim bridge is particularly aesthetic and offers another point of view of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine before going underground again.

Once you arrive, leave the station and be prepared to be astonished! You’ll be right in front of the majestic Arc de Triomphe “!

This vast French landmark , erected in honor of the soldiers who died in action during Napoleon’s wars commands respect and admiration.

Under the arch, a flame burns continuously honoring the tomb of an unidentified soldier. Many sculptures, bas-reliefs, and inscriptions can be admired from its square on the pedestals of the monuments.

This landmark witnesses popular events such as the arrival of the Tour de France cycling race every year or more dramatic historical events such as the remembrance of Nazi occupation during the Second World War.

This place of paramount importance for Parisians at both the historical and political levels is undoubtedly worth a visit.

Take the underpass to reach the colossus (do not cross the road that surrounds it as pedestrians are forbidden here and it is very risky. But rather take the underground!).

Access to the square is free, so let yourself be enchanted by the imposing stature of the building, read the markings, and admire the carvings on the walls.

You can purchase tickets on-site for access, although you may have to queue. But to avoid the queue, I advise you to purchase this skip-the-line ticket in advance.

Once you have your ticket in hand, start the climb! At the end of the 280 steps, you’ll finally reach the balcony. This view is simply exceptional and, in my opinion, the most beautiful view of Paris .

The name of this square, the Place de l’étoile (literally star square) takes on its full meaning as you admire the convergence of the 12 avenues that run through the capital.

From here, you’ll have a 360-degree view of Paris from the business district of La Défense , the Eiffel Tower , and the Montmartre hilltop to the Sacré Coeur !

The view of the avenues also offers a good overview of what can be the traffic in Paris. For the record, Place de l’Etoile is one of the most chaotic squares in Paris and many Parisians think that you are not a real driver until you have crossed it from end to end!

Of course, it is also the ideal place to admire “the most beautiful avenue in the world”, the Avenue des Champs Elysées ! But to make sure you don’t miss anything, I suggest you go and have a look! It’s our next step.

Time spent on this visit: 1h 30 Distance covered on foot: Just the climb! Price: Arc-de-Triomphe entrance ticket : 13€.

Step 4: Stroll The Champs Elysées

The mythical avenue of the capital, the Champs Elysées is one of the most beautiful streets in Paris .

Located between the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde , a stroll along its immense street will allow you to discover luxury brands, the most prominent restaurants, palaces, prestigious places to go out (Lido, Queen, Theatres…) cafés, and other chic bistros.

It is logically one of the most crowded places in the city and ideally one of the places to visit in Paris in one day.

The avenue is 2.5 km long, so it will take you between 30 to 50 minutes to walk the avenue down according to your walking pace and of course not forgetting the many stop-overs in the different stores!

This avenue is so important in the history of Paris that Bastille Day , the French national holiday, is officially celebrated here.

Going down the Champs Elysées to the Place de la Concorde is a guilty pleasure as tourists often forget its historical importance and devote themselves solely to shopping.

This is understandable because it is the temple of consumerism! All the biggest brands have their own shops and everything pushes you to go on a shopping spree!

If you are not too much of a window-shopper, or just simply on a budget, I still advise you to walk a few minutes down the avenue to have a glimpse of it and then get into the “ George V ” metro station on line 1, direction “ Château De Vincennes ” until the station “ Champs Élysées Clemenceau “, our next stop.

For those who wish to walk, simply start from the Arc de Triomphe and head towards Place de la Concorde .

Walk along the avenue until you see the “ Jardins des Champs-Élysées ” on your left and the “ Grand Palais ” on your right, then turn right to Avenue Winston Churchill to get to the next step!

Time spent on this visit: 1 hour on foot, 20 minutes by subway. Distance covered on foot: 2 Km if you decide to walk the whole avenue, 500 meters if you take the metro. Price: Free unless you succumb to the sirens of shopping!

Related post:  Easy day trips from Paris by train

Step 5: Visit The Grand Palais, Alexander III Bridge, and the Hotel des Invalides.

Going down Churchill Avenue towards Pont Alexandre III , you will find yourself in one of the most grandiose and impressive places in Paris.

On your right is the Grand Palais , on your left is his little sister Le Petit Palais , and on the banks of the Seine, the statue of Churchill faces the magnificent Pont Alexandre III with the massive Hotel des Invalides as a focal point.

The Grand Palais is an iconic monument in Paris that was built in 1900 for the World Fair. It is characterized by its large glass dome flanked by the French flag.

Dedicated to the glory of art, science, and refinement, the building itself is an architectural feat.

Recognizable by its immense nave 240 m wide (the largest in Europe) made of glass, steel, and iron, this unique building now houses a multitude of very diverse events from the most prestigious to the most unusual, art exhibitions, museums, and even a movie theater!

Take a walk around to appreciate its architectural grandeur, every nook and cranny is a treat for pictures! If you love art, a tour of one of the temporary exhibitions will delight you.

The exhibition themes are diverse and varied, so there is definitely something for everyone. Check the official website, and book your tickets online to avoid queues because they can be very long!

Once your visit is finished, head towards the River Seine to cross over the Pont Alexandre III . Paris has many bridges which are all beautiful but this one is by far my favorite because of its architecture and location.

At its end lie four huge 17-meter-high sculptures with winged horses representing art, science, commerce, and industry respectively.

This grandiloquent bridge named in honor of the renowned Russian Tsar Alexander III connects the 7th and 8th arrondissements. It is a message of peace and a symbol of harmony between Russia and France.

In addition to being stunning thanks to its antique sculptures and candelabra, the bridge offers a unique view over the Seine and the Eiffel Tower!

At the very end of the bridge stands the huge Hotel des Invalides . Don’t trust its name because this place is not a hotel at all!

This huge complex of historic buildings is, in fact, a place dedicated to the military memory of France, housing a museum, a mausoleum, various monuments, and even a retirement home for former soldiers.

The name “ Hotel des Invalides ” was chosen because the building was initially built for all officers and soldiers maimed by the wars during the reign of Louis XIV in 1670.

If you are a military art enthusiast and the history of the various French wars, then this museum is for you. To have priority access to the museum, make sure you buy this online ticket from here beforehand.

For the others, I suggest you explore the surroundings. Then go back and cross the Seine again and move on to the next step of your visit!

Time spent on this visit: 30 Minutes. Allow at least 2 more hours if you visit the Grand Palais. Distance covered by foot: 1.5 km Price: between 15€ and 20€ depending on the Grand Palais exhibitions

Step 6: Explore The Seine river banks, Place de la Concorde, and the Tuileries Garden

Once you have crossed the bridge, turn right to follow the quays of the river Seine. This short walk along the banks will allow you to enjoy the quiet life of the French River in a calm environment and protected from road traffic.

This little walk under beautiful chestnut trees is called “ Promenade du Cours de la Reine “.

Created under the command of Queen Mary de Medici during the 17th century, you can admire a number of equestrian statues including the one that honors Simon Bolivar, the liberator of South America.

Continue your walk until the end of the alley to reach the Place de la Concorde which is the largest square in Paris with more than 8 hectares! Each side of the square is decorated with a statue representing the eight most important cities of France .

It is surrounded by two huge fountains and has in its center the famous Obelisk of Luxor imported from Egypt and over 3,300 years old! Can you imagine that! More than 20 meters high, it was offered to France by Egypt in 1831.

Go for a walk around the Obelisk and look at your feet! On the ground, you’ll see engraved Roman numerals arranged in a very precise way.

The shadow created by the obelisk can be used to give the time of the day making this place the largest sundial in the world!

The square is full of historical significance, formerly known as the revolution square . It is at this place that many people were beheaded during the French revolution, including King Louis XVI himself.

The square is surrounded by architectural splendor. To the north, you will find the very unique Madeleine Chruch .

On the opposite side to the south of the square, you can admire (right after the bridge) the Palais Bourbon , an 18th-century building that has a major role in French politics as this is where members of parliament gather.

From here, continue your journey East to the fabulous Jardin des Tuileries . The Tuileries Garden is one of the most beautiful Parisian gardens and also the oldest of all.

What was originally an Italian garden commissioned by Catherine de Médicis is today a place of relaxation and exoticism, but also a place of culture.

You will find several museums such as Le musée de l’Orangerie dedicated to modern art, le Jeu de Paume for contemporary art, and, a little further on, the Louvre Museum .

Arranged in a French-style garden and classified as a UNESCO Site, it is a real pleasure to stroll along its wide alleys under the shade of tall trees.

Like all good French gardens, the symmetry, the vanishing lines, and the long perspectives make this place very aesthetic.

For those who are hungry, read the following section for some restaurant suggestions. For others, continue to walk through the garden from west to east until you reach the small but adorable Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel .

The triumphal arch, much smaller than the one in the Champs Elysée might seem to have fallen from the sky as it sits in the middle of nowhere.

Beyond its delicate character due to the pink marble and precious materials that compose its decoration, this unique location contributes to its charm. The last vestiges of the Palais des Tuileries now disappeared, it offers a gateway to our next stop, the Louvre Museum!

Related post: Romantic things to do in Paris

Step 7: Enjoy a meal on a Lunch Break

If you have followed this Paris in a day itinerary since the beginning, it should be past noon now and you’re probably starting to feel hungry.

There are so many good restaurants and bars in Paris that it can be difficult to make a choice! I have selected two of them for you in the vicinity of the Jardin des Tuileries .

The Happy Cafe (214 Rue de Rivoli)

This small creperie offers delicious homemade products and organic crepes to die for! It does not provide seating but rather take-away meals only.

It’s not a big problem since it is only a stone’s throw away from the Tuileries garden. So I recommend you order a good crepe and have a seat in the garden!

The place is appreciated by the locals since it’s cheap, very practical, the staff is very friendly and the prices are attractive for such a touristy place.

Le restaurant de la Cordonnerie (20 rue Saint Roch)

If you wish to have lunch in a more traditional restaurant, this is the place for you. La Cordonnerie is one of the capital’s most popular restaurants thanks to its French charm.

The typical French and traditional dishes served there are hearty and delicious. The prices are favorable too and the owners, Yvette and Claude, are adorable!

Time spent on this visit: 30/40 Minutes. Distance covered by foot: 2km Price: Free, between 20 € and 40€ for lunch.

Step 8: Visit The Louvre Museum

If you’re looking for what to do in Paris for one day, then visiting the Louvre Museum is one of them. It is not only the largest museum in France but also one of the most famous landmarks in Europe .

After passing through the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, standing proudly in front of you are the famous glass Pyramids, inaugurated in 1989 which also serve as the main entrance to the Museum.

Originally built to be used as a fortress in the 12th century before becoming a Royal residence for the King and eventually abandoned, the Louvre Museum is today the largest art museum in Europe and on the planet, the most visited in the world, and probably one of the most beautiful!

It houses more than 35,000 works of art, paintings, and sculptures, including the world-famous Mona Lisa by Da Vinci and the Venus de Milo .

As you can guess, the museum is big, very big! Because of its vastness and richness, it is very easy to get lost and forget about time.

As you only have a day in Paris, I advise you not to take a ticket to visit it. It will be absolutely impossible for you to see everything and even if you make yourself a tailor-made route, it will be more like a race against the clock than a pleasant visit.

But don’t worry, because you’re still going to get a kick out of it. You are standing in the Napoleon courtyard where the immense glass pyramid stands.

It is made of 800 pieces of diamond-shaped glass weighing more than 95 tons, its modernity and audacity contrast with the classicism of the surroundings.

Framed by four reflecting pools, it is perfectly aligned with the arches of the buildings facing it.

Walk around, and have fun spotting perspective games from the “passages”, these corridors and arch threads that provide a perfect frame for your photos.

Walk along the pyramid and the Napoleon courtyard to enjoy the beauty of the area and then continue eastwards towards the smaller but equally interesting “Cour carré”. The enclosed courtyard is filled with amazing detail and great historical details.

From here you can admire the Lescot wing, the oldest remaining facade of the Louvre.

Continue to progress eastward to leave the museum premises through Rue de l’Amiral de Coligny , then take a right towards the quayside to reach the next stop!

Psst… If visiting the Louvre museum has been on your Paris bucket list forever and you can’t miss it even if you just have one day in Paris, then you can still visit it but since it is very big, the shortest time you can spend there is 2 hours and you’d have seen just the bare minimum.

You can choose to spend the entire afternoon there and end your 1 day in Paris itinerary there. The best way to make the most of your visit is to purchase this skip-the-line ticket that comes with an audio guide to avoid wasting time in queues.

Alternatively, you can book this 2-3 hours Louvre guided tour that will show you the highlights of the museum so that you don’t miss out on the famous objects.

Time spent on this visit: 20/30 minutes if you don’t enter the museum Distance covered by foot: 1km Price: Free of charge if you don’t visit the museum

If you choose not to visit the Louvre Museum, then continue with this Paris in a day itinerary.

But if you visit the Louvre, by the time you leave, it’s likely to be the end of the day, so you can skip to the last section of this Paris 1 day itinerary and end your day with a Seine cruise.

Step 9: Explore The Île de la Cité and Notre Dame Cathedral

Once you leave the Louvre Palace, walk along the quays for a few hundred meters and take right to the Pont Neuf .

Literally translated as “New Bridge” in English! One could not find a more misleading name because it is, in fact, the oldest bridge in Paris!

Far from just being a farce, it was named so because it was indeed the very first stone bridge in the city to ever have been built.

The structure consists of two bridges on piers separated by the equestrian statue of Henry IV and the molded cornices rest on consoles decorated with mascarons.

Once you have crossed the bridge, you’ll now be on the Ile de la Cité . Formerly called Lutèce, the Île de la Cité is the oldest district in Paris and one of only two islands in the French capital.

For centuries, this island was the neuralgic center of Paris due to its essential geographical position. Many monuments, squares, and streets have preserved traces of this glorious past.

Head to the courthouse. Formerly known as the Palais de la Cité , the courthouse was a residence of the Kings of France just like many other monuments in Paris.

Walk along the Conciergerie which was a major detention center during the French Revolution and home of the revolutionary court, then follow the Quai de l’Horloge.

Here, you will encounter many towers; th e Bonbec Tower , Caesar’s Tower , the Silver Tower , and Clock Tower .

The last one is by far the most interesting since it is the oldest public clock in Paris! Entirely restored in 2012, it was commissioned by King Charles V in 1370.

Continue along the quayside with the Seine on your left then turn onto Rue d’Arcole, walk down it from end to end, and finally reach the highlight of the visit, the courtyard of the fabulous Notre Dame Cathedral !

Europe’s most visited monument with 20 million visitors, the construction of this immense Gothic cathedral lasted more than two centuries.

Its towers, 69 meters high, and its arrow pointing at 96, made the cathedral the highest monument in Paris until the appearance of the Eiffel Tower.

But before looking up to the sky, look down at the ground, on the square in front of the cathedral lies the “ Point zéro des routes de France “.

This ground-inlaid rosette represents kilometer point 0 of all roads leaving the capital, which is used as a reference for calculating distances to other cities in France .

Sadly, there is some bad news! Since the terrible fire of April 2019 that devastated the historic roof, the cathedral and its surroundings have been completely closed off to visitors!

It is only from a distance that you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the building as it recovers. However, it remains an essential visit to the city’s island even if even you’re just in Paris for a day.

Jump over the Seine ( well, use one of the 4 bridges that connect the island to the left bank) to reach our next stop.

Time spent on this visit: 1 hour. Distance covered by foot: 1.5 km Price: Free of charge

  Related post:  Mistakes to avoid while traveling in Paris

Step 10: Explore The Latin Quarter

You are currently back on the left bank you left after visiting the Eiffel Tower. You are now in the Latin Quarter straddling the 5th and 6th arrondissements.

Very appreciated by its inhabitants and the intellectual heart of the city, Parisians, students, and tourists cross paths all year round in the many cute Parisian cafés and restaurants of the district, in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

The district is teeming with schools and universities of all kinds, which is why it finds its name as a Latin district, referring to the language used by teachers in the past.

Before entering the heart of the district, walk along the quays of Seine (Quai de la Tournelle) because, in my opinion, this is where you will get the most beautiful view of the cathedral, with the Seine and the historic bridges in the forefront.

As everywhere in Paris, many monuments dot this district, including the Cluny Museum with its ancient thermal baths and the stunning Pantheon .

The Cluny Museum, located in the hotel of the same name, is dedicated to the Middle Ages.

Rare witness to the medieval period in Paris, it now houses a rich collection of stained glass windows, casts, and tapestries as well as the famous “Lady with the Unicorn”.

In the basement of the museum are the thermal baths of Lutetia, vestiges of the Roman Empire dating from the 1st and 2nd centuries!

I recommend the visit because it is done quite quickly and waiting times are usually pretty short. To avoid any queues, remember to book your tickets online on the museum’s official website .

Once you have completed your visit to the museum, continue your ascent of the Mont Sainte-Geneviève (it is a bit exaggerated since it is actually just a small hill that rises 23m above sea level and not a mountain) to the magnificent Pantheon .

The ancient church has been transformed into a monumental mausoleum protecting the remains of the greatest figures in the history of France.

Under its dome are some of the great names in literature, art, politics, and science that have made the country’s history such as Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Pierre, Marie Curie, and more.

The pantheon also houses the “ Foucault pendulum “, a scientific experiment conducted in 1851 by its inventor of the same name which demonstrated the rotation of the earth in space.

Step 11: Grab something to eat (Optional)

Snack time shouldn’t be far now, and that’s good because the Latin Quarter is full of places to eat a bite, I’ve selected two of them for you.

The Tea caddy (14 rue Saint Julien le Pauvre)

With its distinguished and British atmosphere in a wooded and chic setting, it is the oldest tea room in Paris!

You can enjoy many teas from all over the world as well as many delicious English pastries. The prices are correct there without being cheap either.

A. Lacroix Patissier (11 Quai de Montebello)

Don’t miss this cozy tea room that serves hot drinks and pastries with a neat presentation.

Have a look at the famous French macarons ; they are delicious! Accompany your pastry with a wonderful roasted coffee. The address is very popular and the prices are slightly high.

There is so much to see in the Latin Quarter since it’s probably one of the most authentic Parisian districts! To reach the next stop, find any metro station on line 10, I recommend the station Cluny – La Sorbonne because it is beautifully decorated.

Take the direction towards Boulogne Pont de Saint-Cloud then switch to the station Sèvres-Babylone to Front Populaire on line 12 and get off at Pigalle !

Time spent on this visit:: 2 hours. Distance covered by foot: 2km Price: between 5 and 9€ for the museum

Step 12: Enjoy the Charms of Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur

If you’re a frequent reader of this blog, you know I’ve talked about Montmartre a lot in my previous articles like in the hidden gems in Paris post or in the best places to visit in Paris post.

The Montmartre district holds a special place in my heart but also in the hearts of many tourists and locals alike!

There are so many hidden treasures in this neighborhood that it deserves an article of its own and a whole day just to discover them! But by following this one day in Paris itinerary, I think you will get a good glimpse of it.

Your visit to the district should begin at the Pigalle metro station, follow the sulfurous boulevard de Clichy to the west until you reach the famous Moulin Rouge , this cabaret alone sums up the spirit of the district.

Café-concert and dancing, it now presents a magazine where the French-cancan performs in all its glory. The Moulin Rouge is particularly fascinating to Parisians and tourists alike. Bold and unique, it is ideal to start a visit to the neighborhood.

Take rue Lepic to the north, go past the “ wall of I love you ” until you reach Place Emile Goudeau , from where you can visit the old art studio used by famous painters such as Braque or Picasso.

Continue north by the pretty stairs of Rue de la Mire to reach Rue Lepic again and the “Moulin d’la Galette” made famous by Renoir, which is today the last vestige of the 30 mills that once overlooked Montmartre.

Go around via Avenue Junot where old Roman ruins are still visible to reach the vineyards of Montmartre ; the only vineyard in Paris where the famous Vin de Montmartre is made! Be sure to continue until you see the famous Pink house, La Maison Rose . The whole area is perfectly picturesque and ideal for a stroll.

Continue your journey to Place du Tertre , the most famous square in Montmartre where street artists perform and small bistros and cafés are many and varied, as well as superb art galleries.

Explore the surroundings and especially the beautiful street of Le Calvaire which looks like it comes straight out of a classic painting!

The visit obviously ends with the unmissable Basilica of the Sacred Heart . This magnificent basilica, built to honor the divine protection of the capital, is erected on Montmartre hill and overlooks the city.

Construction began in 1875 and was completed in 1912. It quickly became one of the most important places of worship in Paris and an unmissable place of pilgrimage.

Built in white stone (from the same quarry as the stones of the Alexandre III bridge), they have the characteristic of being self-cleaning in rainy weather! This explains why the sacred heart always radiates in white.

Facing the parvis, you’ll have this impregnable feeling of having Paris at your feet! Once in the basilica, you’ll be welcomed by the largest mosaic in France.

If you still have some energy, feel free to climb the 300 steps that separate you from the dome to experience an even more impressive view of the capital!

Time to get some rest! You can enjoy the relaxing and soothing atmosphere of the place and appreciate the beautiful sunset.

Due to its elevated position, the Sacred Heart is perhaps the most ideal place to contemplate the sunset over the city. Sit on the steps of the stairs in front of the basilica and feast your eyes.

It’s a very popular place for sundowners, so you surely won’t be alone since the atmosphere is friendly and with a little luck, some musicians might join the party!

Time spent on this visit: 2 hours on foot + 25 min by metro. Distance covered by foot: 3km Price: 6€ to climb the Sacré-Coeur

Step 13: Enjoy Dinner in Paris (Optional)

After such a busy day in Paris, there is nothing better than celebrating with a great meal! There is no need to travel too far because the district of Montmartre is full of good restaurants. Here are some of them.

Where To Have Dinner And Go Out?

Restaurant miroir (94 rue des martyrs) (update: it is now permanently closed).

Typical Parisian bistro, the setting is very friendly and the products are fresh. The menu is regularly updated, which is always a good sign! Cozy restaurant, with friendly service, and budget-friendly meals for high quality on the plate.

Restaurant Le Poulbot (3 rue Poulbot)

At this restaurant, you can taste a succulent and authentic cuisine in a very Parisian atmosphere. It offers a wide selection of traditional beers and a carefully selected wine list.

And if you’re not completely exhausted yet (I don’t know how you do it after such a long day!), here are some nice places to party:

Le Bar à Bulles (90 Boulevard de Clichy)

This bar/garden is perched on the roof of the Moulin Rouge! Located on the first floor of the club “La Machine du Moulin Rouge”, this bar is a little gem. The atmosphere is relaxed and its bohemian and cozy decoration is very agreeable.

Marlusse and Lapin (14 rue Germain Pilon)

This bar has an improbable name and is a true UFO. The atmosphere created by its owners is totally out of control! Everything is very festive, especially at nightfall.

The cocktails are delicious and, rare things for the area, the prices are reasonable! This bar will not suit everyone but at least has the strength to be authentic and unique!

Step 14: Cruise on the Seine

Instead of just sitting in one of the Parisian restaurants for dinner, you can hit 2 birds with one stone. Enjoy dinner while cruising on the Seine.

There is no better way to wind up your one day in Paris than cruising on the Seine. You’ll get to see Paris at night while taking in the views of the landmarks while they’re all lit up in the thick of the night.

However, there are so many seine cruises that it can be hard to choose which one to go for but as someone who has taken a number of them, I can confidently  recommend this Seine river night cruise .

It comes with a 3- 3-course dinner, so you don’t have to worry about looking for dinner after the cruise.

Pro tip*  It gets really cold, so don’t forget to pack a jacket or a fleece to keep you warm.

If You’d Rather Not Plan Anything

If you want to see Paris in a day but don’t want to go through all the hustles of planning your day well to be able to see as much as possible, you can opt for guided tours.

The best part about guided tours is that everything is already planned for you from the beginning to the end. All you have to do is to show up. If that’s you, then these are tours I recommend plus a summary of how your day should be.

Step 1. Watch a Sunrise at the Trocadero

Step 2. Get an up-close look at the Eiffel Tower from Champs De Mars

Step 3. Climb the Arc De Triomphe. Buy this skip-the-line ticket in advance.

Step 4. Go on a guided walking tour of the Latin Quarter . This semi-private guided walking tour will take you through the Latin Quarter, Ile de la Cite the Notre Dame area, Pantheon, and the Luxembourg Gardens. Lasting 2.5 hours, you’ll see a great deal of Paris from this tour.

Step 5: Take a lunch break.

Step 6. Go on another walking tour of the major Parisian landmarks . Unlike the previous one, this guided walking tour takes you through all the major landmarks of Paris. From the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais, and the Louvre Museum to Pont Alexandre III, you’ll get to see all the monuments that make Paris what it is.

Step 7. Take a walking tour of Montmartre . Even if you’re in Paris for a day, you can’t afford to miss the beautiful neighborhood of Montmartre. I recommend taking this Montmartre guided tour to take you through all the major attractions in Montmartre including the Sacre Couer.

Step 7: Go on a Seine Cruise . By the time the previous tour ends, it will probably be night and there is no better way to wind down than on a seine cruise. I recommend going on this Seine cruise as it comes with a 3-course dinner so you won’t have to worry about booking a restaurant for dinner later.

Step 8: (Optional): Go on a guided night bike tour: If you’re still not worn out by all the walking, then you can sign up for this night bike riding tour to get a glimpse of Paris during the night when all the major landmarks are lit up.

Paris in 1 day itinerary Summary

We have to agree, that was quite a lot to take in! If all that was overwhelming, here is a summary of things to do in Paris in a day.

• Enjoy a Sunrise at the Trocadero
• Get an up-close look at the Eiffel Tower from Champs De Mars
• Climb the Arc De Triomphe
• Stroll the Champs Elysées
• Visit the Grand Palais, Alexander III Bridge, and the Hotel Des Invalides
• Explore the Seine River banks, Place De La Concorde, and the Tuileries Garden
• Enjoy a meal on a Lunch Break
• Visit the Louvre Museum
• Explore the Île De La Cité and Notre Dame Cathedral
• Explore the Latin Quarter
• Grab something to Eat
• Enjoy the charms of Montmartre and the Sacré Coeur
• Enjoy dinner in Paris
• Cruise on the Seine

FAQs About Seeing Paris in 24 Hours

Is 1 day enough for Paris?

The simple answer is that 1 day is not enough for Paris but if that’s the only time you have, there is nothing wrong with trying to use it to see as much as possible.

What to do if you have a day in Paris?

Since there is so much to see and do in Paris, some of the places not to miss when you have just a day in Paris include; the Eiffel Tower , the Louvre Museum , the Arc de Triomphe , Notre Dame , Sacre Coeur , and ofcourse the Seine river . If you follow my one day in Paris itinerary and are ready to walk, you’ll see a great deal of Paris.

Can you walk across Paris in a day?

Yes! Paris is a very walkable city and most of the attractions listed in my Paris in a day itinerary are not far from each other so you can easily walk. Just wear comfortable walking shoes and you’ll be set.

Final Thoughts On One day in Paris Itinerary

There you go! With this Paris one day itinerary, your 1 day in Paris will be filled up and you’ll get a glimpse of Paris without missing any important landmarks!

However, if you don’t want to organize and prepare everything yourself, you can also join a private sightseeing walking Tour and let yourself be guided by the wise advice of a tour guide!

NEVER TRAVEL TO PARIS WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE One of the biggest mistakes you’ll ever make when planning a trip to Paris is to forego Travel Insurance ! You might think that it’s expensive, but when you think of how much it will save you when you lose your valuables or even get sick, then you’ll know that it’s NOT that expensive! Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads .

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

• Big mistakes to avoid in Paris
• Things to Pack for Paris
• Best Eiffel tower photo spots in Paris
• Where to stay in Paris
• Best hotels in Paris with an Eiffel Tower view

Was this post on the best way to see Paris in a day helpful? Then please consider sharing it with others.

Sharing is caring!

Esther is the face and voice behind Dreams in Paris! She has always been obsessed with Paris even before she moved there. She has lived in Paris for a couple of years, and that obsession has not changed! That love for Paris, plus her passion for writing led to the birth of Dreams in Paris! She now shares all the practical tips and guides she’s picked along the way to help you plan a memorable trip to the city of love! You can learn more about her here !

Similar Posts

17 Most Beautiful Parks In Paris You Should Visit

Want to explore some of the beautiful gardens of Paris but not sure where to go? This post will show you all the best Parks in Paris that are worth visiting! The landscape of Paris is genuinely made of four…

20+ Places to Go For The Best Views of Paris (+ a Free Map to Find Them)

Want to admire Paris from above? Here are the incredible places with the best views of Paris that are worth seeing even if you’re in Paris for a day. Paris is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe….

26 Places To Go For The Best Views of The Eiffel Tower (+ A Free Map to Find Them)

Looking for places to get the best views of the Eiffel Tower? This post will guide you to the right places, whether known or hidden gems. The Eiffel Tower is indubitably the most famous landmark in Paris! Every year, millions…

Paris sunrise: 6 Stunning Places to Watch The Sunrise In Paris (+ A Free Map & Tips)

Traveling to Paris and looking for the best spots to enjoy a Paris sunrise? Here are the places with the best sunrise in Paris! Read on to find out more! I am going to be honest here, It’s not every…

Summer in Paris: What To Do, The Weather, Where to Stay + What to Pack

Planning to visit Paris in the summer? This guide will show you all the unique things to do in summer in Paris plus practical tips for an amazing trip! From sipping on French wine as your loved ones surround you…

17 Most Famous Sculptures In The Louvre Museum You Shouldn’t Miss

Visiting the Louvre and wondering which artworks you shouldn’t miss? This article will show you the most famous sculptures in the Louvre Museum you should see! Home to some of the world’s most iconic works of art, the Louvre Museum is the…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

One Day in Paris: The Best Itinerary + Map, Guide & Tips

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

How to See Paris in One Day

Paris may be dubbed the ‘City of Lights’, but this is definitely an understatement! We love Paris for its fabulous art, culture, architecture, and food, as well as its beautifully lit streets and European vibe. With all of that, it’s no wonder the French capital is one of the world’s most popular destinations.

Packed with remarkable major attractions, we’ll show you Paris’s wonderful tapestry of grand boulevards, gardens, and squares, lined with elegant and historic buildings, medieval churches, and world-class art museums, with our one-day Paris itinerary.

In this Paris travel guide, you’ll find a complete itinerary of all the most important must-see Paris attractions, with an interactive map, organized to make the best use of your time. We also share recommendations for central places to stay, ideas about where to eat local food, and tips about how to make the most of your perfect day in Paris.

Are you planning your trip to Paris last minute?

Be sure to book your  accommodation and tours in Paris  ahead of time to ensure availability! Here are our top picks!

• Want to get from the airport to Paris hassle-free?   Get the  best airport transfer  options here!
• Driving to or from Paris? Get the best car hire deals here!
• Need data for your trip? We recommend Airalo or Holafly for eSIMs
• Top Hotels in Paris:
• Luxury: Hotel des Grands Boulevards (right in the centre and very lux!)
• Mid-Range: Hotel Bastille Speria (in the lively Le Marais district)
• Budget: Generator Paris (our fave designer hostel with private rooms)
• Hostel: St Christopher’s Inn Paris (centrally located at a great price)
• Top Activities & Tours in Paris:
• For all the best things to see in Paris, grab this  Paris private walking tour  
• Get your Eiffel Tower direct access tickets to see Paris’s top attraction
• Visit Notre Dame’s Sainte-Chapelle for breathtaking architecture
• Explore Paris’s art with a Louvre timed ticket and avoid the long lines
• End your day with a magical Seine illiminations cruise for a whole new perspective!

Things to See & Do in Paris

Interactive  map.

ROUTE: Eiffel Tower – Seine Left Bank – Louvre Museum – Luxembourg Gardens – Sainte-Chapelle – Notre Dame – Montmartre – Moulin Rouge – Champs-Élysées

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Paris Itinerary Notes

• Our one day itinerary for Paris is walkable , but we suggest using public transportation in some places, especially between Notre Dame and Montmartre. You’ll find details of which stops and lines to use in the itinerary.
• Or, if you prefer to have your day organized for you , check out our recommended customizable one day in Paris walking tour  and place yourself in the hands of a local expert.
• Is this your first visit to France? Get all the information you need in our France Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Go Up the Eiffel Tower

The first thing to do in Paris is head to the wrought iron masterpiece that is the Eiffel Tower, high on any Paris bucket list before it gets busy with crowds. You absolutely must book tickets in advance, the queue for the city’s most famous landmark can be crazy!

Completed in 1889 to mark the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable city landmarks in the world today. The tallest structure in the world until 1930, it took 300 steel workers two years, two months, and five days to construct the Tower. 

From the Esplanade underneath and around the tower to the glass floor on the first floor, the Michelin-starred restaurant on the second floor, and the champagne bar at the top, the Eiffel Tower offers a lot to see and do.

The Eiffel Tower’s famous panoramic views from all the levels level are breathtaking. Take the lift, unless you are super-fit, as there are a punishing 1665 stairs to the top!

Avoid the year-round very long queues for tickets which start to form by mid-morning and reserve a spot on this highly recommended direct access guided tour which includes skip-the-line tickets right to the top and the company of a certified and experienced tour guide who will share inside information about this iconic Parisian landmark and its surroundings.

TOP TIP: One of the best places to get photos of the iconic Eiffel Tower is Place du Trocadero and the Trocadero Gardens. If you’re happy with an early start, then sunrise is a great time to take photos here due to the sun coming up at just the right angle giving you the best views. You’ll also have the place to yourself!

Stroll Along the Seine

On your way to the next destination, enjoy a morning walk by Paris’ most famous river, the Seine. It’s one of the best things to do in Paris for a day and a great opportunity to take in marvelous views and experience the vitality and buzz of the city.

It will take you around 50 minutes to walk from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Museum on the Right Bank, or Rive Droite . If you don’t want to walk then get the RER C Line from Champ de Mars Eiffel Tower to the Musée d’Orsay stop, but we warn you, you’re missing out on street art, live music, cute shops, incredible views, and the best  je ne sais quoi  in Paris.

TOP TIP: Keep to the Left Bank, or Rive Gauche , of the Seine for the best atmosphere. Although called the Left Bank, it is actually the southern side of the river, an area known for its cultural history and the writers, artists, and philosophers who lived there. In fact, it’s where they say that Paris “learned to think”.

Visit the Louvre Museum

Next, you’ll want to head to the Louvre Museum, another iconic site you can’t miss when in Paris and one of the most visited museums in the world. And even if you’re not really into museums, the Louvre is a different experience.

Past home to Kings of France and set in front of the beautifully formal 17th century Jardin des Tuileries garden on the Right Bank, the Louvre is a stunning architectural treasure in its own right. Before you step inside, admire the Louvre Pyramid, a large glass-and-metal structure designed by the Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei in 1989. The pyramid is in the main courtyard of the Louvre Palace in Paris, surrounded by three smaller pyramids. 

The museum boasts an incredible collection of the world’s most prominent works of art from the 7th century BC to the mid-19th century and includes Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, and the statue of Venus de Milo, presumed to be Aphrodite, goddess of love. There will be something that speaks to you here, you just need to find it!

This is another Paris behemoth, which is almost impossible to visit on the day without tickets. And as you don’t have much time and a lot to see, it’s a good idea to book a timed entrance ticket in advance .

Be sure to visit the Apollo Gallery on the first floor, one of the must see rooms in the museum. The walls and ceilings are covered in beautiful frescoes and every surface that surrounds them is dripping in gold – it’s the most golden room we’ve ever seen!

TOP TIP: You may want to visit this fantastic museum more than once, in which case finding a hotel near the Louvre would help with your tight itinerary.

Visit the Luxembourg Gardens

Just a five minute walk south from our recommended lunch spot, Freddy’s (see where to eat in Paris ), and situated on the border between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter, are the Luxembourg Gardens, home to the splendid 15th century Palais du Luxembourg, now a Government building closed to the public. 

But the real draw here is the gardens, inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence . The gardens were created by Queen Marie de Medici, mother of King Louis XIII, in 1612, and are a haven of lush peace in the manic city, a perfect place to find a few moments of quiet and where locals come to play boules, chess, and bridge, and stroll the tranquil pathways.

Many visitors to Paris are fascinated by the history of the city and the French Revolution in particular, which took place between 1789 and 1794. Find the best French Revolution tours in Paris and visit sites like Conciergerie where Marie-Antoinette spent her final weeks, the Concorde home of the gruesome guillotine, and the Bastille.

Discover Sainte-Chapelle

The royal chapel of Sainte Chapelle is a hidden gem of Gothic style and was intended to house precious Christian relics, including Christ’s crown of thorns, which is now housed in Notre Dame.

It is best known for its simply stunning stained glass, which is arranged across fifteen windows, each fifteen meters high. The stained glass panes, 70% of which are original, depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

This is one of our favorite churches in Europe and a great place to connect with spirituality, even if you’re not religious. As the light comes in through the glass the rich colors are woven together and the atmosphere they produce is breathtaking.

Now that Notre Dame is less accessible because of the 2019 fire, Sainte-Chapelle has become much more visited. We recommend booking skip the line tickets so you can beat the queues and make the most of your time in this wonderful place.

Admire Notre Dame Cathedral

If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, you’ll find yourself in awe of the mighty Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris on the île de la Cité. Together with its neighbor Île Saint-Louis, they are Paris’s only surviving River Seine islands. 

This most famous Gothic cathedral from the medieval ages is best known for its magnificent architecture, as well as the historic events it has witnessed. It not only hosted the coronations of Emperor Napoleon I and King Henry VI, but it also survived the French Revolution and two World Wars, to say the least.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site suffered a vicious fire in April 2019. Sadly, some parts of the Catholic cathedral were so badly damaged that you cannot currently visit inside the cathedral itself. Instead, we recommend this  external walking tour and Crypt du Paris visit , where you can learn about the reconstruction of Notre Dame and visit tickets to the archaeological crypt of Paris to see the old city’s foundations.

The good news is that Notre Dame is set to reopen on 8th December 2024, five years and seven months after the tragic fire.

Head for Notre Dame Square, or Parvis Notre Dame located in front of the cathedral. Since 2006, this square has been known as Place Jean-Paul II and is a gathering place for people, and also home to the statue of Charlemagne, king of the Franks and creator of France, by sculptor Louis Rochet.

If you have enough time, head north over the Pont d’Arcole and admire the Renaissance Hôtel de Ville. The city hall of Paris stands on the Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville and Esplanade de la Libération in the 4th arrondissement and has been the headquarters of the municipality of Paris since 1357!

TOP TIP: It’s a good one hour walk from Notre Dame to Montmartre, your next stop, so we suggest using the Paris Metro.

Take the short walk to cross the river on Pont de l’Archevêché, the narrowest road bridge in Paris, and jump onto Metro line 4 heading north at Saint-Michel Notre-Dame metro station, and get off at Barbès Rochechouart.

Once you get to Montmartre, there is a funicular railway to take you up the highest hill in Paris, if you don’t fancy the walk and want to make the most of your limited time in Paris.

Wander the Montmartre District

The artsy and unashamedly romantic neighborhood of Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement is a wonderful place to slowly meander the cobbled streets, following in the footsteps of legendary artists such as Picasso and Van Gogh, or maybe re-live the movie, Amélie. 

Everything from the charming cafes and bistros to the galleries and professional artists at the busy Place du Tertre helps to immerse you in an unforgettable Parisienne experience.

To end this wonderful stroll, there’s no better spot than the one in front of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly known as Sacré-Coeur, where you can watch the sunset, with the entire city laid at your feet.

Pose Next to the Moulin Rouge

If you’re a fan of the Baz Luhrmann film staring Nicole Kidman, then you can’t miss snapping a picture in front of the iconic red windmill, the Moulin Rouge, in Quartier Pigalle, at the foot Montmartre between the 9th and the 18th arrondissements.

Pigalle has a reputation for sleaze, but that’s a bit outdated now. You’ll find a younger crowd who are more interested in the cool music clubs in the area, than the sex shops and peep shows, or the can-can for that matter.

If you’re looking for the real deal, take in the world-famous cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge itself, where a troupe of 100 artists, including 60 Doris Girls, and a parade in 1,000 costumes of feathers, rhinestones, and sequins will make your night!

Take a Seine River Cruise

When the light has gone at the end of the day, discover Paris from a whole different perspective. Departing from Pont Neuf and gliding under the river’s famous bridges with Paris lit up around you, a Paris river cruise is a really special experience, especially if you’re in the city for romance. 

Our highly recommended Seine cruise takes you on a magical journey through Paris at night on board a classic Bateaux Parisiens pleasure boat.

Go to the Champs-Élysées

The perfect way to end a day in Paris is at the Champs-Élysées, the most famous avenue in Paris. There, you can enjoy the lights the world speaks of, west from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel at Place de l’Étoile, and all the fine shopping stores in between.

Or head east along the Rue de Rivoli to spot the history of Paris, from the Place des Pyramides and the statue of Joan of Arc, located near where she was wounded at the Saint-Honoré Gate in 1429 to the Rue de Castiglione and the Place Vendôme, with its Vendôme Column topped by the effigy of Napoleon Bonaparte.

You can also spot the Eiffel Tower as it shines across Paris when it’s lit every evening for five minutes every hour on the hour.

TOP TIP: Did you know that you can climb to the Arc de Triomphe rooftop? The view from the top of the arch is worth climbing the 284 stairs for, as you survey all of Paris.

This is still a slightly more off-the-beaten-track climb than the Eiffel Tower, but becoming more popular by the day, so you should book skip the line tickets to be sure of direct access to the rooftop.

Where to Eat in Paris

Freddy’s.

The busy Rue de Seine, across the Pont des Arts from the Louvre, is home to  Freddy’s . This is a friendly wine bar that offers a value for money lunchtime set menu during the week, a selection of delicious small plates that adapt to the seasons, and of course a fantastic wine menu, much of which can be ordered by the glass.

TOP TIP: The Pont des Arts has, in the last ten years or so, become known as the Lock Bridge because of the new tradition of couples attaching personalized padlocks to the railings and throwing the keys into the Seine River, to signify their love.

However, in 2015 the weight of over one million padlocks caused parts of the bridge to collapse and many were removed. People persist in attaching padlocks and you will still see many there, but please don’t place one yourself – use one of the metal padlock trees around the city.

Based in a former corner cafe, so typical of Paris,  Le Cadoret  is an affordable modern bistro with stylish decor, and good food and service, run by a husband and wife team in the off-the-tourist-path Belleville neighborhood.

It’s a good place to enjoy classic and modern French dishes from a menu that changes daily, made with ingredients that are seasonal and sourced from local markets.  

TOP TIP: Although this is not a tourist trap restaurant, it can get busy with locals and Parisians who know where to eat, so make sure to book in advance.

Other France Travel Ideas & Guides

La Bambouseraie: How to Visit the Hidden Gem in Anduze

20 Best Cities In France To Visit & Fall In Love With!

Route des Grandes Alpes: An Epic French Road Trip

Driving to France from UK: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know

Normandy Road Trip: Ultimate 7 Day Itinerary

Driving in the Alps: Top Tips & Best Routes

Route Napoleon: A Historic French Road Trip

South of France Road Trip: Route, Highlights & Tips

Motorhoming in France: Your Complete Touring Guide for 2024

Winter Destinations Europe: 23 Amazing Wintry Places

Where is Hot in January in Europe? Top 36 Warmest Places

Europe Road Trip – 24 Incredible Routes

Motorhome Aires in France – All You Need to Know

France Road Trip – 13 Amazing Itineraries

Off The Beaten Path France – 8 Unique Places

Autumn in Europe: 23 Stunning Destinations for Fall

Wild Camping in France for Motorhomes – All You Need to Know

The Best Destinations for Motorhome & Campervan Holidays in France

The Best Campsites in Europe – For Campers, By Campers

Best Driving Roads in Europe: 20 of the Very Best Routes

Top five paris travel tips.

• The best way to get around is the metro. Paris is a big city and the main attractions are scattered far and wide. The  Paris Visite travel pass  allows you to use all of the public transport networks including the metro, tramway, bus, RER, and SNCF Transilien networks. A one day Paris pass for zones 1-3 costs €13.20 and in zones 1-5, which includes both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, it is €27.80. Be aware that a common scam is for someone to offer to help you purchase metro tickets, only to scam you of money and buy a cheap ticket that’s only valid for one journey. Be sure to only buy tickets  online here , from the machines, or at the designated kiosk directly.
• Don’t bother buying the Paris Museum Pass – if you follow our itinerary, you won’t save any money at all. In fact, you’ll waste quite a few euros, sacré bleu !
• A common misconception about French people is that they are arrogant and rude, which is really not the case. Learn a few simple words of French and you’ll be smiled at all day!
• Be comfortable for your day in Paris – you’ll be walking a lot so comfy shoes or trainers are a must, and a rucksack, preferably pick-pocket safe, will help your shoulders and posture during your long and full day.
• Don’t waste your time at restaurants, cafes, or bakeries in touristy spots. The best and most delicious croissant is most probably found in an unknown boulangerie in a hidden side alley!

More Than One Day in Paris

If you have just another half a day or you’re in Paris for one day more, the following attractions would all make great additions to your Paris itinerary:

Explore Versailles

Take a day tour from Paris and explore the wonderfully opulent Chateau de Versailles and its vast gardens, the historic home of King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette.

The queues at Versailles can be monstrous, so much so that the pleasure you’ll get from visiting evaporates before you even enter the chateau! Make sure to get a priority Versaille ticket online before you visit.

Be a Kid at Disneyland Paris

Live your childhood dream and take a day trip from Paris to Disneyland Paris; you can never be too old for that! 44km east of the city, you can get a taxi there for around €60 for the one hour journey, or ask your hotel to arrange a transfer for you. Start early and book your Paris Disneyland tickets well in advance, you want to make the most of the day!

Discover the Musee d’Orsay & Musee de l’Orangerie

Visit the Musée d’Orsay , housed in the former Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900. The Orsay Museum exhibits mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1914, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography, and is a great spot for a rainy day in Paris.

Just over the river is the Musée de l’Orangerie, home to a 20th century European art collection and showcasing eight of Monet’s fabulous water lilies murals.

Go Shopping!

If you’re a shopaholic, splurge at Galeries Lafayette or Le Printemps, the upmarket French department store chains. Both their flagship stores are on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. Even if you’re on a budget, both shops are fantastic places for window shopping and people watching.

Find Paris’s History in the Latin Quarter

Become surrounded by history as you step into Paris’ oldest neighborhood, the Latin Quarter. An area in the 5th and the 6th arrondissements, the Latin Quarter is situated on the left bank of the Seine, around the Sorbonne University, which was founded in 1257.

The Latin Quarter is wonderful for strolling, with sidewalk cafés, independent shops, iconic bookstores like Shakespeare & Company , and even a vineyard! It’s also home to must-see 17th century Jardin des Plantes, a true Paris hidden gem of lush gardens boasting 4,500 different plants and a spectacular 19th glasshouse.

Paris Practicalities

When to visit paris.

A year-round destination, the best time to visit Paris for a day really depends on the traveler’s interests and criteria. The optimum time to visit is during  spring  and  fall  as the weather is usually perfect around these times of the year.

The shoulder seasons also offer better deals on hotels and tours and you’ll avoid the tourist crowds that flock to the city during the  summer  months. Although the city will still be busy, it won’t be  quite  as busy as it is in high season.

If sightseeing the  highlights of Paris  is a priority for you, avoid  July  and  August  in particular. If you’re more of a budget traveler and the  winter  cold is no big deal to you, then traveling from  November  to  February  is the most cost-effective option for a short stay.

Plus, if you’re a  shopping enthusiast in Paris , you don’t want to miss  Les Soldes,  the winter sales that take place from early  January  till  mid-February .

Getting to Paris

When flying to Paris, you have the choice of two airports. Charles de Gaulle Airport is 33km from the city and is the main international airport with direct flights from North America, the Far East, the Middle East, and all of Europe.

Orly Airport which is only 13km from the city is where many of the low-cost carriers land and is a great option if you’re traveling from elsewhere in Europe or the UK. We recommend using Skyscanner to book your flights for the best deals and the largest selection of airlines.

The quickest and cheapest way to get to central Paris from Charles de Gaulle is by train. The RER B travels between the airport and Paris, stopping at the following stations in the city, Denfert-Rochereau, Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame, Châtelet-Les-Halles, and Gare du Nord.

The train runs every 10-15 minutes and takes between 25-35 minutes depending on which train station you choose. There is a free shuttle bus from the airport terminals to the station.

From Orly Airport the trains run every 4-7 minutes and take 25-35 minutes to get to the city. There is a free Orlyval shuttle that connects the terminals to the station.

For a great way to start your Paris trip book a private transfer from the airport with Intui directly to your accommodation in the city center – it’s more cost-effective than you think! Intui works with a large range of local operators to bring the best options and prices for your transfer.

Are you visiting Paris as part of a longer trip? A French road trip is the best way see this gorgeous country, and our guide to road tripping in France has all you need, including maps, routes, highlights and tips, to help you plan the perfect trip.

Where to Stay in Paris

Luxury: Hotel des Grands Boulevards – Booking.com | Agoda

A simply gorgeous hotel in a historic building on the edge of the 2nd and 9th arrondissements. With a cool rooftop bar, cocktail bars and a restaurant under a glass ceiling plus sumptuous bedrooms, this is the perfect hotel for a celebratory Paris break.

Mid-Range: Hotel Bastille Speria – Booking.com | Agoda

This elegant 3* boutique hotel is located in the trendy Marais district, between the Bastille and Vosges Square. Contemporary decor, comfortable beds and welcoming staff make this hotel a great choice for your Paris trip.

Budget: Generator Paris – Booking.com | Agoda

Close to the Gard du Nord in the 10th, Generator is a hostel come hotel with a lively vibe and great public areas. You can choose from a shared dorm or deluxe private rooms at an excellent price point – that’s why we always stay here when visiting Paris!

Hostel: St Christopher’s Inn Paris – Booking.com | Agoda

Close to Gard du Nord, this hostel offers simple but clean rooms and dorms perfectly suited to those spending a night or two in Paris.

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting France . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Written for The Gap Decaders by Nadine Arab of Curls en Route

Are you looking for more one day city itineraries? Check out these top posts…

Prague One Day Itinerary + Map, Tips & Guide

Amsterdam One Day Itinerary + Map, Tips & Guide

Belfast in A Day: Itinerary, Map & Tips

One Day Munich Itinerary + Map, Tips & Guide

Stockholm One Day Itinerary + Map, Tips & Guide

One Day in Venice – Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide

Love it pin it.

or with email

• Ile-de-France >

One Day Paris Walking Tour

Why People Love It

Description

Complimentary Options

Meeting Location

Requirements

About the operator, tours you may like, other activities around paris, france.

Sightseeing

Local Flavor

City/Town Tour

Food Tasting

Wine Tasting

Transportation

Generating PDF...

Select Account Type

Sign-up with

Almost there!

Find booking.

How should we contact you?

Thank you! We'll get back to you as soon as possible!

Click here to register and track your question!

If you would like to follow up with us:

+1 (855) 782-3006

Forgot your password?

Enter your email address below and we'll send you a reset link:

Home > Paris Itineraries > One Day in Paris Itinerary – How to Fall in Love with Paris in One Day!

One Day in Paris Itinerary – How to Fall in Love with Paris in One Day!

How to spend a day in paris.

Planning on spending just one day in Paris? Sure, it’s not very long. Trying to see the best of Paris in one day is no easy task: the French capital is an enormous, layered, and deeply complex city with something interesting to visit in every district of Paris . With a little advance planning, though, you’ll be surprised at just how many Paris highlights and top monuments you can cover with just 1 day in Paris!

In this post, we’re going to show you how to spend a day in Paris. Being locals in Paris, we know the city well, and we can help you to find the perfect plan for Paris in a day. This tried-and-true Paris one-day itinerary is one that we’ve walked ourselves many times with friends visiting us, and it goes through well-known sights like Notre Dame or the Eiffel Tower to some of our favorite sights in Paris.

We’ve put together this guide to what to see in Paris for a day to help ensure that you fall in love with this magnificent city – and hopefully, make sure that you leave already scheming about how you can return.

Are You Planning a Trip to Paris Last Minute?

If you are booking a last-minute trip to Paris, I’ve got you covered! Below are our must-guides, top tours, hotels, and more:

» Plan:  Paris Travel Planner ; Paris Arrondissements Guide ; Check out the  best Paris Metro tickets for tourists

» Book your flight tickets with  Omio ; book your train tickets with  Omio

Book your transfer from the airport to the city with Welcome Pickups .

» Where to Stay:  Best Districts to Stay in Paris

• Le Pavillon de la Reine  (historical 5-star hotel in Le Marais)
• Hotel La Comtesse  (mid-range hotel with Eiffel Tower view from all the rooms!)
• Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne (super central 4-star hotel near the Louvre)

» Top-Rated Paris Tours & Tickets:

• Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Eiffel Tower Summit Access Ticket
• Seine River Night Cruise
• Catacombs Skip-the-line tour with VIP access to restricted areas

Want skip-the-line access at museums & attractions in Paris?  Get your hands on a  Paris Museum Pass !

» Don’t leave without travel insurance!   Safety Wing works well for long and short trips (starting with a minimum of 5 days). SafetyWing covers COVID-19 for new policies purchased, and unplanned quarantine is covered, too.

1 Day in Paris Itinerary – Our Proposal for Paris in a Day

This one-day in Paris itinerary is  not  a leisurely itinerary – that’s just not an option when you visit Paris in 1 day – so be sure to have a good breakfast and wear your better walking shoes!

Here’s a quick overview of what this plan has you doing during 1 day in Paris, for quick reference:

• Notre Dame (from outside)
• Cité and Sainte Chapelle
• A stroll along the Seine
• The Latin Quarter
• Saint-Germain-des-Près
• Climb up the Eiffel Tower
• Night Seine River Cruise with Dinner

Now, let’s see how that looks in our detailed guide to what to see in Paris in one day.

Related Articles

One Day In Paris: Things to Do in Paris in One Day

Cité | tuileries garden | the latin quarter | saint-germain-des-prés | eiffel tower.

Below is a detailed guide to how to spend a day in Paris in the order that makes the most sense in terms of getting around and minimizing transport. Ideally, you’ll start this 1-day Paris itinerary as soon as possible and keep going until you’ve seen everything!

Click here to view this one day in Paris map on Google

1. START AT NOTRE DAME

What better spot to start your one day in Paris than Notre Dame, one of the most recognizable structures in the city?

Admire the imposing Gothic structure of Notre Dame Cathedral from the outside. Built in the 13th century, this magnificent edifice has recently survived a devastating fire, yet she is still standing proudly as the symbol of the city.

Despite Notre Dame currently being closed, you can still admire its main façade with the huge rose window, which is a dedication to Our Lady of Paris. The 28 sculptures below Notre Dame represent the kings of Judah and Israel, the ancestors of Christ, and just like the real King, they lost their heads during the French Revolution!

2. EXPLORE ILE DE LA CITÉ (AND VISIT THE SAINTE CHAPELLE)

Once the epicenter of political, religious, and social life, it’s on Ile-de-la-Cité , the small island in the middle of the Seine River. It is here where the first Royal Palace stood, as well as the city’s main religious and institutional buildings.  As such, it is not surprising that some of the best things to do in Paris in one day are located in Ile-de-la-Cité.

From Notre Dame, enjoy a short stroll through the charming Flower Market to the Sainte Chapelle. Built in the 13th century by King Saint Louis, 80% of the walls are covered by remarkable colored glass windows; it is amazing!

A visit to the Sainte Chapelle does not take too much time, and we definitely recommend it as long as you buy skip-the-line tickets in advance   – you don’t want to waste half of your 1 day in Paris itinerary waiting in line!

Your last stop is to the Conciergerie , built as a medieval palace but most famous as the prison and last home of Queen Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution.

If you’re making a good time, visiting the Conciergerie is also highly recommended but again, be sure to buy your skip-the-line tickets in advance to ensure that you don’t waste a moment of your 1-day trip to Paris by standing in line.

TIP: Save time and money with this skip-the-line combo ticket Sainte Chapelle + Conciergerie !

3. WALK ALONG THE SEINE TO THE LOUVRE AND THE TUILERIES GARDEN

This Paris itinerary 1 day continues west on the Seine’s Right Bank. It takes a little under half an hour to stroll from Cité to the Tuileries Gardens, but there’s plenty to admire along the way: definitely be sure to admire the Pont Neuf (the oldest bridge in Paris), Pont des Arts , and Les Invalides and the Eiffel Tower on the Left Bank.

The Louvre Palace  was initially built as a royal palace for the Kings of France until King Louis XIV decided to move with his court to Versailles . Today  the   Louvre Museum  is one of the world’s most visited museums and certainly one of the most iconic places to see in Paris. While this one-day itinerary Paris does not consider a visit to the Louvre Museum, it is well worth getting close to admire the Louvre Pyramid , one of the favorite photo spots in Paris . 

4. STROLL ALONG THE TUILERIES GARDEN

Then you can stroll around the Tuileries Garden , one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris and also the oldest. Designed by André Le Notre, the landscape designer who also designed the Gardens of Versailles , it was the Tuileries Palace’s backyard until this was burned by the Paris Commune in 1871. Stop for a coffee in the sun and perhaps a quick eat at one of the guinguettes (food & drinks kiosks) inside the park.

5. EXPLORE THE LATIN QUARTER

At Palais Royal /Musée du Louvre metro station, you can take the metro Line 7 to the Latin Quarter and stop at Place Monge station.

While this area in the fifth Arrondissement is known as the center of university life in Paris, it’s also where Lutetia – Roman Paris (IC AD) was born. It is believed that Lutetia’s Roman Forum, the center of religious and civil life during the Roman times, was located at current rue Soufflot, while today’s rue Saint Jacques was one of the two main streets in Roman times.

Today, it is possible to visit the Arènes de Lutèce for free, a Roman theatre that was constructed in the 1st century AD and was where people came to watch gladiatorial combats. In the area, there are also the Roman Baths , today part of the Cluny Museum, but they can be seen from Boulevard Saint Michel without entering the museum.

6. DUCK INSIDE THE PANTHÉON

The Panthéon is a church-turned-temple dedicated to “France’s Grands Hommes.” These eminent personalities who shaped France’s national identity are interred in the crypt, and a permanent exhibition gives details about their lives and works. If you decide to visit the Panthéon (paid entrance), you will also see Foucault’s Pendulum , with which Léon Foucault demonstrated the Earth’s rotation.

The Pantheon sits inside the beautiful Place du Panthéon , and while you’re there, be sure to take a few moments to admire the square itself, the Church Saint Étienne du Mont and the view over the Luxembourg Gardens from rue Soufflot.

7. OR PAY A VISIT TO PLACE DE LA CONTRESCARPE

If you are not that interested in monuments, pay a visit to Place de la Contrescarpe instead. This lively square may be touristy, but it’s also beautiful, bustling, and worth stopping by during your Paris one-day trip.

This square is crossed by Rue Mouffetard , a street food where you can find everything from fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, and wine. Fans of Ernest Hemingway may want to have a look at 74 Rue Cardinal Lemoine , one of the streets ending at Place de la Contrescarpe, where the Hemingways rented their first apartment in Paris.

It’s not all hard work and sightseeing, you know. By now, you must be hungry, and there are plenty of bistros and restaurants at the square or nearby to taste good French food . We recommend doing your research in advance to avoid wasting time looking for a good place to eat. We have some favorite restaurants in the Latin Quarter , but there are many more.

8. MAKE YOUR WAY TO SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS

After lunch, this one-day Paris itinerary takes you to Saint-Germain-des-Prés , one of the most picturesque neighborhoods of Paris . This is a gorgeous area to explore in the sixth Arrondissement , with its cobbled streets, art galleries, and pretty cafes. You can have a quick look at Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church , the beating heart of this neighborhood. Completed in 558, this beautiful church is the only remaining Romanesque building in Paris.

Then, in streets like Rue de Buci, on the other side of Boulevard Saint-Germain, there are plenty of nice cafés and bars well worth a stop for a late coffee or an early aperitif with some people watching.

9. CLIMB UP THE EIFFEL TOWER

Before sunset, head to  Champ de Mars  to climb up   the Eiffel Tower ,  the most iconic monument of Paris. Upstairs, there’s a permanent exhibition to learn about its history, plus you have an amazing view of Paris from above.

This is a fantastic place to watch the sunset in Paris, but be sure to secure the date and time slot to visit the Eiffel Tower asap, as tickets to the summit sold out pretty fast.

The Eiffel Tower website sells tickets up to 2 months in advance, and they are not refundable. With Get Your Guide , instead, you can book your Eiffel Tower summit tickets more than two months in advance, and is possible to cancel and get a full refund if there’s any problem.

10. END YOUR ONE DAY IN PARIS WITH A SEINE RIVER NIGHT CRUISE WITH DINNER

After your Eiffel Tower experience, end your one-day in Paris itinerary in style with a night cruise with dinner down the Seine River .   It’s a nice way to see Paris from the water, and prices for the river cruises are pretty good value. 

Most of the boat tours start at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, and you will be spoilt for choice; just make sure to check all the Seine Boat Tour options and book your favorite one beforehand.

During this Seine cruise, you will see many of the most famous Paris landmarks , magically illuminated, including the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, the Conciergerie, and more, while having a typical French dinner and a glass of champagne.

And there you have it, a comprehensive itinerary for Paris in 1 day. Follow this Paris in-a-day itinerary step by step, or change it up to suit your own individual preferences.

Want to See the Louvre Museum During your Paris 1-day Itinerary?

If you’ve long dreamed of visiting the Louvre Museum , you should absolutely go! Structuring a Paris in one day visit is highly personal, so if that’s the sight you can’t live without, go ahead and swap a visit to the Louvre Museum for strolling the Latin Quarter. After the Louvre, head to Saint-Germain-des-Près and follow the rest of the Paris one-day itinerary.

For the Louvre visit, and considering that you only have one day in Paris, we suggest limiting your visit to 2 hours or less. You can book this top-rated Louvre Highlights guided tour with pre-reserved tickets, which lasts 2 hours, and you are sure not to get lost amongst paintings and sculptures. If you prefer a self-guided tour, this article shows how to get the most out of the Louvre in 2 hours or less.

What About a Walking Tour for Your Paris One-day Itinerary?

If you’d prefer to have a guide for all or part of your one day in Paris, who can share with you some of the history of this city as well as more local knowledge and insights, then we can recommend this  Paris Highlights tour . This tour is a great way to see Paris in a short amount of time: do more in six hours than most people do in three days with this fun-filled tour!

Another alternative is to book this 2.5-hour Cité Walking tour for a great introduction to Paris and its medieval monuments. Then, you can follow the rest of the 1-day Paris itinerary at your own pace.

How to Get from and to the Airports of Paris

With only one day in Paris, you don’t want to waste time on things like transportation. Our personal recommendation is to pre-book a Welcome Pickups transfer , a reliable and top-rated private service. Your driver will wait for you outside of the arrivals hall with a sign bearing your name, plus a bottle of water and a map of the city. Welcome Pickups have introduced strict safety protocols to protect drivers and guests.

Where to Stay in Paris for a Day

You may or not be spending the night in Paris during your short visit, but just in case, here are some tips for finding the perfect accommodation for your night in Paris.

We recommend Booking.com  for booking your hotel in Paris. They have a wide variety of accommodation of all kinds and good rates. In addition, they propose the option to cancel for free, most of the time up to 24 hours.

WAKE UP WITH AN EIFFEL TOWER VIEW

If you have the budget, why not treat yourself to the pleasure of waking up at an amazing hotel with an Eiffel Tower view ? Some of the best hotels in Paris also come with awesome views of the Eiffel Tower, especially beautiful during its night show! – Check out the best hotels with Eiffel Tower Views

HOTELS AT LE MARAIS IN PARIS 3

Le Marais is a central neighborhood in the Seine’s Right Bank, perfect to set your base in Paris, especially if you are visiting Paris for the first time. It is beautiful, well connected by the metro, and with many beautiful cafes and restaurant options – Click here for the best hotels in Le Marais

• Hotel de Josephine de Bonaparte (charming 4-star hotel inspired by Napoléon’s wife)
• Hotel France Louvre (mid-range hotel in a typical Haussmanian style)

HOTELS AT THE LATIN QUARTER

If you prefer to stay in the Left Bank, the Latin Quarter is also a good option, usually with less expensive options. Stay close to the Luxembourg Gardens or the Jardin des Plantes but also to lively areas like rue du Mouffetard or the Sorbonne, with many bars and restaurants nearby – Click here for the best hotels in the Latin Quarter

• Hotel La Lanterne (4-star hotel located between Notre Dame and Luxembourg Gardens)
• Observatoire Luxembourg (4-star hotel near the Luxembourg Gardens)

Getting Around Paris in 1 Day

We’ve structured this guide to visiting Paris in one day to be extremely walkable, and most of the time, you shouldn’t need any transportation other than your two feet to navigate Paris.

We recommend, however, reading our Metro of Paris quick guide to get familiar with the metro system in Paris as there are a couple of times in this Paris 1-day itinerary where the metro comes in handy. For such a short trip and the stops considered, it is not necessary to buy a special metro pass, and you will be fine with single metro tickets.

Have a look at our other Paris Itineraries

• 2 days in Paris Itinerary
• 3 days in Paris Itinerary
• 4 days in Paris Itinerary
• 5 days in Paris Itinerary
• 6 days in Paris Itinerary
• 7 days in Paris Itinerary

Click here to read more Paris Itineraries

Back to Homepage

Pin it now and read it later

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you make a purchase through my links. It costs you nothing more (in fact, if anything, you’ll get a nice discount) but helps me to go on creating incredible Paris content for you. I trust all products promoted here and would never recommend a product that isn’t of value. World in Paris is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no expense to you.

About WORLD IN PARIS

Quirky parisian explorer with a preference for lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about me ., i am elisa, the travel blogger behind world in paris. quirky explorer with a preference for the local side of my city and its lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & my best tips learn more.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Arts & Culture
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The 9 best walking tours in Paris

Get to know the glorious French capital on foot via one of these themed walking tours in Paris

Landed in the City of Light for the first time? Don’t be intimidated. This place is big. Really big. And there’s so much going on it can be hard to know where to start. But luckily for you globe-trotters, we’re here to help out. If you’re an out-of-towner with next-to-no knowledge of Paris, we think booking a walking tour might be your best bet. Thanks to a guide who knows what they’re talking about – and, more importantly, where they’re going – you’ll have sussed out this city in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your comfiest shoes and set out on a tour of one of the finest cities in the world. Here’s our pick of the best walking tours in Paris right now, from tip-top  chocolatier trips to erotica-themed excursions (yes, really). 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Paris

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here .

An email you’ll actually love

Best walking tours in Paris

1.  Hit all the main sights in one go

One for the newbies: this two-hour tour will take you to all the big Parisian landmarks. Think Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, all in a smaller group setting. It’s even led by a clued-up guide who’ll keep you informed as you go. Or you can just Google stuff along the way instead. 

Time Out tip:  Be sure to wear something that covers your shoulders and knees, as certain pit stops are places of worship and can deny entry if you're too exposed. 

2.  Ramble around hilly Montmartre

Immerse yourself in la vie bohème – Bohemian Montmartre is one of Paris’s most charming (and historic) areas. This tour will take you around the hilly northern district, stopping at cool shops and some of the finest food spots in the area. Of course, you can expect the odd historical anecdote... or three.

Time Out tip: Make sure your camera's fully charged, as atop the highest hill in the city lies some of the best panoramic views Paris has to offer. 

3.  Stroll through streets rich with criminal history

True-crime fans will love this historical crime Paris walking tour. Embrace the Parisian streets from a different, slightly eerie, perspective. Join the darker side of Paris on a walking tour learning all about the dangerous past of the criminals who roamed the streets before you. Visit sites of executions, stroll the routes known for dodgy dealings, and discover the maze of side streets – the helping hand for criminals to outrun the law. Hold onto your purses.

Time Out tip:  Listen out for the surprising facts and shocking anecdotes your clued-up guide has up their sleeve. 

4.  Delve into the depths of the Catacombs

You know, like that film? One of the French capital’s eeriest attractions, these underground  ossuaries hold the remains of more than six million Parisians. Your guide will fill you in on the long and storied  past of this spooky subterranean cemetery. Definitely one for fans of spine-chilling adventures.  

Time Out tip: You can opt for a hosted tour, which comes with a 30-minute briefing outside the catacombs, or dive straight in with a self-guided audio tour. 

5.  Explore Paris by night

This late-night tuk tuk tour will introduce you to the city just as it starts to get dark – you’ll journey along the Seine, around the courtyard of the Louvre, and then pay a visit to some lesser-known (and largely tourist-free) attractions.

Time Out tip:  This is the perfect tour to do with your significant other if you happen to be on a couples holiday. 

6.  Walk in the footsteps of Coco Chanel

Fashionistas can see Paris through the eyes of one of the 20th century’s greatest designers. The tour will begin at Coco’s favourite café, Angelina – renowned for its hot chocolate. Then you’ll venture on to Rue Saint-Honoré, where Chanel lived, and see the site of her first shop (which remains today). Lastly, you can rummage through a vintage shop in the hope of scoring some old-school designer goods. 

Time Out tip:  The audio guide set-up of this tour means you can begin at any time and go completely at your own pace. All you need to do is download the VoiceMap app. 

7.  Spy some stunning street art

For something beautiful and slightly less touristy, take a moment to admire the in-your-face artwork lining walls all over the city. Learn about some of the capital’s most well-known street artists, and discover the techniques they use to scale those mighty Haussmannian façades. Make sure to bring a camera, you'll have heaps of good photo ops. 

Time Out tip: Make the most of your local, knowledgeable guide by asking as many questions as you like. 

8.  Satisfy your sweet tooth

Treat that sweet tooth with a delectable tour of the city’s most impressive chocolatiers. Learn all about the history of confectionery in Paris by visiting some swanky sweet shops along the Right Bank and, best of all, get your sticky mitts on some freebies. Our pro tip: wear elasticated trousers and thank us later. Bon Appétit.

Time Out: Be sure to get your fair share of hot drinks, with tea, coffee and even hot chocolate available. 

9.  Whizz round the coolest kid-friendly sights

It can be hard keeping the tots entertained when you’re in a new city. But we've got you covered. This fun tour caters to families with young children, with light commentary, frequent breaks, stops for food and a playground included in the route. 

Time Out tip:  You'll be able to secure some amazing family pictures on this tour worth hanging up at home. 

Not done exploring the city yet?

More Paris tours

Take a look through our complete list of the best tours in Paris. 

GYG Paris Widget

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Premium Profiles
• Time Out Worldwide
• Paris print guides

• Meet the Team
• Work With Us
• Itineraries
• Italy Travel Guide
• Hawaii Travel Guide
• Travel Tips

Things to do

How to spend one day in paris.

There are dozens of ways to spend one day in Paris. If you’re a first-timer in Paris, your itinerary for the day will probably look quite a bit different from a regular visitor to the city.

There are so many sights to see in Paris. And many travelers spend just one day there because it’s such a major international travel hub. You can’t expect to see all the city has to offer, but you can carve out a manageable piece that’s perfect for your day tour in Paris.

If your International flight goes through Charles de Galle you will likely find yourself with just a day in Paris to see however much you can. This one-day Paris itinerary is for those who haven’t been to Paris before and want to make the most of their one day to see the top sights. If you’re staying overnight, see where to stay in Paris .

» If you have longer to spend in Paris, check out our 3-day itinerary for first timers . We’ve also created a guide specifically for foodies so you can find all the great foodie things to do in Paris . Going elsewhere in Europe ? Here’s our 2-week Europe itinerary.

Planning your trip to Paris?

• Book a transfer from the airport to Paris city center with Welcome Pickups.
• Rent a car from the Paris airport through Discover Cars .

Where to Stay in Paris See all hotel options

• Hotel La Tamise – Esprit de France  (Express check-in/out; elevator)
• Hotel Bel Ami  (5-star luxury hotel near Louvre Museum)
• citizenM Paris Champs-Élysées (4-star hotel near Champs-Élysées)

Best Tours and Experiences in Paris:

• Cruise on the Seine + Louvre Museum  (two of Paris’ top attractions!)
• Paris City Card (the Louvre, cruise on the Seine, and the Eiffel Tower)
• Eiffel Tower – Get Priority Access to the 2nd Floor or Priority Access to the Summit

Need more help with your plans? Check out our Shortcut Travel Guide to Paris , with all the best things to do and see in one spot.

Table of Contents

How to Spend One Action-Packed Day in Paris

Transportation.

The first question you will face is how to get around. Paris is absolutely huge and it can easily take 30 minutes to get from any one spot to another, even on the metro. If you choose to visit sights that are far away from each other, you could burn quite a bit of your time on public transportation. 

We always recommend walking as much as possible. However, you can save time in a few spots by taking the metro, so we’ll show you how to incorporate that into your plans below.

From the Airport

If you’re flying into Paris on an international flight, you’ll be landing at Charles De Galle. The fastest and most convenient way to get into the city so you can immediately start your sightseeing is by taking the RER B metro line to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame. The trip takes about 45 minutes.

Coming into Gare du Nord train station instead? You will also take the RER B to the same stop. The journey is only 15 minutes.

Getting Around Town

Walking is the best way to get between the major sites in Paris, so that’s our suggested mode of transportation for a ‘Paris in a day’ whirlwind tour of the main sights. You can also take the hop on hop off bus , if you don’t think you can do all the walking. It does amount to quite a bit of walking, so be properly prepared.

You can also ride local city buses and the metro. You’ll need a single-ride T+ ticket . You can ride the trains, buses and trams with this ticket. It’s 1,90 € for one, or you can buy a booklet of 10 (a carnet) for 16,90 €

Is One Day in Paris Enough?

One day might not be enough to see everything, but hey, it’s a great start to catch some of the city’s most famous sights!

That’s where our one-day Paris adventure plan comes in handy. It won’t make you an expert on the City of Lights, but it will give you a taste of some of the coolest stuff Paris has to offer and it will allow you to gather ideas for your next Paris trip.

Top Sights to See in Paris in One Day

Many of the top tourist sights in Paris are located along the Seine River, in about a 3-mile stretch. You can walk to many of these top tourist attractions easily in just one day. I suggest starting at Notre Dame, then walk across the Pont Neuf Bridge to the Louvre Museum, through the Tuileries Garden, toward the Champs Elysees, to the Arc de Triomphe.

At this point, you’ll need to take the metro to the Eiffel Tower. Then take a Seine River Cruise. Here’s a map of where you’ll get to. Walk fast!

You’re going to want to cap your day off with something extra special. We highly recommend going to a wine tasting dinner at O’Chateau (not far from Notre Dame) or going on the Bustronome Gourmet Bus .

Total walking: approximately 4 miles (6 km)

Stop One: Notre Dame

Notre Dame is a great first stop on your itinerary because it’s so majestic and it instantly makes you feel like you’ve arrived in Paris.

Unfortunately, you can’t currently go into Notre Dame due to the fire that destroyed a section of it. But you can still see it from afar. When you leave, walk along the south side of the river to see all the booksellers along the sidewalk.

Stop Two: Pont Neuf Bridge

The Pont Neuf is the oldest standing bridge across the river Seine. There are numerous bridges that you can use to cross the river, but I particularly like this one.

Stop Three: Louvre Art Museum

There are many reasons the Louvre is one of the most visited museums in the world. It’s also the largest art museum. If you want to see the Mona Lisa , plus many other unmissable and iconic pieces such like the Venus de Milo and masterpieces of the Renaissance, you’ll have to save time for a stroll through the Louvre.

>> Book Louvre tickets in advance here .

Stop Four: Tuilleries Garden

Located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, just beyond the Louvre, is the Tuileries Garden , which is packed full of sculptures, trees, pathways, and plenty of grass to relax on once you’ve spent time walking through the Louvre. 

The gardens are open until 7:30pm in the winter, and 11pm in the summer.

Stop Five: Champs-Élysées

If you’re a shopper, this is the part you like the most. The Champs-Élysées is a shopping mecca, with just about every high-end store you’ve ever heard of. You can spend as much or as little time here as you like.

Not sure what to look for? Here are 15 Paris souvenirs you’ll love.

Stop Six: Arc de Triomphe

One of the most recognizable monuments in Paris and France, the Arch d’Triomphe stands proudly at the center of the Place de l’Étoile, at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. You can walk around the monument and see the intricate detail that was carved into it’s exterior, and you can actually climb up inside the Arch too.

There are 40 stairs leading to the top that you can climb to get the view.

Book in Advance: Skip-the-Line Arc de Triomphe .

Stop Seven: Tracadero & Eiffel Tower

One of the main reasons people fall in love with Paris before ever even visiting is the Eiffel Tower. If you want to take the elevator up, that section will have the longest lines. You can also take the stairs up and that line is often much shorter, or even none existent. It’s only 1,710 stairs up to the first platform, after all! 

I say just buy your tickets in advance. You can buy them on the official site for the summit and 2nd floor and you’ll get a timed entrance. If you want to do a guided tour, this is a good deal for a 2nd floor and optional summit guided tour .

Stop Eight: Seine River Cruise

Going on a river cruise will be a fantastic way to see the sights and be introduced to the interesting architecture along the banks of the river. The cruise takes about 1 hour and passes by top sights like The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and many more.

The cruise is a round trip, returning to the departure point. You can buy your tickets in advance here .

>>You might like 26 Food and Drinks You Must Try in France.

Tours to Book:

Important Things to Know About Paris

• Paris is a huge city with many different neighborhoods (called arrondissements). If you’re staying the night, make it easy on yourself and stay near the center of the action in either 1, 2, 5 or 6. We highly recommend the Grand Hotel du Palais Royal .
• You can expedite your schedule by taking the  hop-on-hop-off bus  to get to the major attractions.  If you mark the sights you want to see on the map, you can get around the city fairly efficiently on the bus.
• We recommend purchasing skip-the-line tickets when available. Standing in long lines can really wreck your schedule. If you buy skip-the-line tickets, you can walk past the crowd and get right in.
• It’s always best to make reservations for any restaurants you are set on going to. Paris is busy all the time and you don’t want to be disappointed by being turned away.

Most places in Paris accept credit cards, but there are the odd few places that don’t. These are mostly small shops or street food vendors. If you don’t want to get Euros for your one day in Paris, you can easily get away with having no cash, as long as you avoid smaller shops.

It’s pretty easy to navigate around the main tourist sights in Paris because they all lie along the Seine River, mostly on the north side. If you don’t have data on your phone, be sure to download the offline maps for Paris so you can still navigate around.

The weather is often very nice in Paris. You can expect clear skies and mild temperatures in the spring and fall. In the summer, it can get up to 90+ degrees F and it’s rather steamy. In the winter, it is rarely below 30 degrees. The best times to visit are April-June and the end of September to November.  It’s always crowded in Paris, but it is especially so during the high seasons.

Where to Stay in Paris & the Best Areas

Paris is a huge city with many different neighborhoods, called arrondissements. If you want to make it easy on yourself, stay near the center of the action in either 1, 2, 5, or 6.

Le Marais is a popular area to stay near and is located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris. It is situated on the right bank of the River Seine and has notable landmarks such as the Place des Vosges, Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), and the Picasso Museum.

We recommend the following Paris hotels .

Hotel La Tamise – Esprit de France

4-star hotel with a bar and free wifi, located in the 1st arrondissement.

Read Reviews | Book a Stay

Lyric Hotel Paris

Comfortable 4-star hotel with and indoor pool and free wifi, located in the 2nd arrondissement.

Saint James Paris – Relais et Chateaux

5-star   luxury hotel with a spa and free wifi, located in the 16th arrondissement.

What Is the Pairs Pass and Is It Worth It?

The Paris Pass is a sightseeing pass that offers tourists a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the attractions of Paris. It provides free entry to over 60 museums, monuments, and other popular sites in and around Paris. Some key features of the Paris Pass include:

• Free Entry to Attractions : The pass grants free entry to many of Paris’s top attractions, including the Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay, and the Palace of Versailles.
• Fast Track Entry: In some cases, the Paris Pass allows you to skip the regular lines at certain attractions, saving you time, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Paris Visite Travelcard: The pass often includes a Paris Visite travel card , providing unlimited travel on public transportation within central Paris (zones 1-3), including buses, trams, and the Paris Métro.
• Special Offers : Some versions of the Paris Pass offer additional discounts and special offers at select restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues in Paris.

It’s important to note that the Paris Pass is available for different durations (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or 6 days), and the cost varies accordingly. While the pass can be a great value for those planning to visit multiple attractions within a short period, it’s essential to carefully consider your itinerary and whether the included attractions align with your interests.

Day Trip in Paris FAQ

Are there any recommended places to eat for a quick lunch.

Yes, Paris is known for its cafes and bistros. Try a classic baguette sandwich or quiche from a local bakery. If you have more time, explore a cozy cafe for a traditional French meal.

Can I explore Montmartre in a few hours?

Yes, you can explore the main attractions of Montmartre, such as the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Place du Tertre , in a few hours. Enjoy the artistic atmosphere and stunning views of the city.

Is it necessary to speak French for a day trip to Paris?

While many Parisians speak English, it’s polite to learn a few basic French phrases. Most tourist areas will have English-speaking staff, but a little effort to speak the local language is always appreciated.

Are there any special events or festivals happening in Paris during certain times of the year?

Check the Paris and France tourism websites for information on events and festivals. Paris hosts various cultural events, parades, and celebrations throughout the year in different months that may coincide with your visit. The Moulin Rouge has special weekly events throughout the year.

How much time should I plan for a visit to the Louvre?

The Louvre is massive, and the time needed depends on your interests. A general visit can take around 3-4 hours, but art enthusiasts might spend an entire day exploring. Plan accordingly to make the most of your visit. The Louvre also offers guided tours, and they can greatly enhance your experience. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the artworks and history of the museum.

Quick. Check these necessities off your prep list!

• There’s no one-size-fits-all travel insurance . Get a personalized quote from Yonder .
• The right luggage can make or break your trip. These hard-sided suitcases make traveling a breeze.
• Find your rental car on DiscoverCars.com . They search all major rental companies to find the best deal.

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

See Paris Aboard a Gourmet Double-Decker Bus

Essential Travel Guide to Paris [2024]

21 Most Charming Small Towns & Cities in Europe

26 Food and Drinks You Must Try in France

Like this post? Why not share it on your Pinterest board?

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

2 thoughts on “ How to Spend One Day in Paris ”

I plan on a trip to London with myself, adult daughter and 3 teenagers. Between May 27-June 5, 2022. The best idea is to fly into Paris, then take speed train into London. No sure about any of this, but do you handle hotel, reasonably prices, tour maybe with car because I are not able to walk very much, and return to London

We only provide information, not bookings. You’d have to contact a travel agent. We’ve taken the Eurostar train between Paris and London many times. It’s very easy and comfortable.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Travel Resources

What are you looking for?

How to spend one day in paris [ultimate 2024 itinerary].

I love Paris, and I’ve had the pleasure of visiting twice in my lifetime (so far!)

Once when I was 18 years old on a girl’s trip with my best friend and the next time was during Covid times with Bradley when it was empty. ‍

Both were amazing experiences .

On our second trip to Paris, we challenged ourselves to do as much as we could in one day in Paris.

So, I decided to write a one-day in Paris itinerary , just in case you’ve only got one day to spare, either because you’re on a stopover to another country, or you’ll simply be short on time! 

So, sit back, relax and enjoy my one-day in Paris itinerary!

I forewarn you now when you visit Paris, the Eiffel Tower will not be as empty as it looks in the pictures below! 

Travellerspoint

When is the best time to visit Paris?

Paris is truly one of those destinations that’s amazing all year round.

Winter will bring you snow if you’re lucky, Christmas markets, ice rinks, and that general cosy vibe, autumn will bring you an amazing array of autumn colours on every street, spring is when Paris starts to bloom and summer is hot hot hot, and busy!

It’s difficult to escape the crowds of Paris, so you should expect queues and people all year round. BUT, that doesn’t have to ruin your experience. 

Part of the charm of Paris is the hustle and bustle, so don’t let that stop you. 

I’ve visited Paris both in Spring and early summer, just pack sunscreen!

Is one day in Paris enough? 

No, but if that’s all you got, then it CAN be enough to see some of the best highlights.

Paris is honestly the sort of place that you could spend months exploring and still not see it all , but most of us don’t have months, and some of us only have a day! 

This is why my one day in Paris itinerary is pretty decent for getting to see some of the most famous Paris attractions the city has to offer. 

Best way to get to Paris

You’ve got a few options when it comes to getting to Paris. 

If you’re from Europe, you can probably catch a train to Paris, or drive!

We stopped here as a part of 4 weeks road tripping France , and it really was one of the best stops of the trip.

If you do drive, I suggest you either find accommodation that has parking included in the rate, or park outside the city. 

If you’re in a campervan like Brad and I, then we can recommend Camping De Paris !

It’s the only campsite officially "in Paris" and it’s only a 15 minute Uber ride to the Eiffel Tower or an hour’s walk through lovely gardens (which is the option we chose). 

If you're keen to road trip Paris in your own camper, check out our guide on the best campervan and motorhome rental firms in France .

You can also fly to Paris. Paris is one of the most famous capital cities in all of the world, so pretty much everywhere does flights to Paris, and if you book in advance you’ll be sure to get a great deal. 

We always use Skyscanner to look for flights, and if you need car rental, then check out Discover Cars for a great choice and comparison on the best car rental options in Paris. 

Best way to get around Paris

There are SO many options to getting around Paris.

Let’s run through them…

• Walk : it’s totally possible to see all the sights I’ve included on this one day Paris itinerary just by walking. We did about 9 hours of walking between all these sites (including seeing them too), so if you want to do this, I suggest you wear good shoes ( Tropicfeel are pretty decent!).
• Electric Scooter: Like any major city nowadays there are lots of electric scooter (and bike) options! We love LIME and when it’s available in a city, we tend to take advantage.
• Waterways: You can hop on and hop off the waterways of Paris to different attractions, or even book a tour to sightsee some of the most famous locations. Perfect if you’re feet are starting to get sore. The great thing about these tours in Paris is that they aren’t even expensive.  Book yours here. 
• Tuk-tuk : this is a fairly newer way of getting around Paris, but I love it. Over the years at least 3 tuk-tuk rental companies have developed electric tuk-tuks to take you on various tours of Paris. They’re more expensive than the other options above but if you’ve got at least 4 people, I think it works out at a pretty decent price for the experience! Check it out.

One day in Paris Itinerary 

Okay, let’s get to it, here my is my one day in Paris Itinerary.

Final tip, make sure you have decent shoes with you!

Stop one: Breakfast & the Eiffel Tower

Is there simply a better way to start your morning!? Probably not.

Paris is known for being really expensive, but there are ways to save money.

Thankfully, breakfast doesn’t need to break the bank.

You can buy a pastry and coffee for less than 2 Euro and sit in the gardens of the Eiffel Tower to enjoy yourself, or you can do what we did. 

There are lots of trendy restaurants dotted around the Eiffel Tower that have a great view and truly give you that Parisian vibe.

Some of the restaurants are crazy expensive for breakfast, but a lot of restaurants do “breakfast deals” so for around 9-12 euro (depending on where you go), you can get a coffee, toast, croissant, and orange juice for breakfast.

Yes, it’s overpriced for what it is, but it’s an awesome experience and worth every penny in my opinion. 

We went to Café du Trocadéro so I can recommend this spot. 

A great way to start your day! 

Afterwards, head to the Eiffel Tower (if you’re not already there!), and if you want to go up the tower, make sure you have gotten your tickets in advance.

If you’re visiting in “high” season, it’s a good idea to get a “skip the line” ticket.

When I visited the Eiffel Tower years ago, I waited over 2 hours in a queue with a “normal” ticket, and that was considered to be quick…..

The Eiffel Tower was closed when we visited due to Covid, but honestly, that made it amazing, because there were NO crowds.

We were able to wander around the area and relax on the Champ de Mars in the sunshine with just a few people. 

It was truly amazing and something I’ll cherish forever! But, I’ve seen the Eiffel Tower when it’s busy too, and it’s still amazing. I suggest you wait around until the light shows in the evening!

If you do decide to stay overnight in the city, there are plenty of fantastic hotels with Eiffel Tower views to choose from...

‍ Book your skip-the-line tickets right here.   

Stop two: Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte

Onto the next stop on our one day in Paris itinerary.

The walking distance between the Eiffel Tower and the Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte is about 20-25 minutes

But it’s a lovely walk through the streets of Paris, so I recommend it. 

But you can grab an electric scooter if you want to move around quicker!

We love Lime scooters. 

The Tomb of Napoleon is located within the Les Invalides Museum which is vast and filled with a range of amazing artifacts and historical points.

We visited a few that we were interested in, because we simply didn’t have the time to see absolutely everything, and we were most interested in Napoleon's tomb. 

This didn’t disappoint.

‍ The Parthenon housed his tomb, alongside a variety of other tombs, each just as interesting as the other.

It’s a brilliant place to visit and offers lots of insight and history.

I 100% recommend a visit. 

The entrance to Les Invalides is € 14.00 or it’s included in one day Paris pass. 

Get your tickets here.

Stop three: Lunch

After those spots and walking, you’re going to want some lunch.

Paris at lunchtime can be as expensive or cheap as you want it to be.

I thought we would probably grab a sandwich to go, as I had thought lunch would be super expensive based on my 1st experience in Paris. But then I remembered I was an 18-year-old visiting Paris and everything was expensive for me then! 

We dined in a cute restaurant just a few minute’s walks from the Louvre.

I can’t remember the name of it, but it was a generic French restaurant, that served decent food at a decent price!

French wine is also excellent value and super delicious, so I suggest you try that at lunch too. 

Stop four: Musée du Louvre

After lunch, the next stop on your Paris itinerary is the world-famous Louvre.

This was our first time visiting the Louvre and because we were visiting in a Covid era, it was virtually empty in comparison to how busy it usually is.

I’ve heard people had to wait hours in a queue to get a picture of the Mona Lisa, but it took about 1-2 minutes for me to get to the front….so that’s how empty it was! Haha 

Do not expect that on your visit, and I will tell you that the Mona Lisa is underwhelming unless you’re actually into art. 

But the Louvre has lots of other beautiful exhibitions throughout, and you could simply spend hours exploring. We explored a couple of floors and then left. We were quite disappointed by the Egyptian exhibition they had, but other than that, we enjoyed the Louvre.

You will need to book your ticket in advance when visiting.

You can book online, or pay extra for a skip-the-line ticket if you want to save time. 

Book your ticket here.   

Stop 5: Place de la Concorde

After the Louvre, your feet are probably starting to hurt (mine were!), so it’s time to make your way towards the Champs-Elysees.

But on our way, we’ll be stopping at the Place De La Concorde.

This is a beautiful area of Paris, and it’s right next to Tuileries Garden and Champs-Élysées Garden which are both worth visiting.

When the sun is shining, it’s a good place to grab a spot in the shade and relax. 

Stop 6: Wander along Champs-Elysées- with a stop for coffee

The  Champs-Elysées is one of the most famous spots in Paris, and it’s known for its line of designer shops, so if you feel like shopping, then this is the place to do it. We weren’t there to shop, but we didn’t wander up the Champs- Elysees and stop halfway for a coffee and cold drink.

This was the most expensive place to eat/drink in Paris, it cost us around 24 euro for 3 drinks. But it is what it is! 

If you’re tired from walking, then I recommend you grab an electric scooter to take you up the Champs-Elysées.

That way you get to see everything but give your feet a rest. 

Stop 7: Arc de Triomphe

The final stop on your one day in Paris itinerary is the Arc de Triomphe.

This is a beautiful place, and it’s the centerpiece of one of the most awkward round-a-bouts in the world. It’s actually quite entertaining watching people struggle to get off it.

Brad was a victim of this when he visited with this family when younger. 

Anyway, you can go up the Arc De Triomphe and learn more about the structure and significance, and of course, get some beautiful views.

Unfortunately Brad and I arrived 15 minutes after it had closed……

So we couldn’t go up, which was annoying, so make sure you keep an eye on the times as it can be different for different seasons!

It’s only 13 euro and you can book your ticket ahead of time with a skip the line option. 

Book your tickets here.

Bonus stop: Notre Dame

Before or after you visit the Louvre, you could quickly pop by to Notre Dame. It’s a truly magnificent building and I think it’s fantastic.

But we had both visited on previous trips, so we decided to give it a miss (plus it was closed due to Covid).

But, it’s only a 15-minute walk, or a quick scooter ride away!

So there you have it! My one day in Paris itinerary.

Remember I walked this entire route, so if you’re using public transport or scooters, you’ll get around quicker. But you should definitely pay a little extra for skip-the-line tickets when you have the chance. 

The capital is one of the best places to visit in France so what are you waiting for?

If you’ve got any questions about visiting Paris in one day then drop me a comment below. 

Wondering where to go next? Barcelona is another pretty great city!

Our other French travel guides:

• Best things to do in Rouen
• Best campervan and motorhome rentals in France
• Best road trips in France

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think.

5 million people can't be wrong

Walking in Paris — 5 perfect walks through Paris with maps

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: November 27, 2023

The quaint cobblestone streets, winding alleys and Haussman buildings — the ones with the stone facades and wrought iron railings — that you picture when you think of a Paris postcard are all very much real. Walking through Paris is definitely the best way to explore those scenes.

While Paris is incredibly walkable,  it’s also quite big. To help narrow the scope, we’ve put put together a few walking routes that will guide you through some of the best parts of Paris. In this guide, we’ll explore Paris on foot with the help of five detailed maps.

These walking routes are designed with first-time visitors it mind. They offer a self-guided walking tour through some of the most beautiful neighborhoods, most popular tourist attractions and most charming streets in Paris.

Wander … but within reason

The French have a term — Flâner — which means to wander aimlessly through a city. There’s no similar word in English, and I would argue that’s because we’re bad at it. And by “we,” I guess I mean Americans.

I recently moved to New York and there is no wandering here. Even in Central Park, everyone has somewhere to be. And they’re not just trying to get there , they’re usually working out the next five places they need to be, too.

Neither is inherently better. Simply a difference in speed and lifestyles from two sides of the pond.

But what happens when a New Yorker goes to Paris and all the tips say to wander aimlessly but their Type A brain simply cannot do that? What about the people who want to wander, but within reason?

Enter this post. We’re here for the people who need a little direction more than “Just explore!”

On these maps, we’ve plotted the city’s top attractions, noted some of the most beautiful streets and flagged our favorite stops along the way. But from there, you can amble through nearby alleys, pop into hidden cafes and discover your own favorite spots to really make the journey your own.

We’ve drawn the box but you can color inside and outside the lines however you choose.

Paris walking routes explored in this post

• Arc de Triomphe to Pont de Arts — A must-do for first time visitors
• Latin Quarter & the isles — A balance of city energy and quiet streets
• Le Marais — A trendy neighborhood in a historic setting
• Montmartre — A beloved and beautiful art district on a hill with great views
• Eiffel Tower & the Seine — A charming walk through a Paris postcard

Arc de Triomphe to Pont de Arts Walking Guide

This is my favorite way to start a trip to Paris. Whether this is your first time in Paris or you’re a repeat visitor, this walk is a great way see many of Paris’ iconic sights in one long stretch. It features the city’s most famous boulevard, a beautiful park, iconic views and shopping galore.

This walking route in full is about 3 miles. If you were walking straight through, it would take about an hour. We don’t recommend that, though. There are so many things you can see and do along this walk that you could easily fill an entire day if you wanted.

Arc de Triomphe

Champs-élysées.

• Tuileries Gardens
• Pont de Arts

A few quick tips for using this map.

• To view the map in Google Maps, click the expand icon on the top right corner.
• Click the star icon to save the map to your Google account for later.
• To access the map next time, open Google Maps > click the Saved tab > click Maps.

Tips for this walk

• Don’t start too early. Most of the stores at the start of this walk don’t open until 10 or 11 AM. Take some time to enjoy breakfast and coffee before you head out for the day.
• Book tickets in advance. If you want to visit the top of the Arc de Triomphe or go inside the Louvre , it’s best to book a timed ticket in advance. Popular dates and times can book up days in advance.
• The Louvre deserves an entire day . That said, if you’d like to go inside the Louvre we’d recommend doing it on a different day and arrive when they open if possible. It’s a huge museum and it gets very crowded, especially in the afternoon. On this walk, we recommend just stopping by the pyramid and maybe the shops below.
• Eat along the way. There are plenty of cafes and street food vendors along this route. I don’t specifically call out many throughout this post because there are options everywhere. I’d personally recommend picking up small bites everytime you pass something yummy, like a crepe from a street vendor in Champs-Élysées Gardens, an appetizer at a bar off Saint-Honoré and ice cream in Tuileries Garden.

The view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe

Self-guided walk from Arc de Triomphe to Pont de Arts

This walk begins at Arc de Triomphe. The best way to get there will usually be by train, but it may vary based on your exact hotel location. The nearest Metro strops are Kléber station which serves the 6 train and  George V or Argentine which serves the 1 train.

Arc de Triomphe is located in the center of a busy traffic circle. Do not attempt to walk to the monument from street level. There is a pedestrian tunnel with access points (marked in yellow below) on Champs-Élysées and Grande Armée streets that will lead you to the base of the Arc de Triomphe. This is where the entrance to the monument is located, but you can also visit the base at street level for free.

You can go inside and to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Timed entry tickets are required and cost €13 for adults. Everyone under 18 is free. The views from the top are incredible and it’s a great alternative to going to the top of the Eiffel Tower .

Even if you aren’t going inside the moment, it’s still worth seeing it from the street. The best views are on Champs-Élysées, which is convenient because that’s where we’re heading next.

One of the most famous, most filmed and most beautiful streets in Paris is Champs-Élysées. It’s akin to Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Oxford Street in London and Fifth Avenue in New York.

The street is lined with trees, which are stunning all the time but even more so in autumn and Christmastime. There’s tons of shops and stores, ranging from Zara to Louis Vuitton. Whether you’re shopping or window shopping, you are likely to be dazzled along the way.

Some of my favorite shops along Champs-Élysées are:

• Disney Store: They have always have a line up of Paris-specific Disney merchandise and lots of toys that kids will love to look at (and ask for).
• Galeries Lafayette: This is a great indoor mall to warm up in the winter or cool off in the summer.
• Nike House of Innovation: This store is a fusion of Nike Store and science museum. It’s a fun stop for the athlete and/or toddlers in your family.
• Ladurée : This pastry shop is famous for their macarons. They have many locations all over Paris (and the world). This location has a full sit-down restaurant (reservations recommended), but they also have a separate line to get treats to go.

Champs-Élysées Gardens

At the south-east end of Champs-Élysées, the shops give way to a garden. It’s lovely to walk thought, but it’s not the best for siting and staying awhile. (We’ve got an even more beautiful garden coming up in a bit.)

There are several theaters throughout the gardens. Along the way, you’ll also pass the Grand Palais and Petit Palais (museums) and Élysée Palace (official residence of the French president).

At the end of the garden you’ll run into Place de la Concorde. The plaza is basically a really busy traffic intersection with an Egyptian obelisk in the center. My recommendation? Skip it. Instead, turn left on Rue Royale and walk a block to Rue Saint-Honoré.

Rue Saint-Honoré

This street is your high-end fashion street. Designer brands like Hermès, Versace, Fendi and Christian Louboutin all have storefronts on Rue Saint-Honoré between Avenue de Marigny and where the street ends near the Louvre.

Even if $1,500 shoes are out of your budget, the window shopping alone is worth even a short stroll down this street. Plus, like I said, a detour down this street is better than crossing the traffic puzzle at Place de la Concorde.

If you’re looking to wander, this is a good area to do it. There are lots of side streets in this area that lead to unique shops, fancy hotels and swanky cafes and bars.

One of the most famous stops around here is Angelina, which is famous for their decadent hot chocolate. It’s a high-end, sit-down restaurant though, so dress accordingly. Because it’s so famous, reservations are recommend because they get very crowded. (Be sure to book early, too. They book up well over a month in advance.)

There’s also several places for fancy cocktails in cozy, immaculately decorated bars. Some of the most popular picks in the area are Bar Hemingway (inside the Ritz Paris), Bar 8 (inside the Mandarin Oriental) and Harry’s New York.

I buy designer things so infrequently that I take photos marking it as a life event

Tuileries Garden

After some shopping and maybe some light day-drinking, cut back to Tuileries Garden. This is one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris. If you were looking for a green space to relax, maybe have a picnic or let the kids play for a bit, this is the spot. (By the way, if you’re visiting Paris with kids be sure to check out this post for all our best tips.)

You don’t have to walk down every pathway in the park, but try a few different ones! You’ll find outdoor cafes, several ponds and fountains, and interesting sculptures. The grounds are immaculately landscaped with beautiful trees, flowers and bushes which really shine in the spring and fall. There’s also a great playground, which the kids will love.

At the southeastern end of the garden, you’ll run into what looks like the Arc de Triomphe. Don’t worry. You didn’t find a wormhole and travel back two miles to where you started your day. This is a second and slightly smaller monument called Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, and it was designed at the same time as the Arc de Triomphe.

Louvre Museum

Just beyond Tuileries Gardens is the world famous Louvre art museum. The iconic glass pyramid is in an open plaza above the entrance to the museum. The plaza is a popular place for photos, souvenir shopping from street vendors, and just general relaxing with a view.

Below the plaza is Carrousel du Louvre, which is an indoor shopping mall with a food court. To get down there, look for one of the stairways around the edge of the plaza. A lot of people don’t know is that there’s also an inverted glass pyramid below ground, and this is where you’ll find it. Pretty cool!

Now, if you’re planning to visit the museum, you could certainly do that in the afternoon after making this walk. Alternatively, you could flip this walk and start at the Louvre and do the rest in reverse order. However, we don’t think it’s worth trying to smoosh the Louvre into an otherwise busy day.

The Louvre is gigantic and it’s hard to see everything even with a full day. If you want to go inside, we recommend getting the earliest entry time you can and spending a relaxing, long day there.

Pont des Arts

Exit the Louvre and head towards the Seine. Look for the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge. It’s between Pont du Carrousel (a car traffic bridge) and Île de la Cité (an island in the middle of the river).

The bridge offers excellent views all around. You can see the Eiffel Tower in one direction and Pont Neuf on the either. There are benches along the way to relax after a long day.

If you’re heading home after Pont des Arts, the nearest Metro stop is Pont Neuf, which serves the 7 train.

View of Pont Neuf from Pont des Arts

Continue your Journey

• Peruse used books and art prints at the bouquinistes, the iconic green box stalls along the Seine
• Enjoy a meal or a coffee at a classic cafe in Saint Germain, maybe Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots
• Start your next walk through Latin Quarter & the isles

Latin Quarter & the isles Walking Tour

The Latin Quarter is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris, dating back more than 2,000 years. It has winding streets and tiny alleys that are filled with lively cafes, very old buildings and bookshops galore. It’s a mesh of tourist traps and authentic history, dotted with museums and gardens for good measure. The district is home to Sorbonne University, and the student population keeps the area young.

The isles refer to Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis, which are literal islands in the middle of the Siene. They comprise quaint shopping streets, famous churches and maybe the best ice cream in Paris. It’s a bit quieter than the banks on either side, but they’re delightful neighborhoods for a stroll.

This walk isn’t short and clocks in at just under 4 miles. But with breaks for meals and coffee along the way, it actually fills a day quite nicely.

• Shakespeare & Company

Île Saint-Louis

Rue Mouffetard

Luxembourg Gardens

As a reminder, here are some quick tips for using this map.

• Plan this walk on a Saturday . In order to feel the energy of this area, you want to visit when it’s got some life to it and that’s typically the weekend. The Rue Mouffetard market closes on Sunday afternoon, which is why we suggest Saturday specifically. Do note that many places are closed on Mondays.
• Bring cash (Euros) . Most restaurants and cafes in this area will take credit cards, but most street vendors don’t. Cash will be helpful for other odds and end purchases too, like renting a tiny sail boat to float around the pond in Luxembourg Gardens.
• The gardens are best in the summer. During the summer months, the gardens in Paris are alive . Not only are they the most beautiful during that time, but they’re also a social hub for tourists and locals alike. In the later fall and winter months, they can feel quite desolate.
• If you have little ones, split this walk over two days. This is a long walk and will wipe out most adults. I originally planned this walk with our toddler, but they totally crashed half way through. If you’re co-travellers have little legs, make this one a two-day journey.
• Skip Jardin des Plantes if you have to. If this walk is too long or you’re short on time and have to cut something, cut Jardin des Plantes. It’s out of the way and not a must see, so it’s a good way to shorten this day up a bit. That might mean skipping Rue Mouffetard, too.

Self-guided walk through Latin Quarter & the isles

This walk begins at at Pont Neuf, which is a famous bridge that passes through Île de la Cité. Ideally you would take the 7 train and get off at Pont Neuf. However, depending on where you’re staying, you could also take the 4 or 10 trains to Odéon. From there you could walk back to Pont Neuf or just skip the bridge and head straight to Fontaine Saint-Michel.

If you walked across Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge as part of the previous walking route, you’ll have already gotten a great view of Pont Neuf.

This stone bridge was first opened for use in 1604 and is the oldest bridge over the Seine that’s still in use today. There are 381 stone masks, or mascarons, carved into the bridge which represent mythical divinities. There’s also a large statue of Henry IV where the bridge crosses Île de la Cité.

After crossing the bridge to the Left Bank, walk along the south side of the Seine. Peek at the many bouquinistes, which are the little shop stalls in the green boxes. They sell art prints, books, little souvenirs and other odds and ends. It’s hard to believe something so cute and notoriously French actually exists in real life.

Fontaine Saint-Michel

In a couple blocks you’ll come to a second bridge, Pont Saint-Michel. Turn right (away from the Seine) and you’ll run into Fontaine Saint-Michele.

This is a stone fountain in a square, which was constructed in 1860. The square around it is often bustling with tourists passing through. There’s not much seating, so people will sit along the base of the fountain itself. You can usually see a street musician or dance troupe performing in front of it.

You don’t need to stay long here, but it’s a great entry point to the Latin Quarter.

Rue de la Huchette

Just across Boulevard Saint-Michele from the fountain is Rue de la Huchette. This two block street is one of the oldest in Paris. It’s famous for having the highest concentration of restaurants in the city — none of them particularly good.

The tiny pedestrian street is cramped with souvenir shops, pubs and creperies. Lining the street are many old buildings with their own stories to tell. One dates back to the 1600s. Another is said to have been a residence of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The street is very touristy, but that’s okay! Most people reading this are tourists and you shouldn’t feel bad about doing popular things. Get a Nutella crepe and let yourself go.

While you’re in this area, it’s a good time explore some of the side streets. I’d recommend popping south a few blocks to the The Abbey Bookshop.

Shakespeare and Company

Just past the end of Rue de la Huchette is Shakespeare and Company. The bookstore opened in 1951 and quickly became a literary beacon for English writers in Paris. Today, there’s often a line out the door to get into the cramped bookshop.

Fun story. The owner, inspired by his own experience with the kindness of strangers, always allowed creatives to sleep for free in the book shop. The invitation was open to writers, artists and other intellectuals, and there were three rules. Each guest had to read a book a day, help the shopkeep for a couple hours, and write a one-page autobiography. Today, thousands of biographies have been collected and archived in the shop.

You should actually read the history of the founder and the bookshop, which is told much more eloquently here .

Attached to the bookstore is a cafe by the same name. I can’t come to Paris and not stop here for a cappuccino and this Paris institution.

Right across the river from Shakespeare & Company is Notre Dame cathedral.

I have been to almost 50 countries and have visited houses of worship in all of them. Nothing hit me quite like walking into Notre Dame on my first visit in 2017. I know that’s probably the most cliche favorite church to have, but it’s mine.

Unfortunately, the inside of Notre Dame is still closed after a fire in 2019 burned much of the cathedral. You can still access the courtyard in front of it and see the church and the famous gargoyles from the outside.

Pass around the back of Notre Dame and cross over Pont Saint-Louis onto Île Saint-Louis. Step onto the island and you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time and maybe teleported to a small French village. It’s quaint and quiet, but don’t read that as boring. There are darling boutiques, amazing restaurants and somehow less crowds than the rest of Paris.

Focus your attention on Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, the main street that runs through the heart of the island. In a few blocks you’ll hit Berthillon ice cream shop. People argue it’s the best ice cream in all of Paris. The shop’s been around and run by the same family since the 1950s. I must confess, we haven’t actually tried it! The timing just didn’t work out for us, but it’s on our bucket list for sure.

When you’re done exploring the island, cross back to the Left Bank via Pont de la Tournelle or Pont de Sully.

Tino Rossi Garden & Jardin des Plantes

Now it’s time to relax with a bit of nature. The next part of this walk starts at Tino Rossi Garden. It’s a wonderful transition from the bustle of the city to the serenity of Jardin des Plantes.

Jardin des Plantes is a huge botanical garden. About half the garden space is a ticked zoo, which costs €10-13 per person. For the sake of time during this busy day though, we’d suggest skipping the zoo. Instead, follow the paths that cuts straight through the southern portion of the gardens.

Now we’re back to shopping and eating. After Jardin des Plantes, head toward Square Saint-Médard. There are a few ways to get there and any will work. This square has an open air market which is open most days except Sunday afternoon and Monday.

After the market, head north on Rue Mouffetard. The street is so charming and beautiful, from the shops to the buildings themselves. It’s another one of the oldest streets in Paris and its said to have been the main inspiration for Victor Hugo when he wrote Les Miserables.

When Rue Mouffetard hits Rue Clovis, turn left and head to Luxembourg Gardens. Be sure to take note of the Pantheon as you pass by. This is also a popular attraction to visit, but this long walk doesn’t leave time to go inside.

Luxembourg Gardens is my favorite park in all of Paris. In the summer, the flowers are stunning, while in the fall the changing leaves steal the show. Take some time wandering through the gardens, but be sure to take some time to sit near the pond in front of Luxembourg Palace.

In the summer, there’s a small stand near the pond where you can rent wooden boats to sail on the pond in the summer. Theres a great story about the boats, which you can read here .

• Visit the observation deck at Montparnasse Tower and enjoy a cocktail on the roof with views of the entire city at sunset
• Continuing your shopping spree on Boulevard Saint-Germain
• Get a glass of wine at a charming local bar like Chez Georges or Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
• Start your next walk through Le Marais

Le Marais Walking Guide

The Marais has so much personality. It’s historic but trendy. Religious but LGBT friendly. Urban but quaint.

My desire to explore Le Marais is what inspired me to write this entire post. Everything I read about the neighborhood said “just go and walk around” or “it’s a great place to get lost.” I do not do well with these types of directions. I always end up on the wrong streets and wasting time in places that honestly aren’t that great.

So if you also want to explore Le Marais, but want to know just where to explore, I’ve got you covered. This route passes through some of the main shopping streets, landmarks and squares in the heart of Le Marais. With some basic landmarks flagged, you’ll feel empowered to take a few extra turns along the way as you Flâner .

Saint-Jacques Tower

Rue de rivoli, place des vosges, jewish quarter, marché des enfants rouges, square du temple.

• Get coffee first. Not far from start of this walk is Motors Coffee. It’s a great coffee shop with killer banana Nutella bread. Start here.
• Start in the afternoon . This neighborhood is slow to wake up. Come in the afternoon for the best energy. It’s also a good place to be in the evening, as there’s a wide array of bars and restaurants.
• Consider a guided tour . There’s a lot of really deep and interesting history in Le Marais. If you’re into that sort of thing, there are several free walking tours through the area, like this one .
• Wander within reason . I’ve noted the high streets and notable sights on this map, but I’ve also noted a larger general area that represents the heart of Le Marais. If you have time and interest, wandering down any of these streets will serve you well.

Self-guided walk through Le Marais

This walking tour begins at Saint-Jacques Tower. To get there by train, take the 1, 4, 7, 11 or 14 trains to Châtelet station.

The tower you see today is all that remains of a 16th century church that was destroyed during the French Revolution. For €12, you can climb 300 steps to the top of the tower. It’s usually not too crowded. The tower is only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM – 6 PM.

Even if you don’t go inside, the tower is beautiful to look at and surrounded by a lovely and quaint garden. There’s a small playground on one side for children, too.

Continue east down Rue de Rivoli. This is a one of the mail thoroughfares that cut through Le Marais and it’s lined with lots of big-box and thrift stores and also restaurants. There are lots of cool buildings along the way, including one you literally can’t miss, Hôtel de Ville. This massive building primarily serves as a government building, but they do occasionally have public exhibitions and guided tours.

Consider a detour off this main street to see Saint-Gervais church, Rue des Barres or Mémorial de la Shoah holocaust memorial. There are cute boutiques and some really interesting, really old buildings in this area.

Try to make it back to Rue de Rivoli by Saint Paul Station. If you have little ones, there’s a small carousel ride that might quickly become their favorite thing about their Paris trip.

Next up is the main square in Les Marais, Place des Vosges. It’s a perfectly square park that even has square trees! It’s a popular square that’s great people watching and relaxing.

Many reviews I read said that Place des Vosges was too crowded and to seek out less popular squares like Place Sainte-Catherine. I disagree. I think the energy at Place des Vosges is why you should go there.

Exit the park onto Rue des Francs Bourgeois, which another main shopping street. This one is features more high end designers and boutiques like Maje and Ted Baker.

Turn left onto Rue Pavée and then right on Rue des Rosiers and you’ll have found the soul of the Jewish Quarter. This short street is filled with jewish restaurants, bookshops and synagogues. There is so much history in this area if you know where to look. I’d highly recommend this article which talks about the history in much more depth.

If you’re hungry, this is a good place to pick up some falafel. L’As du Fallafel is the most popular pick.

Rue Vieille du Temple

Rue des Rosiers and the Jewish quarter ends at Rue Vieille du Temple. This is another photogenic shopping street with high-end boutiques and charming cafes.

Some of the cutest portions of this street are actually to the left between the Jewish Quarter and Rue de Rivoli. If you have time, walk a few blocks out of your way through that section. Alternatively, you can just turn right and head north right off the bat for an abridged version of this street.

When you run into a large 6-way interchange, turn left onto Rue de Bretagne. This street will lead you to Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest food market in Paris.

This market has vendors selling fresh produce and meats, but also full restaurants with bar and table service. It’s a popular place to get a meal in a unique setting.

Personally, this market didn’t do it for me. It was smaller than I expected (much smaller than Borough Market , which is what I was picturing) and nothing really stood out to me to try (granted, I’m a vegetarian). Instead of waiting for a table at the cramped restaurants, we walked a bit up the road and got pizza at a cafe. (Also uninspired, I know, but at least we were comfortable.)

Round out your time in Le Marais with a visit to Square du Temple. It’s a beautiful garden with a memorial to Elie Wlesel, playground and pond.

We actually had to cut our day a little short and didn’t make it all the way here, but I’d prioritize it next time.

• Visit a museum such as the National Archives Museum, Picasso Museum or the Museum of the Art and History of Judaism.
• Get cocktails! This area is known for it’s nightlife, but even an early drink in the area is fun. Try Candelaria (speakeasy) or read this list for best bars in the area.
• Head over La Coulée Verte Paris, an elevated garden on an old train line (similar in concept to the High Line in New York City)
• Start your next walk through Montmartre

Montmartre Walking Guide

Montmartre is often people’s favorite place in Paris and with good reason. It has winding cobble stone streets, artists painting portraits, views over most of Paris, and it’s literally topped off with a breathtaking basilica.

This is another area that can get a bad rap for being “too touristy,” but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go. This walking route will guide you through the main areas of the neighborhood, which yes, includes the tourist attractions along the way.

Montmartre isn’t just about the attractions, though. The best way to enjoy the area is simply to spend time there. By that I mean sit on the steps for awhile. Plan to get a meal at a street-side cafe. Go into the shops and stores. If you’re just checking off sights, the neighborhood will just pass you by.

For that reason, this walk is much shorter in distance than the first three. It’s just over a mile. The neighborhood isn’t that big, so even if you wander off the path, which is encouraged, you still won’t be covering too much distance. This walk can be covered in about half a day.

Montmartre Funicular

Sacré-cœur, place du tertre, rue de l’abreuvoir, le bateau-lavoir, moulin rouge.

• Dine at a charming cafe. Montmartre is dripping with Instagrammable cafes. Le Consulat, La Maison Rose, La Taverne de Montmartre and Le Potager are all highly rated and beautiful restaurants in the area.
• Take a mini Picasso tour . The renowned painter Pueblo Picasso lived and painted in Montmartre for many years. You can see his house, studio and favorite spots in the neighborhood. Here’s a great guide that details the history and exact locations of all things Picasso in Montmartre.
• Come during different times on different trips . During your first trip to Paris, I’d suggest visiting in the early afternoon when it’s the most busy, but then try different times during subsequent visits. Come in the evening and watch the sunset from the steps of Square Louise Michel. If you want to get a portrait, come around 11 when they set up for the best pick of artists.
• Plan your route wisely. If you look at Google maps, it’s easy to feel like you can move around the district pretty quickly. Be warned! The neighborhood of Montmartre has a huge hill in the middle, which is what Sacré-Cœur sits atop. I’d suggest taking the funicular up, seeing everything at the top at once, then working your way down as you explore the rest of the neighborhood.

Self-guided walk through Montmartre

This route begins in the center of the Montmartre neighborhood at the Abbesses subway station, which serves the 12 train. Alternatively, you could take the 2 train to Pigalle station and walk up Rue des Martyrs to Rue Yvonne le Tac.

Walk along Rue Yvonne le Tac and then Rue Tardieu till you reach the base of Square Louise Michel. Just about everyone will be making the same walk between Abbesses and the square, so the street is always lively.

A funicular is a type of cable-based train that is usually used on very steep hills, and Montmartre has one. There are several different stair cases that lead up the hill, including the notable steps up Square Louise Michel, but the funicular is the easiest way to get to the top.

The base of the Montmartre funicular is located here in the southwest corner of Square Louise Michel. You can use a Paris Metro travel card or single ride ticket to ride the funicular. There is a ticket kiosk near the entrance to the funicular where you can purchase a ticket if you don’t already have one. You cannot tap to pay with a credit card on Paris Metro transportation, including the funicular.

It’s a short trip to the top and a car departs every few minutes. The funicular just makes one stop, which is at the top of the hill here . When you exit, turn right and you’re just steps away from Sacré-Cœur.

Sacré-Cœur is the basilica at the top of Montmartre. The church was consecrated in 1919. It was initially proposed as a way for France to seek religious redemption for kidnapping the pope under Napoleon. (You can read about that wild story here .)

Sacré-Cœur is free to enter and is open daily from 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM. Inside there are several statues, stained glass windows, and an immaculate pipe organ built by the same person who built the organ for Notre Dame. The organ is played on Sundays during mass and evening prayer at 4PM. For a small fee — for which they accept credit cards or cash — you can light a prayer candle inside the church.

You can also go to the top of the dome at Sacré-Cœur. The dome is open everyday from 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM and costs €7 for adults. There is no elevator to the top, so you’ll need to be able to climb 300 steps. I’ve never actually been to the top of the dome because the views from the ground are so good.

Square Louise Michel

The basilica sits at the top of Square Louise Michel. Before you continue with this walk, take a short break on the steps here and enjoy the view.

The square is lined with steps which are always filled with people enjoying the sweeping views of Paris. There’s often street performers and hawkers selling beers right from the cardboard case. The cops will always come and shut them down, but they always come right back. It’s a fun dance.

This is one of my favorite views in Paris. It’s also a great place to see the sun set if you’re here in the evening.

Pass the church and make your way to Place du Tertre. The small streets along the way have lots of souvenir shops, food vendors like creperies and ice cream shops, and a couple small art galleries. I’d suggest walking, but there’s also a cute little train that you can take.

Place du Tertre has capitalized on the artsy past of this neighborhood. Today it’s filled with artist painting portraits and selling their work. The outside of the square is all open-air cafes filled with people sipping wine and people watching.

If you’re looking to get a portrait drawn, come around 11 when they’re setting up. The best artists can get lines quickly. If you’re just coming to observe, come in the afternoon when it’s the most crowded.

Leave (some of) the crowds behind and make your way down to Rue de l’Abreuvoir. This means taking a steep walk down the hill on Rue des Saules until you see the unmissable pink and green La Maison Rose restaurant.

If you go straight past it, you’ll actually see Clos Montmartre. It’s the oldest operating vineyard in Paris; not something you’d expect to find in the middle of a city. It is not typically open to the public (minus a few special tours throughout the year), but you can see the vines from the street.

Back at our pink restaurant, though, turn onto Rue de l’Abreuvoir.

This street is beautiful. There are stone walls dripping with ivy, charming Parisian buildings and cobblestone sidewalks. It’s a delightful stroll and photographer’s dream. It’s a short street and it ends at the statue of the boobs (aka Buste de Dalida).

Just around the corner you’ll hit Square Suzanne Buisson. If you need a break and/or if the kids want to play, make a pit stop here. It’s a small square, but it’s a good respite.

Next, make your way toward Place Émile Goudeau. The route in my map above will take you down a tiny alley, which may feel like the wrong way but isn’t. Just keep going and you’ll soon hit the cobblestone square.

The square looks out onto Le Bateau-Lavoir, which was the studio rented by Picasso when he moved to Paris. The original studio was destroyed, and the building today is the the renovated version. To this day, the building serves as an artists’ residence. It is not open for tours.

Even if you are not interested in art history, it’s still a cool place to say you’ve been. And at the very least, it’s a good signpost on your journey through the neighborhood.

Rue des Abbesses

As your Montmartre walking tour comes to an end, make your way back to the main street of Rue des Abbesses. You should arrive on the street not far from where you started at the train station. This time you’re going to go the other way. This section of the street has — you guessed it — shops and restaurants.

This stretch feels a bit less touristy than the other direction and is more practical stores versus souvenir shops. It’s a good place to get an ice cream or a glass of wine. Otherwise, this walk can probably be done briskly as you’re out of the more classical Montmartre area at this point.

While you’re in the area, it’s worth it to finish your day at Moulin Rouge. Yes, that Moulin Rouge.

The venue has been hosting shows and performances since 1889, and today operates as a dinner theater. For about €200 a person, you can enjoy a full meal and performance at this iconic theater.

Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth it to see the marquee and legendary red windmill. There is a median in the middle of street where you can safely stand and take photos.

• Continue exploring Clichy Street, which is famous for its countless sex shops
• Walk over the suspension bridge at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. To get there, take the 2 train from Blanche station across from Moulin Rouge to Colonel Fabien and then walk about 10 minutes to the park.
• Get cocktails at Lulu White, voted one of the best cocktail bars on Paris .
• Start your next walk around the Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower & the Seine Walking Guide

We’ve made it to the Eiffel Tower, and this walk is truly all about the Iron Lady. This section focuses on getting to the Eiffel Tower and enjoying all the best views of it. It’s a good idea to pair this walk with your visit to the Eiffel Tower, otherwise you may find portions of this walk redundant.

Technically, this walk in full is about 4 miles. That said, you can certainly make it much shorter by cutting down the portions on Rue Saint-Dominique and/or along the Seine.

Rue Saint-Dominique

Champ de mars, eiffel tower, trocadéro gardens, pont alexandre iii.

• Have a plan for getting Eiffel Tower tickets . If you’d like to go up into the Eiffel Tower in the afternoon or evening, be sure to book your ticket in advance. Tickets go on sale 60 days in advance and book up quick, especially for the summit. Otherwise, plan to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before the tower opens in the morning to beat the crowns.
• Start at Bleu Olive . This coffee shop is conveniently located near the start of Rue Cler. It’s a good option for breakfast to begin your day or for a coffee to take with you. Note: they’re closed on Sundays and don’t open till 10 AM on Saturday.
• Avoid Mondays. Many stores are closed on Mondays, which will make parts of this walk less fun.
• Take this walk in reverse . The walk along the Right Bank (north side) of the Seine offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. If you flip this route, you’ll be approaching the Eiffel tower and can enjoy the view the whole time.
• Bring a blanket. If you have a small packable picnic blanket , bring it on this walk. It’ll be nice to have if you spend time sitting on the grass at Trocadéro Gardens.
• Enjoy this walk in the evening . If you start around 2 or 3 PM (Tuesday – Saturday), you’ll enjoy a bustling market on Rue Cler and a lovely early evening at the Eiffel Tower. Watch the sun set from Trocadéro Gardens and then enjoy the City of Light by night as you walk along the Seine. Perfection.

Self-guided walk around the Eiffel Tower

The best place to start this walk is the La Tour-Maubourg station which serves the 8 train. If that’s not convenient, you can also take the 13 train to Varenne station. Head west on Rue de Grenelle until you reach Rue Cler.

Rue Cler is often said to be the most beautiful street in Paris. The market street is only one block long, but it’s jam packed with shops selling the freshest produce, local meat, French cheese, wine, pastries and more. It’s like it was made to build the perfect picnic basket to take to Champ de Mars.

Tuesday through Saturday the shops are open from 8 or 9 AM till about 7 PM. The market is only open until 2 PM on Sundays and nearly all the shops are closed on Mondays.

At the end of Rue Cler you’ll hit Rue Saint-Dominique. This street is lined with traditional Hausmann buildings, which is probably what you picture when you think of Paris. It’s a popular shopping street with Eiffel Tower views.

Most of the shopping is to your right, but the Eiffel tower is to your left. If you really are not interested in shopping or are pressed for time, you can turn left after Rue Cler and enjoy a smaller segment of this beautiful street. But if you have extra time, I’d recommend turning right so you get a bit more out of it. Continue walking until you hit Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg. Then turn around and head back down Rue Saint-Dominique until you hit Champ de Mars.

Champ de Mars is iconic, but to be honest, it’s never what I want it to be. I always pictured it to be an open, flat park when you can have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower. However, there’s actually lots of trees and I feel like there’s always construction. I’d suggest walking through it, but if you’re looking for a place to sit I’d argue Trocadéro Gardens is better.

What Champ de Mars does offer, though, is a great approach to the Eiffel Tower. She looms large from this angle and you will be itching to visit the summit.

Ah yes. We’ve made it 7,000 words into this post before finally making it to the Eiffel Tower.

If you’re planning to go inside, be sure to check out my complete visitor guide to the Eiffel Tower . It has tips for where to enter, how to avoid lines, best floor order to visit the tower and more.

If you’re not planning to go to the top of the tower, you can still technically walk underneath it. To get there, you will need to pass through the security. Follow the signs for visitors who do not yet have tickets. After security, you’ll have access to the plaza at the base of the tower and can see it right up close. If you’re not going up, just skip the lines for the ticket office and proceed to an exit.

If you aren’t interested in passing underneath the Eiffel tower, you can simply walk around the outer perimeter and carry on to Pont d’Iéna. There’s also a carousel right by bridge, which is a highlight for children and Instagrammers alike.

If you ask me, the best views of the Eiffel Tower are from Trocadéro Gardens. This is the garden I picture when I think of picnics in front of the Eiffel Tower. From this hill, you’re treated to the best views of the tower, plus the Seine and its bridges. It has a great view of the tower any time, but one of my favorite times to come here is in the early evening when the sun sets and the tower starts to light up.

There’s lots of grass space to sit, so it’s nice to have a blanket. There’s also  food vendors at the base of the gardens, so pick up a crepes or drink before you head up the hill. You’ll also usually find hawkers unofficially selling Champagne and beer, which can actually be quite nice. It’s technically illegal to drink in Paris parks, but police are generally very lenient with beer and wine.

NOTE: In the provided map, Google does not think you can cross Avenue de New York at near the Eiffel Tower, but you can. There is a pedestrian walk sign at the street light here. So you can ignore that detour. 

Walk along the Seine

After you’ve enjoyed a good long sit at Trocadéro Gardens, continue your walk along the Seine for even more beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower. I like to the follow the north side of the river, which eventually becomes Jardin d’Erivan. This riverside garden is lined with trees which become truly stunning in the fall.

At each bridge you pass, turn around to get another epic view of the Eiffel Tower. You’ll pass three, counting Debilly Footbridge, before you get to Pont Alexandre III.

This decorative bridge was built in the late 1800s. It’s a lovely bridge, but mostly I note it here as one final amazing view of the Eiffel Tower. You can still see it from the next bridge too, but it really starts to hide at that point.

If you cross this bridge, you’ll head into Esplanade des Invalides which leads right back to where this walk began. Alternatively, if you turn left and head away from the river, you’ll pass between the Petit and Grand Palais and on to Champs-Élysées. And just like that, our walks have come full circle.

• Continue walking along the Seine, passing Tuileries Garden and onward toward the isles
• Take a boat cruise along the Seine and see Paris from a new perspective
• For a family dinner, get pizza at the hip and delicious Mokus l’Écureuil near Trocadéro Gardens

More From This Trip

• British Airways Business Class Review – 777 from JFK to LHR
• London Travel Guide
• Things to do in London with Kids – Family Travel Guide + Tips
• How to Use the London Underground – A Beginner’s Guide to the Tube
• Bankside Hotel London Review
• London Eye Visitor Guide – How to Visit the Iconic Ferris Wheel in London
• Stonehenge Visitor Guide + Inner Circle Tour Review
• Little Venice London Boat Ride Guide & Review
• Visiting London Transport Museum
• Complete Guide to Big Ben in London
• Borough Market Visitor Guide
• Best Views of Paris that Aren’t the Eiffel Tower
• Visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris – A Complete Guide
• Walking in Paris – 5 perfect walks through Paris with maps
• Paris with Kids – Planning Guide, Things To Do & Tips
• Montparnasse Tower Visitor Guide + Tips
• Amsterdam with Kids – Planning Guide, Things To Do & Sample Itinerary

Monday 28th of August 2023

thank you for actually being objective as to what you can skip! me & my feet appreciate it!

Thursday 7th of September 2023

Oh good! I'm happy to hear that! I hope you have a great trip!

Tuesday 21st of March 2023

This is a stunning post. Top marks for the maps of the routes! And a great read. Thank you.

• High School Study Abroad Programs
• High School Summer Abroad
• High School Summer Abroad Blog

Views from the Seine!

June 5, 2024

Programs for this blog post

Authored by:.

Well, here we are in Paris! I'm Hawley Ruppel, one of the Program Leaders, signing on after a marvelous day 1.

Students are settling in at their homestays, and yesterday they had their first language class. Each day students have the chance to use what they've learned in everyday conversation, through an "Ozlefrançais" ("dare to speak French"), and yesterday's focused on describing our families back home: telling the ages of brothers and sisters, what our parents do for work, and sharing funny stories of household pets. My group, and many others, practiced these conversations during a walk on "la coulée verte", which is a converted-railroad greenway that crosses just a block away from the CIEE Paris Center. It brought me great joy and satisfaction to watch my students talking animatedly in French, five pairs in a line, so absorbed in getting to know each other that they hardly noticed the verdant late spring foliage and blooming rose trellises through which they passed. Despite the jetlag, despite the overstimulation of a new city, these students are ready to be here--are jumping in with both feet.

There have been some metro adventures, as each student learns their particular route to and from the homestay. Even Alana (another PL) and I had our own metro mishap, when we took the wrong train in the wrong direction trying to get to Luxembourg Gardens and ending up back where we'd started instead. It's easy to get on the right train in the wrong direction, and it's easy to get on the wrong train in the right direction, but somehow we--experienced travelers both of us--managed to do both . Ha! Still, we're all learning to think on our feet, observe what's around us, and find our way. So much of these first few days is about making connections. Piecing together different mental maps, dusting off unused vocabulary, remembering details of history and place. The best connection is between morning and afternoon: when we learn about something in class, and then we go see it in person.

Yesterday, all students took a boat ride on the river Seine through central Paris, with many of us getting our first look at the Eiffel Tower. Today, we'll go to the top. :)

We also saw the Musée du Louvre, which is larger than you'd expect, spanning blocks and blocks of riverside real estate. Other highlights for my students were Notre Dame, the Grand Palais, and of course, the real-life restaurant inspiration for the cinematic classic Ratatouille . After a warm morning, it was nice to feel the breeze on the river, and chat in a more relaxed manner with members of other classroom groups.

After a quick debrief, students were off to enjoy their free time--"set loose" on the city of Paris, as it were! Off to run errands, tour the neighborhood, go home to rest, and in at least one case, check out the French McDonald's.

There's plenty more to come--this first week is a grand slam of greatest hits, if you'll forgive me mixing my metaphors. Next up's the Eiffel Tower; tomorrow the Louvre, then Montmartre, and Versailles on the weekend. Stay tuned for our next update from here at CIEE Paris, and keep practicing your French!

Related Posts

Students as Walking Tour Guides

This week, students acted as walking tour guides in the Marais, one of the most interesting and popular neighborhoods in Paris. Located in the third and fourth arrondissements, the Marais... keep reading

• Language & Culture

Let's Play Pétanque!!

Pétanque (often referred to as Boules), is a popular French game that dates back to the early 1900’s. It is a relatively simple concept that involves throwing small metal balls... keep reading

Les Familles d'Accueil

Students who are here in Paris for the 4-week immersion Language and Culture program, were welcomed into the homes of many local host families. The host families range from couples... keep reading

© 2024 CIEE. All Rights Reserved.

• Privacy Notice
• Terms & Conditions