Last Updated: August 31, 2022
One Day In Paris: The Perfect Itinerary
Visiting Paris for a day and you’re not sure how to spend it? Then you’re definitely in the right place because this itinerary includes all the top attractions to visit in a day!
When to go, where to stay, and what to see are all covered in this detailed guide. The perfect day in Paris starts with a classic Parisian breakfast and ends with a romantic sunset cruise – keep reading to see all the fabulous attractions in between!
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Why Visit Paris?
Why not? Paris is one of the most popular cities in the world, attracting tourists from every corner of the globe. It’s the city of lights, the city of love, the capital of fashion, and a myriad of other things. Visit Paris to discover French culture, see some of the most famous buildings and landmarks in the world, and explore the best art museums in Europe.
Getting Around Paris
Paris has an excellent network of public transportation so you’ve got plenty of options to get around the city. Buses, trams, trains, and the metro are all great for travel within the city, but the metro is generally considered the best and the quickest option. However, the metro doesn’t fit that well in this itinerary, plus it can be very confusing for first-time visitors.
Trains and trams are a better fit for following this one-day Paris itinerary, but it’s worth noting that you don’t have to use public transport at all. You could rent an electrical scooter or a bike – this will allow you to travel quickly between the different tourist attractions while discovering more city sights along the way.
We’ve structured this itinerary so that you’re visiting the major Paris attractions in such a way that you’re never too far from the next thing to see. But, it’s a really big city and you can’t just walk everywhere – not only will your feet start to hurt by noon, but you’d waste a lot of time.
Best Time To Visit Paris
Weather-wise, the best time to visit Paris is between May and September. This is when the weather is the nicest, but it’s also the peak tourist season in the capital of France. This means massive crowds, especially for a city that’s busy and crowded 365 days of the year.
Consider April or October, if you don’t mind wearing long sleeves and carrying an umbrella, but you would rather skip the massive crowds that are common in the summer. Winter trips to Paris are also not entirely out of the question – sure, you’ll freeze while you’re walking around the city, but at least you won’t have to deal with huge crowds all day long.
How to Spend Your Day in Paris
Get up bright and early so you can really make the most of your day in Paris. The itinerary starts with a visit to a proper Parisian cafe, so you have plenty of energy to explore this wonderful metropolis!
Breakfast at a Parisian Cafe
What better way to start off your day in Paris than by getting breakfast at an authentic Parisian cafe? And we don’t mean just any restaurants, coffee shops, or bistros. We mean a true Parisian cafe, one which serves authentic French cuisine on those little tables on the sidewalk.
There are countless authentic Parisian cafes in the city, so the best one for breakfast depends on where exactly you’re staying in Paris. Ideally, you’d pick a cafe that’s close to the Eiffel Tower, since that’s the first attraction in this itinerary. Le Café de Mars is an excellent French cafe near the Eiffel Tower with delicious local food and very friendly staff.
Café de Flore is another excellent option, especially if you’re staying in the Latin Quarter. It’s the most famous Parisian cafe thanks to its rich history and famous clientele. The cafe was first opened in the late 19th century, and since then it has been a popular hangout spot for famous Parisians, mostly philosophers and writers in the earlier centuries.
Just keep in mind that it’s a long way from Café de Flore to the Eiffel Tower – it’s about a 40-minute walk or a 15-minute bike ride. You can also stop by this cafe when you’re exploring the Latin Quarter if you’re trying to be as time-efficient as possible.
See The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in the world, so it’s on the list if this is your first time in Paris. If you have just one day in the city, don’t waste time trying to climb the Eiffel Tower – the view is pretty, but the crowds can often spoil the experience.
So, instead of wasting time climbing the Eiffel Tower just to experience a view obstructed by massive crowds, head to Champs de Mars instead. The park in front of the landmark offers spectacular views, plus it’s a vast space so it doesn’t get quite as crowded as the stairs of the Eiffel Tower.
If you want to get a good photo with the iconic landmark in the background, head to one of the neighboring alleys. Rue de l’Université offers a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower without the crowds that are common in Champs de Mars.
Head To Arc De Triomphe
Arc De Triomphe is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris, so we had to include it even in this itinerary. It’s a ways away from the Eiffel Tower, but you can get there in less than 20 minutes if you travel by metro or bus. There’s a station very close to the Eiffel Tower, and it will take you nearly all the way to this fabulous landmark.
The iconic landmark was erected in honor of everyone who died during the Napoleonic and French Revolutionary wars. Jean Chalgrin designed it and he will forever be remembered by this famous landmark.
One thing that I personally find interesting is that Arc de Triomphe is situated at the center of the most anxiety-inducing roundabout in the city. Take five or ten minutes to see the cars almost driving into one another in a roundabout without any lanes or lines – it’s both impressive and stressful, as well as reason enough why you should never try to drive around Paris.
Walk Along Champs-Élysées
Champs-Élysées is the most famous avenue in Paris and the only tourist attraction that we insist you explore on foot. It takes about 30 minutes to walk down this avenue, from Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde, just in front of the Tuilleries Garden.
Well, it takes about 30 minutes in theory – in reality, you’ll likely be tempted by all the pretty and sparkly things in the windows of the countless shops along this avenue. Champs-Élysées is full of shops and department stores, and there’s everything from an Apple store to a Louis Vuitton boutique.
You can also do some light shopping while you’re exploring this iconic avenue. Pop into Ladurée and try their world-famous macarons or just grab a pain au chocolat if you’re craving something sweet.
When you pass the roundabout near the Franklin D. Roosevelt subway station, you’ll notice there are fewer buildings and more greenery. You’ll pass next to the Charles de Gaulle statue, and there are quite a few theaters and museums in this part of the city. But don’t let yourself get distracted – there’s still a lot more to do and see in Paris, and the best is yet to come!
Take A Break At Tuilleries Garden
If you walked down Champs-Élysées avenue, you will arrive at the Tuilleries Garden. It’s a vast public garden between Place de la Concorde and the Louvre, with beautifully manicured lawns, numerous statues, and lots of greenery.
If you need a break from all the walking before you go inside the Louvre, this is the perfect place for that break. Find a bench where you can sit down and eat all the goodies you got at Laduree, or just sit down on the grass beneath one of the many many trees and enjoy the pretty views.
If you don’t have anything to eat and you’re starting to get hungry, there are a few kiosks and restaurants in the gardens where you can buy some food.
Tuilleries Garden dates back to the 17th century, but it only became a public park after the French Revolution. For centuries it’s been a place where Parisians come to hang out and relax, and it’s definitely a place you need to experience even if you’re in Paris for just a day.
See the beautiful bronze statues, notice the ponds and fountains, and don’t forget to stroll down the Grande Allée of the Tuilleries Garden.
Admire The Art At The Louvre Museum
The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world, so it makes sense to visit it even if you’re in Paris for just one day. You don’t have to be very knowledgeable in the arts to know that this art museum houses some of the most iconic artworks on the planet, including both the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
If you want to tour the Louvre during your day in Paris, be sure to book tickets in advance. We highly recommend getting skip-the-line tickets, since they guarantee entrance within 30 minutes of your arrival. It’s no secret that the Louvre has some of the longest lines of all the attractions in Paris, so in the spirit of making the most out of your day in the city of lights, just get the more expensive tickets.
In case you’re not interested in spending your one day in Paris inside a museum, at least walk to the iconic glass pyramid and explore the space around it. Also, it’s worth noting that this is the only museum planned in this itinerary – if you don’t want to tour the Louvre, at least consider visiting a different one. Musee d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, and Le Centre Pompidou are all excellent alternatives.
Experience Le Marais
After an inspiring tour of the Louvre, the next stop on this Paris one-day itinerary is Les Marais. The fashionable district is known for trendy boutiques, and quite a few gay bars, so it’s definitely one of the trendiest parts of Paris. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the Louvre to Le Marais, so you can easily just head there on foot.
Alternatively, head to the Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre metro station. From there, you can ride to Hotel de Ville or Saint-Paul station – it’s the same metro line, and you’re riding either one or two stations. It will take you about 15 minutes to take the metro and walk the rest of the way, so you might as well just skip the public transport entirely.
Once upon a time, this neighborhood used to be the city’s Jewish Quarter. Although that isn’t the case anymore, Le Marais still retains the largest choice of kosher restaurants in the city of Paris. Most of them are situated along Rue de Rosiers, and it’s worth noting that these are the only restaurants in the city that are allowed to be open on certain holidays.
Les Marais is also home to quite a few popular attractions, so it’s worth it to check out as much of the neighborhood as you can. At the very least, check out Place des Vosges – it’s the oldest planned square in Paris and quite a beautiful sight.
Tour The Notre Dame Cathedral
Even a day trip to Paris isn’t complete without a quick visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral, so when you’re done exploring Le Marais, start making your way to île de la cité. The island on the Seine is home to two impressive architectural landmarks and this itinerary explores both, starting with the Notre Dame.
Depending on where you are in Le Marais, you should be able to walk to île de la cité – it’s just a 15-minute walk, and using any form of public transport will take just as much time, if not more. The famous cathedral was badly damaged in the 2019 fire, and the reconstruction is still ongoing as of 2022.
It’s closed to the public and the reopening is planned for 2024, so it’s currently not possible to go inside Notre Dame at all.
It’s worth noting that before the fire, there was no entrance fee for the cathedral interior, which usually resulted in very long lines. Visitors had to buy tickets for the cathedral tower and the crypt – worth it if you want to experience a beautiful panoramic view of Paris and see some ancient and Medieval remains underneath the cathedral.
See Stunning Stained Glass At Sainte-Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle is the second landmark worth checking out on the island in the Seine, and it’s just a five-minute walk away from the Notre Dame Cathedral. This chapel is best known for its impressive 13th-century Gothic architecture, with mesmerizing stained-glass windows of various Biblical scenes.
Also, it’s not even a chapel anymore. It was secularized after the French Revolution and it’s entirely operated by the French Center of National Monuments nowadays. Visit this impressive landmark to see the largest collection of 13th-century stained glass windows anywhere in the world, and admire this impressive example of the Rayonnant period of French Gothic architecture.
Then head to Pont Saint-Michel to admire the views of île de la cité and its iconic landmarks while making your way to the next attraction in Paris!
Experience Student Life At The Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter is kind of the student center in Paris. It’s home to Sorbonne University and a lot of student-friendly cafes. Young adults in Paris will love it in this neighborhood, and artists, in particular, can have a great time in the Latin Quarter.
This neighborhood is just across the bridge from Saint-Chapelle, so you can just walk there. Admire the views of Notre Dame from this part of the city and walk along the river bank for a little while. Stop by Panthéon, Jardin des Plantes, and Sorbonne University to truly get a sense of what life is like in the Latin Quarter.
Any writers and bookworms in Paris should skip all that and head to Shakespeare & Company instead. The iconic bookstore and cafe are perhaps the most famous of its kind in Paris, and definitely a great place for all creative types.
Pay Respects To The Greats At Montparnasse
One of the final places to visit in Paris during the day trip is Montparnasse. This neighborhood is best known for the namesake cemetery, which holds the remains of quite a few famous people. Jean-Paul Sartre, Samuel Beckett, Charles Baudelaire, and Guy de Maupassant are all buried in this cemetery, and they’re the main reason why this is such a popular tourist attraction.
It’s actually quite a beautiful cemetery with well-kept graves, tombs, and quite a few landmarks. But if you don’t have to visit the cemetery if you don’t want to – there are a few other interesting attractions in Montparnasse, which are far less bleak than the graveyard.
The Montparnasse Tower is a great place to visit if you want to admire some spectacular panoramic views. The tower is 210 meters tall and it boasts an observation deck on the 56th floor. Visit this popular landmark to experience a stunning panorama of Paris and make up for the views you missed out on at the Eiffel Tower.
The entrance into the Paris catacombs is also in this part of the city, and it’s another popular tourist attraction. It’s a bit bleak just like the cemetery and, ironically enough, you’ll see a lot more bones here than at the graveyard. But it’s impressive and entirely worth it.
Sunset Cruise On The Seine River
A sunset cruise on the Seine is the perfect way to end your one day in Paris, especially if you traveled to Paris with your partner. Evening cruises on the Seine are incredibly romantic, and one of the key reasons why Paris is known as the city of love.
You’ve got plenty of options to choose from when it comes to Seine river cruises. If you’re very short on time, opt for a quick one-hour sightseeing cruise. These usually start at some 15 Euros, which is pretty affordable for Paris.
If you’ve got a couple of hours to spare before you have to leave this wonderful city, opt for a dinner cruise. It’s the pricier option, but it’s also the more romantic way of experiencing Paris from the water. Enjoy delicious French cuisine with a glass of champagne and stunning panoramic views of one of the world’s prettiest cities.
Where to Stay in Paris
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Since you’re only staying in Paris for a day, it’s best to look for accommodation in the city center. This is where all the most expensive hotels and AirBnBs are located, but it’s worth it just to save time on travel inside the city.
Look for apartments and hotels in the 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 8th arrondissements. This is the area closest to the Seine on both the right and the left bank, and it’s where most of the tourist attractions in the city are located.
The Latin Quarter is also not a bad place to stay if you’ve got one day in Paris. It’s got quite a few tourist attractions, plus it’s known as the student district of the city. This means that you can find some more affordable accommodation options here, especially if you’re fine with just getting a private room in a bigger apartment.
That’s one thing to note about Paris – a lot of people are renting out private rooms, and this isn’t a bad option at all if you’re in the city for just a day. You won’t spend much time in the room anyway, and you can save a lot of money on accommodation. Just make sure that you’re renting that room from a verified and trusted host, so look for people who’ve got lots of good ratings.
Tips for Exploring Paris in One Day
Wear comfy shoes. Even if you use public transport a lot, you’ll still spend most of your time walking. Paris is a big city and if you want to explore a good chunk of it, you’ll have to walk for quite a bit. So, make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes that won’t cause any blisters after you’ve walked in them for hours.
Don’t interact with everyone. Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, which means there are a lot of scammers and pickpockets taking advantage of that. One of the most common scams in Paris is when you get stopped by people who are supposedly doing a survey – while one of them is talking to you, the other is robbing you blind and you’re not even realizing it.
So, don’t stop for anyone you don’t already know. Also, it’s smart to invest in some anti-theft bags or wallets, just to make sure that your belongings stay safe while you’re exploring the city.
Learn some basic French. You should open every conversation in Paris with “Bonjour parles-vu anglais?” (Hello, do you speak English?). French people are notorious for not wanting to speak English with tourists who just assume that everyone they encounter must be fluent in English, so unless you want most people you encounter to ignore you and reply to you in French, just learn a few basic French words.
About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
