Paris is a bucket list city for so many reasons! In addition to being one of the most iconic and beautiful cities in the world, it’s also filled with incredible sites, museums, restaurants and churches. While Paris is a city I recommend visiting for several days, with one day in Paris you can still see so much of what the city has to offer and really get a feel for it.
Even if you just have one day in Paris, you’ll certainly have an amazing and memorable time exploring this incredible city!
Let’s get right into the guide and itinerary for how to spend one perfect day in Paris, France.
Sleep – the Best Neighborhoods and Hotels in Paris
When you’re visiting Paris, especially if you have a very limited amount of time, I recommend staying as centrally as possible.
The 1st Arrondissement is a great option for first time visitors as you’ll be very close to tons of popular sites, like the Louvre, the Seine and the Tuileries Gardens. You’ll also easily be able to walk to popular museums, like Musee d’Orsay (around 15 minutes), as well as famous basilicas like Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle (30ish minutes.)
The convenience of this area is great. However, it is often pricier and more crowded than other areas in Paris.
Hotels in the 1st Arrondissement
- Relais Du Louvre
- Hôtel Crayon Rouge (cute & quirky)
- Hotel Opéra Richepanse
- Hôtel du Continent
My favorite part of Paris to stay in is definitely the Latin Quarter in the 5th Arrondissement. Here, you’ll find tons of great coffee shops, cute winding streets, and the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore.
You’ll also be very close to the Seine, Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle. In 20 minutes on foot you can reach the Louvre and in 30 you can be at Musee d’Orsay.
Hotels in the Latin Quarter
Grab a Coffee & Breakfast
There’s no shortage of great bakeries in Paris! A coffee and a pastry from any local bakery is the perfect way to start the morning.
If you prefer a more substantial breakfast, that’s certainly an option too, especially as you have a busy day ahead of you!
Bakeries and Breakfast Restaurants
- Kozy (Several Locations )
- Kozy serves delicious coffee and brunch all day long! There will probably be a line, but it’s worth the wait.
- The Latin Quarter Location is best for this itinerary. It’s close to Notre Dame.
- Check out their Instagram here
- The Latin Quarter Location is best for this itinerary. It’s close to Notre Dame.
- Kozy serves delicious coffee and brunch all day long! There will probably be a line, but it’s worth the wait.
- La Maison d’Isabelle (Latin Quarter)
- Specifically known for their croissants.
- Grab & go
- Boulangerie BO&MIE
- Near the Louvre – several other locations
- Check out their Instagram here.
Head to Notre Dame Cathedral
NOTE: the interior of Notre Dame is still not open to the public following the terrible fire in 2019. It is anticipated to re-open in December, 2024.
Notre Dame is one of the most iconic sites in Paris. Located on Île de la Cité, on the Seine, this Gothic Cathedral is stunning inside and out. Construction on this medieval cathedral began in 1163 and it’s truly remarkable to see.
The cathedral is free to enter, however, you can also take a paid guided tour of the towers.
OPTIONAL: Visit Sainte-Chapelle
Also located on Île de la Cité, just a few minutes’ walk from Notre Dame, you’ll find the stunning Sainte-Chapelle. Construction of this incredible gothic chapel began sometime around 1242 and was finished in just seven years. The stained glass is some of the most incredible I’ve ever seen!
Sainte-Chapelle was interestingly built for Louis IX, to house his collection of Christian artifacts. Tickets to visit Sainte-Chapelle are 13 euros for adults and can (and should) be purchased online in advance. Lines to enter Sainte-Chapelle can be very, very long.
You can also go on a guided tour to learn more about Sainte-Chapelle and other sites in the area.
If there are any concerts at Sainte-Chapelle in the evening, that is also a wonderful time to enjoy the chapel! It’s beautiful at night.
Visit a Museum – I recommend Musee d’Orsay
When you think of museums in Paris the fist one that’s going to come to your mind is undoubtedly the Louvre. While the Louvre is certainly worth a visit, I don’t recommend it if you only have one day in Paris simply because it takes too much time.
While you could get tickets to the Louvre and only spend an hour or so there, it really requires more time than that.
Because of this, I recommend choosing another museum. Personally, one of my favorite museums in Paris is Musee d’Orsay, a French art museum.
This museum is located in the former Gare d’Orsay (a Beaux-Arts railway station built in the late 1800s), and houses a wonderful collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs and more. Personally, I find the Impressionist paintings to be the most incredible. There is a wonderful collection of Van Goghs, Monets, Manets and more.
Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the line. Children under 18 are free!
Have a Picnic Lunch Under the Eiffel Tower
From Musee d’Orsay, hop on the train or take the 35 minute walk to the Eiffel Tower. If it’s nice out, I definitely recommend walking as it’s a lovely stroll along the Seine.
Along the way, stop at any grocery store or patisserie (or probably a combination of both) and grab some picnic supplies. Eating a baguette, good cheese and fruit under the Eiffel Tower is the best way to start (or spend) the afternoon.
While I do recommend going up the Eiffel Tower for incredible views, save that for a trip when you have more time!
Take in the Views from Arc de Triomphe
From the Eiffel Tower, take the bus/train or a 35 minute walk to the Arc de Triomphe. The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous monuments in Paris and you’ll find it at the end of the Champs Elysees, one of the world’s most renowned shopping streets.
Built in the early 1800s, the Arc de Triomphe was built to honor the French soldiers who fought in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
It’s impressive to see the monument from street level, but it’s even more impressive to take in the views from the top. You can buy tickets online or on site.
It’s a steep climb to the top (there is an elevator part way for those with mobility restrictions), but once you get to the top it’s absolutely worth it. The views of the city are incredible!
While for this itinerary I’m recommending visiting in the afternoon, it’s also breathtaking at sunset.
OPTIONAL: Grab Some Macarons on the Champs Elysee
A trip to Paris isn’t complete without some delicious macarons. Close by to the Arc de Triomphe there are two great options!
First, Pierre Hermé, located right next to the Arc de Triomphe has some of the best macarons I’ve had. A little further down, about a 10 minute walk, you’ll find the famous Ladurée – these macarons are incredible as well.
Explore Montmartre and Sacre Coeur Basilica
Now it’s time to head to Montmartre, one of the artsiest districts in Paris. This hilltop village, filled with cobblestone streets, cafes and artists, is so charming. It’s also home to the magnificent Sacre Coeur Basilica perched high on a hill overlooking the city.
From the Arc de Triomphe, it’s about 25 minutes by train to reach Montmartre. While you could take the hour-long walk, it would take a lot of time that could be better spent touring the Sacre Coeur basilica.
The Sacre Coeur is absolutely incredible inside and out. Outside of the basilica you’ll have amazing views of Paris and inside the architecture and details are truly amazing.
While you’re at the Sacre Coeur, I 100% recommend taking the stairs up to the dome. You’ll need to buy a ticket on site, and take the 300ish stair walk to the top, but it is absolutely worth it. It’s one of my favorite things to do in Paris both for the views and for the entire experience.
From the top, you’ll have 360 degree views of Paris! Having the opportunity to go all the way to the roof of this basilica is a spectacular experience.
Note: these stairs are steep and narrow. While it’s possible for most visitors to reach the top, those with mobility restrictions may find it challenging.
Enjoy a Delicious French Dinner
After a long day of sightseeing, a French dinner is next on the itinerary!
I’ve included some restaurants in Montmartre in case you’re planning to stay in the area, perhaps to see a show at the Moulin Rouge. However, you’ll also find restaurants in other arrondissements, located close to my hotel recommendations.
Delicious Restaurant Options
- Breizh Cafe
- Delicious crepes
- Several locations including Montmartre and the Latin Quarter
- Breizh Café Abbesses is the Montmartre location
- Breizh Café Odéon is the Latin Quarter location
- Le Poulbot
- Traditional French dishes in Montmartre
- Maslow
- Right by Pont Neuf
- Fully vegetarian – delicious food
- Make a reservation
- Les Deux Magots
- This iconic restaurant is certainly touristy, but it has an incredible history
- Les Deux Magots was regularly frequented by famous writers and avant-garde artists like Hemingway, Picasso and Sartre
- Make a reservation
OPTIONAL: Enjoy a Seine Dinner Cruise
A river cruise down the Seine is such a fun way to sightsee while in Paris! The Seine is a beautiful river and from it you can see the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Sainte Chapelle, the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay, just to name a few.
If you have more than one day to spend in Paris, a daytime river cruise is a great option. However, if you only have 24 hours, a dinner cruise is a great alternative as you can enjoy the river cruise and sightseeing all while enjoying a delicious meal – two activities at once!
Dinner Cruises on the River Seine
- Seine River Cruise with 3-Course Dinner & Live Music
- Dinner Cruise on the Seine River at 8:30 PM
- Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise
- Eiffel Tower Dinner Cruise with a Moulin Rouge Show
See a Show at the Moulin Rouge
Seeing a show at the Moulin Rouge is definitely a bucket list experience in Paris! The shows are later in the evening, with a dinner show at 7:30, a show at 9pm and a show at 11pm. This is great, as you can still enjoy a full day of sightseeing and then attend a performance in the evening.
Remember, you’ll need to dress up to go to the Moulin Rouge. So if you’re staying out all day you’ll need to wear something on the fancier side, or plan time to go back to your accommodations to change.
Moulin Rouge Tickets
Other evening shows/experiences:
If a dinner cruise on the Seine or the Moulin Rouge aren’t on the top of your list for night time activities, don’t worry, there’s tons of other options!
There is no shortage of fun things to do in Paris at night and to end your perfect day in the city, it’s a great time to do something fun and unique.
Embark on a ghost tour, a sidecar ride with champagne, a segway tour or so much more!
Fun nighttime tour options:
- Paris and Montmartre Vintage Car Tour by Night with Champagne
- Paris Latin Quarter Pub Crawl Bars and Clubs
- Speakeasy and Hidden Bars Guided Tour
- How to Become a Parisian in 1 Hour? The Hit Comedy Show 100% in English
Q&A: How to Spend One Day in Paris
- Is Paris worth it for a day?
- Yes! One day in Paris, of course, isn’t enough to see and experience the whole city, however, it’s enough time to see some of the top sites and eat some great food. Paris is a great city for a 24 hour layover or as a stop on a larger Europe trip.
- Can you walk Paris in one day?
- Paris is a very walkable city and you can definitely walk between many of the major sites. However, I also recommend making use of the metro and bus system. They’re easy to use and will help you save time when sites are quite far apart.
- That being said, I love walking as much as possible in Paris because it’s such a beautiful city with so much to see!
- Paris is a very walkable city and you can definitely walk between many of the major sites. However, I also recommend making use of the metro and bus system. They’re easy to use and will help you save time when sites are quite far apart.
- Is it safe to walk in Paris in the evening?
- In short, yes. However, like in any major city, pay attention, be aware of your surroundings and I never recommend walking alone in not-busy areas late at night.
- Is Uber safe in Paris?
- Yes, Ubers are safe and reliable. However, when there’s a lot of traffic, the metro may be a better option.
- What is closed on Mondays in Paris?
- Many museums and monuments are closed Mondays and some are closed Tuesdays as well. However, some are also open seven days a week, so be sure to check their individual hours.
And just like that, you’re all set to spend one perfect day in Paris! In a busy 24 hours in Paris you can enjoy some of the best things the city has to offer, while enjoying delicious food, pastries and drinks.
If you have any questions about how to spend one day in Paris, or anything to add to this post, let me know in the comments.
Enjoy your trip to Paris!
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♡Kate
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