Spending 24 hours in Paris, France offers countless ways to experience the charm of the city. Paris is a quintessentially Parisian destination where every moment feels like a masterpiece. On our most recent trip, we set out to explore the city with everything I’d ever hoped for and more in mind. To be honest, I once doubted I’d even like Paris. Back in 2019, we passed on visiting the “City of Love” during our Europe adventure due to negative reviews and disheartening stories. Despite being hesitant to add it to our itinerary this time, I am incredibly grateful we made the leap.
The day was perfect, starting with croissants and hot chocolate that were simply divine. Strolling through Paris, we soaked in the perfect weather and discovered ways to embrace the city’s essence within limited time. Each stop made us appreciate how Paris can exceed all expectations, even on a short trip. It’s a city that surprises you with its beauty, charm, and ability to make any traveler feel part of something timeless. From the first hour to the last, our journey proved to be beyond incredible.
Where We Stayed
During our trip to Paris, finding the perfect accommodations felt like an exciting but slightly chaotic ordeal. At the last-minute, we decided to book a charming Airbnb tucked in a trendy, lively, and surprisingly safe neighborhood. The apartment was small but cozy, with a unique Parisian charm that included a faint smell of fresh bread from the bakery below. Its location was simply essential for exploring the city efficiently in a single day.
We awoke early to make the most of our stay. Just a 3-minute walk led us to the iconic Louvre, where we managed to capture stunning photos before the crowds rolled in at 9 a.m.. A quick 5-minute stroll brought us to the Seine, perfect for admiring the bridges and lively scenes. By mid-morning, we were enjoying a peaceful visit to Jardin des Tuileries and the elegant Palais-Royal, both within easy reach. Later, we took a leisurely 15-minute walk to the majestic Notre Dame, marveling at its timeless beauty. Staying in such a convenient location made pulling off this whirlwind tour effortless, with no complaints whatsoever.
checkout my one week itinerary on what to do in one week in belize.
is it worth visiting Paris for one day?
Visiting Paris is absolutely worth it, even if you only have 24 hours. Though a single day might not be enough to experience everything the city has to offer, every moment spent in Paris is priceless. To tell you the truth, even after living here for over two years, I’ve yet to see all of it. The longer I stay, the more I’m convinced that this enchanting city can never be fully explored.
If you’re debating how to use your limited time, my advice is simple: seize any amount of time offered to you in Paris. Even in a single moment, you’ll see the city in a way that will never happen again. Whether your choice is to remain at an airport hotel or hop on the metro to explore, choose the latter. Paris is waiting for you.
Begin your 24 hours in Paris at a Cafe
Whether you arrive in Paris for breakfast or lunch, you’ll need fuel to power through your day ahead. If stepping off a plane, grab some coffee and real nutrients to refresh yourself. For those arriving by train, the same advice applies. To make the most of your 24 hours in Paris, start by dropping your bags at your Parisian hotel or carrying them if it’s too early to check-in. Then head out for a Petit-Dejeuner (breakfast) or Dejeuner (lunch).
Eating like the French is an experience as impactful as visiting a famous landmark. For breakfast, pair a coffee with a croissant, quiche, or croque madame/monsieur. For lunch, try foie gras, steak and frits, duck, French onion soup, or steak tartare, accompanied by a glass of French wine or Champagne. If the weather allows, sit “en terrace,” enjoy the view, people watch, and savor the incredible food.
Some favorite cafes to visit include Café de Flore in the 6th Arrondissement, perfect for a cappuccino. In the 7th Arrondissement, Café Varenne is conveniently located near Musée Rodin. For a stop on Île Saint-Louis, try Le Flore en L’ile or Café Saint-Regis. Near the Louvre and Palais Royal in the 1st Arrondissement, you’ll find Le Nemours, while the 16th Arrondissement boasts Carette, near Trocadero and known for its famous hot chocolate and delicious food.
Spend the afternoon in paris at the Louvre
After paying the l’addition (check), the next stop in your one day in Paris itinerary should be the Louvre. If it’s possible, opt to walk there, even if it seems far. The architecture and diversity of the arrondissements (neighborhoods) offer an incredible way to experience the magic of the city while walking.
Though visiting the Louvre in 24-hours in Paris might seem like an ambitious goal, it’s both doable and worth it. If your trip is planned in advance, pre-book a timeslot online. For last-minute or unexpected plans, tickets can be purchased at the counter, depending on how busy the museum is that day. Inside the Denon wing, marvel at famous works of art such as the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Liberty Leading the People. Need a break? Head to Cafe Mollien for outdoor seating and stunning views over the Louvre courtyard and pyramids below.
As you exit the Louvre, treat yourself to a macaroon at Ladurée in the Carousel—I recommend the vanille flavor. Note that the museum operates from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and remains closed on Tuesdays. Be aware of public holidays when it’s also closed: 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December. Tickets require a reserved time slot and cost 17,00 €, with admission free for those under 18 (with proof of ID). For a more in-depth experience, consider booking guided tours or skip-the-line access through platforms like Get Your Guide.
if you want to experience venice in one day checkout our complete guide on how to spend 24 hours venice.
Walk to the louvre tuileries or palais royal
After a historical and artistic immersion at The Louvre, continue your 24-hours in Paris by heading to either the Louvre Tuileries or Palais Royal. Both are exquisite gardens of Paris and serve as beautiful public spaces cherished by locals and tourists alike.
Each garden is within walking distance of The Louvre and provides excellent spots to take a rest, especially after all the walking you’ll have likely done. If you choose Palais Royal, don’t miss the chance to snap a photograph on the famous Buren columns and enjoy a cup of coffee from a cute Parisian coffee shop like Cafe Kitsune or Laïzé Paris.
Spend the late Parisian afternoon in montmartre
After feeling rested and caffeinated, make your way to Montmartre, the highest point in Paris, by metro, taxi, or on foot. Nestled in the 18th arrondissement, this hilltop village offers breathtaking views of Paris. Once a town separate from the city, Montmartre provides a unique atmosphere that you won’t find elsewhere. The sprawling rooftops, chimneys, and grand cathedrals create a picturesque setting, making it a must-see during your 24 hours in Paris.
Begin your late afternoon at the main square, Place du Tertre, where you’ll encounter famous portrait artists at work, drawing and painting in the lively streets. If you have time, get your own portrait made—just remember to carry cash to pay the artist. Next, head to Sacré-Cœur, a magnificent cathedral that sits high above the city. It’s free to enter and showcases the stunning beauty of French cathedrals.
From the stairs in front of Sacré-Cœur, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable vista of Paris. While the Eiffel Tower isn’t visible here, you can walk past the dog park to the right of the cathedral (facing the city) and find a stunning view near the iron gate.
Grab a traditional French meal for Dinner
With only one day in Paris, it’s important to maximize every meal. The best restaurants are often small, hole in the wall places, typically run by a couple or a handful of people, offering menus filled with classic French dishes, wines, and desserts.
In Montmartre, you’ll find some of the best traditional options. La Vache et Le Cuisinier is a top pick, and their quail dish is a must-try. Another favorite is La Potager du Père Thierry, both of which are petite inside and require reservations. For a more gastronomic eating experience, book a table at Signature Montmartre for delicious French-Korean cuisine, or if you’re adventurous, indulge in fondue at Le Refuge des Fondus.
For more recommendations, check out this Montmartre Guide, which features all the favorite places to eat in the area.
End your 24 hours in Paris with the Eiffel tower
End your 24-hours in Paris with a visit to the iron lady herself. From Montmartre, take a taxi or Uber to Trocadéro or Champ de Mars, enjoying a ride past the Arc de Triomphe and its famous round-about from a car’s perspective. Spend the rest of your day in Paris watching the Eiffel Tower light up and sparkle on the hour, or consider climbing to the top. The last time slot to reach the top is at 23:00 (11PM), leaving plenty of time in your one-day itinerary to fit it in. Be sure to book tickets in advance as they tend to sell out, especially during peak months.
Another option at Trocadéro is a river cruise to see Paris lit up at night. Cruises board at the base of the Eiffel Tower, offering a beautiful way to maximize your sightseeing. Various river cruises can be booked through Get Your Guide for a magical nighttime view.
If you’re not planning to visit the top of the Eiffel Tower or take a river cruise, relax on the Champ de Mars or enjoy the view from Trocadéro across the river. Bring a bottle of French wine, Champagne, a baguette, or pastries to savor the beauty and magic of Paris. Don’t miss the Eiffel Tower sparkles, which last five minutes on the hour each night.
A Perfect Paris Itinerary
Sunrise in Paris during September is magical. We woke up to the sound of our alarms at 7 a.m., hit the streets by 7:45, and made it out the door just in time to catch the golden glow of the morning. Our first stop was The Louvre, one of my favorite sights in the city. At 8 a.m., the area around the iconic museum was quiet and peaceful, giving us the perfect moment to admire the French architecture. Though we didn’t take a tour, we enjoyed walking around the exterior, peeking through the glass windows, and soaking in the beauty of this backdrop.
We continued our walk to Palais-Royal, but Google Maps led us to the wrong location initially. Thankfully, we saved the correct itinerary and soon reached the stunning spot, which left us in awe. From there, we strolled to Jardin des Tuileries, a quiet park where the leaves were beginning to change on the trees—a sign that late September is the best time to visit Paris. Walking through the dreamy gardens, I imagined what it would be like to live here and run through this scenic landscape daily. if you are on honeymoon and want to spend quality time with you’re wife read our favourite + instagram coffee shop in san diego here.
Breakfast at Cafe de Flore
By 9 a.m., we were ready for a delicious breakfast. At the iconic Cafe de Flore, a touristy spot but undoubtedly a must-visit in Paris, we ordered a ham and cheese omelet, two croissants, and a rich chocolate chaud (hot chocolate). The food arrived promptly, and despite some negative reviews about the service, our waiter was kind, making it a 10/10 experience.
Although our plan was to try multiple croissants and hot chocolates throughout the day, we only managed to taste two croissants and missed Angelina due to time constraints. Still, I’m glad Cafe de Flore’s chocolate chaud remains a sweet memory tied to Parisian hot chocolate. Sitting outside along Saint-Germain, we watched a mix of Parisians and tourists passing by. We recommend arriving by 7:30 a.m. to grab the best seats for a clear view of the bustling main street.
Exploring Citypharma and Parisian Skincare
After breakfast, we indulged in some people-watching and took a walk to Citypharma, the largest French pharmacy in Paris. Known for its unbeatable prices, this was the perfect place to stock up on skincare products. As someone who spent hours researching French beauty essentials before the trip, I had an extensive list on my phone of products to buy.
French women focus on minimal makeup and use products like tinted moisturizers and sunscreens that even out the skin tone while nourishing it. Their approach to beauty inspired me to add new items to my skincare regimen: Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre, A313 retinol cream, Bioderma H20 Micellar Water, and La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50. These products were significantly cheaper—I purchased one for $11.99 at Citypharma, while the same item was priced at $42 at the airport.
Croissants and Eiffel Tower Views
At 11 a.m., we tried another croissant, this time from Poilane Bakery, a favorite of Ina Garten. While it had a rich, bitter chocolate, we preferred the sweeter, flakier croissants at Cafe de Flore, which had a better chocolate-to-pastry ratio.
We enjoyed our pastry on the way to Rue de l’Université, a famous photo spot offering a close-up view of the Eiffel Tower. Though crowded with people and street vendors selling models and drawings, the final photos turned out beautifully.
Midday Stroll Along the Seine
Around noon, we headed to Saint Germain via the metro and walked along the Seine, browsing stalls with books, postcards, and paintings. I picked up a postcard for our coffee table collection. Tired from the walk, we rested on a bench, snacked on plums and grapes from a French grocery store, and even enjoyed some leftover British candy.
Sitting on a bridge, Caleb played Paris by Ben Rector, fulfilling a personal bucket list item for me. As the music played, I felt the charm of Paris settle in, making this a moment I’ll never forget.
Afternoon at Pont Alexandre III
With renewed energy, we took a bus to Pont Alexandre III, an iconic bridge offering unique views of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, and surrounding French buildings. We visited during Fashion Week, and the bus ride became an event itself with cameras, badges, and models in extravagant attire. The scene was a fascinating blend of Parisian glamour and everyday life.
Evening at the Arc de Triomphe
We ended our day at the Arc de Triomphe, where we couldn’t resist grabbing a bite at McDonalds. The unique menu included macarons, which, while not the best, tasted divine after a long day of exploring Paris.
checkout my favourite picture spots in atlanta.
Bonus How to Spend 24 Hours in Paris, France
Crafting a Memorable Parisian Experience
Planning a perfect 24 hours in Paris, France offers countless opportunities to explore its charm. Having visited 7 years ago during my time at University, I experienced the touristy sites like the Eiffel Tower, Catacombs, Louvre, and Arc de Triomphe. This time, with my boyfriend, the goal was to create a unique Paris experience, combining beloved classics with lesser-known gems.
Sunrise at Trocadéro
We began our day with a sunrise at Trocadéro, offering stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. Watching the morning light illuminate the city was magical. Following this, we enjoyed a Seine River Cruise, a relaxing way to see Paris, especially if you choose the Champagne option.
Exploring History and Museums
Mid-morning, we visited Napoleon’s tomb and one of the museums at Invalides. For a convenient way to get around, the Batobus (a hop-on, hop-off riverboat) allowed us to explore spots like Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe with ease. These iconic places offered a glimpse into Paris’s historical and cultural significance.
Lunch and Leisure in Le Marais
For lunch, we headed to Le Marais, known for its charming streets and delicious pastries. A stroll through il de Cite added a leisurely touch to the day, as we admired the basilica and vibrant artists creating on the sidewalks. The atmosphere here is unmatched, blending history with a lively vibe.
Montmartre and Sacré Coeur
In the afternoon, we explored Montmartre, where the sidewalk artists, quaint streets, and the majestic Sacré Coeur offered a serene escape. Watching the sunset from this hilltop location was breathtaking, providing panoramic views of Paris.
Evening Elegance
We ended our day with dinner at a cozy restaurant and a visit to the Eiffel Tower to watch it sparkle at night. The twinkling lights brought the perfect close to a magical day in Paris.
Additional Highlights
Other must-see spots included the Musée d’Orsay, Les Galeries Lafayette, and Le Bon Marché for some shopping. Parks like the jardin de Luxembourg and Parc des Buttes Chaumont offered peaceful moments amidst the city’s bustle.
For those who prefer a leisurely day, areas like Saint Michel, with its great streets and charming restaurants, are perfect for taking in Paris’s ambiance and perhaps even falling in love with the city all over again.
if you want to now which hostels are the best stay in central america. i recommend you to read our guide on top hostels in central america.
Conclusion on how to spend one day in paris
As mentioned earlier, there are a million ways to see Paris in a day, but I hope this guide has given you an idea of how to spend your 24-hours in Paris.
If you’d like to build your own one-day itinerary, I highly recommend reading the Complete Guide to Paris. This robust guide covers landmarks, restaurants, museums, and neighborhoods, allowing you to pick and choose your favorite things to include in your day.that it here you complete guide on how to spend 24 hours in paris
Au revoir (goodbye) and à bientôt (see you later)!