When it comes to Paris, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of attractions on offer. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the world-renowned Louvre Museum, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this vibrant city. But what if you only have one day to explore? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll take you through all the must-see attractions that you can fit into just 24 hours in this Paris one day itinerary.
First up on our list is the Eiffel Tower. No visit to Paris is complete without a trip to this iconic landmark. Whether you choose to climb to the top for panoramic views of the city or simply admire it from the ground, the Eiffel Tower is a must-see attraction that will take your breath away. And with its central location, it’s the perfect starting point for your day of sightseeing in Paris.
Next, we recommend a visit to the Louvre Museum. Home to some of the world’s most famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre is a treasure trove of cultural and historical artifacts. With over 35,000 works of art on display, you could easily spend an entire day here. However, if you’re short on time, we recommend focusing on the museum’s highlights, such as the Winged Victory of Samothrace and the Egyptian antiquities.
Morning: Exploring the Iconic Sights of Paris
Paris is a city with an abundance of iconic sights, and we recommend starting your Paris one day itinerary by exploring some of the most famous landmarks in the world.
Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. The tower is a symbol of Paris and offers stunning views of the city. We suggest starting your day by heading to the Eiffel Tower and taking the elevator up to the top. Be sure to bring your camera, as the views are breathtaking.
Tip: To avoid the crowds, we recommend going early in the morning or late in the evening and pre-booking your tickets HERE.
Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is a famous avenue in Paris that is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. We suggest taking a stroll down the Champs-Élysées and stopping at one of the cafes for breakfast. It’s a great way to soak up the atmosphere of Paris and start your day off right.
Tip: If you’re a fan of luxury shopping, be sure to check out the flagship stores of Louis Vuitton and Cartier.
Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is another iconic landmark in Paris that is worth a visit. The arc is located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées and offers great views of the city. We suggest climbing to the top of the arc for even better views.
Tip: The Arc de Triomphe is located in the middle of a busy roundabout, so be careful when crossing the street to get there.
Overall, exploring these iconic sights in the morning of your Paris one day itinerary is a great way to start your day in Paris. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved. And don’t forget to take in the beauty of Paris as you explore.
Afternoon: Discovering Parisian Art and Culture
The Louvre Museum
After a delicious lunch, we head to the Louvre Museum, one of the most famous museums in the world, to discover Parisian art and culture. The Louvre is home to over 35,000 works of art, including the iconic Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. We recommend getting a map and planning out which exhibits you want to see beforehand to make the most of your time.
Some of the must-see exhibits include the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo, and the Egyptian Antiquities. If you’re a fan of French art, be sure to check out the Louvre’s collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including works by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh.
Don’t forget to take a break and enjoy the beautiful architecture of the museum, including the iconic glass pyramid in the courtyard.
Get tickets for the Louvre Museum HERE
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Next, we make our way to Notre-Dame Cathedral, located on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris. Although the cathedral suffered a devastating fire in 2019, it remains a symbol of Parisian history and culture.
While you can no longer go inside the cathedral, the exterior is still worth admiring. Take a walk around the cathedral and appreciate the intricate details of the Gothic architecture. Be sure to also check out the nearby Sainte-Chapelle, a stunning 13th-century chapel known for its stained glass windows.
Montmartre
Finally, we end our afternoon by exploring the charming neighborhood of Montmartre. This bohemian district is known for its artistic history and stunning views of the city.
Take a stroll through the winding streets and admire the colorful buildings and street art. Be sure to check out the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica, located at the top of a hill and offering panoramic views of Paris. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb the 300 steps to the top of the dome for an even better view.
Montmartre is also home to many artists and street performers, so be sure to stop and watch some of the live entertainment during this Paris one day itinerary.
Evening: Enjoying Parisian Cuisine and Nightlife
Le Marais District
Le Marais is a trendy district in Paris that is known for its vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine. We recommend starting your evening in Le Marais by exploring the narrow streets and admiring the charming architecture. There are plenty of restaurants in the area that serve traditional French cuisine, as well as international dishes.
One restaurant that we highly recommend is Chez Janou. This cozy bistro serves delicious Provençal cuisine, and their chocolate mousse is to die for. After dinner, head to one of the many bars or clubs in the area to experience the lively nightlife.
Seine River Cruise
A Seine River Cruise is the perfect way to experience the magic of Paris at night. You’ll be able to see the city’s most famous landmarks illuminated by the city lights, while enjoying a glass of champagne or wine. There are several companies that offer Seine River Cruises, and we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
One company that we recommend is Bateaux Mouches. Their boats are equipped with glass roofs, which provide stunning views of the city skyline. The cruise lasts for about an hour, and there are audio guides available in several languages to provide information about the landmarks you’ll see.
Reserve a Seine River Cruise HERE.
Moulin Rouge
A trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the famous cabaret shows at the Moulin Rouge. This iconic venue has been entertaining visitors since 1889, and the shows are still as popular as ever. We recommend booking your tickets in advance, as the shows often sell out.
The show at the Moulin Rouge is a feast for the senses, with dazzling costumes, stunning choreography, and incredible music. The dinner and show package is the best option, as you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious three-course meal before the show starts. It’s the perfect way to end your day in Paris.
A Paris one-day itinerary should start by exploring some of the iconic sights, including the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and Arc de Triomphe. In the afternoon, discover Parisian art and culture at the Louvre Museum, and appreciate the Gothic architecture of Notre-Dame Cathedral. End the afternoon by exploring the bohemian district of Montmartre, admiring the stunning views of the city and watching live entertainment. Enjoy the evening by visiting Le Marais district, exploring the narrow streets, and dining at one of the many restaurants that serve traditional French cuisine. Then, go on a Seine River Cruise to see the city’s most famous landmarks illuminated by the city lights, while enjoying a glass of champagne or wine. Finally, end the night by experiencing the famous cabaret shows at the Moulin Rouge.
