The French capital, Paris, is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in the world. There is so much to do and see, it’s a great getaway city, even for a short time. If you only have one day in Paris, you need to prepare an itinerary that will help you maximize your time so that you can experience the city’s highlights within a few hours.
In this comprehensive guide, I share all the important information to make the most out of your short visit to Paris, including tips and an itinerary with the best things to do and see.
Is One Day in Paris Enough?
Let’s be real, it’s impossible to explore all that Paris has to offer in just one day. However, the good news is that with this itinerary you’ll be able to cover the best places and activities the city has to offer.
Even if you don’t have much time, you can still make the most out of your 24 hours in Paris! So, put on comfortable shoes and get ready for a full day of discovering this fantastic place known as the City of Love.
What is The Best Time to Visit Paris?
The best time to visit Paris is in spring, from March to May, when you will see fewer crowds and a lot of interesting events.
Although spring weather can still be a little chilly and occasionally rainy, you will be adequately prepared with a light jacket. In Paris, the average high temperature during this season is 62 °F (17 °C), while the low-temperature reaches 43 °F (6 °C).
Alternatively, fall, spanning from September to November, is another excellent choice for avoiding large crowds and high prices.
If you don’t mind the crowds, you can also visit in summer when you will enjoy great weather, long days, beautiful blooms, and delicious cocktails.
How to Get Around Paris?
It’s easy to get around Paris thanks to the convenient accessibility to public transportation options like the Metro and buses.
Also, Paris is a beautiful city for walking. Many popular attractions, such as the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Champs-Élysées, are located within a reasonable walking distance of each other (all included on this itinerary), so you can reach most of the attractions on foot!
If you want a faster and more adventurous trip, consider renting an electric scooter from operators like Lime, Tier, Bird, or Dott. It’s my favorite way of getting around Paris!
Renting an electric scooter is an affordable and easy way to move around within the city. All you need to do is download one of the apps, create an account, follow their registration steps, and locate a scooter. Walking or using an electric scooter allows you to admire the beautiful views along the way.
Tips for Your Paris Trip
Power
If you are coming to Paris, I recommend you get an adapter that is compatible with the 220v electricity standard in the city.
Dress code
Paris is a fashion destination and a city where people wear their best clothes, even for a quick stop to grab a coffee. There is no dress code to get around Paris, but I recommend dressing for the occasion (and season).
Wear your pretty dresses in summer and bring your layers in winter. In general, aim for fashionable outfits that are suitable for the season but also comfortable, particularly when it comes to footwear, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. You want to look good in your pictures, but comfort is key!
Currency
The currency used in Paris is the Euro, which you can get through currency exchange offices, ATMs, and banks. I don’t recommend carrying a lot of cash around because credit cards are accepted in most places.
Internet Access
WiFi access is available everywhere around the city, hotels, and attractions; you don’t have to worry about using your phone. You can also get a travel router or pick up a local sim card (if you have an unlocked phone) to help you get through places with weak WiFi networks.
Water
You can drink tap water in Paris; it’s safe, even though it might have a taste you are not used to. Bottled water is also available everywhere if you don’t like the taste of tap water.
Eating in Paris
From cafés to bistros and Michelin-starred restaurants, there are many options where to eat. If you’d like to stop by a fine dining or popular restaurant, I recommend you book a table in advance.
You can use La Fourchette, which is a popular restaurant booking website. You can also use this website to compare restaurants, see reviews, and identify meals on the menu.
Book Tickets in Advance
One of the top tips for a Paris trip is to get as many tickets as possible in advance, especially if you have limited time. This ensures that you skip the long lines and save time.
You can book tickets for attractions like the Sainte Chappelle, the Louvre, and the Seine River cruise in advance.
One Day in Paris Itinerary
Paris is known for its architecture, famous museums, café culture, and delicious cuisine. Have one day in Paris? Here is a detailed itinerary on how to spend your day and see the highlights in the City of Lights.
Picnic at the Eiffel Tower
Start your day by heading to the Eiffel Tower for a breakfast picnic. If you have just one day in Paris, I recommend you don’t climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower. There is usually a long line, and you don’t want to spend it waiting for your turn.
You can opt for having a picnic while enjoying great views at the beautiful Champ De Mars garden surrounding the tower. There are many incredible sights to visit, but a trip to Paris isn’t complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower!
Arc De Triomphe
From the Eiffel Tower, take a direct bus to Charles de Gaulle – Etoile – Wagram station. The bus trip takes about 10 minutes, and from the bus station, you can take a 5-minute walk to the Arc de Triomphe.
The Arc de Triomphe is a magnificent arch built to commemorate people who died in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. You can go to the viewing platform to get a stunning panoramic view of Paris, including famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the 12 straight boulevards.
Champs-Elysées
Champs-Élysées is the most popular shopping street in Paris, a symbol of Parisian luxury and style. The Arc de Triomphe is the perfect starting point for your Champs-Élysées walk, as it takes just a few minutes to walk here from the Arc de Triomphe. Once you arrive, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll and explore high-end shops, cafes, and theaters.
The avenue is also known for hosting various events and parades, including the Bastille Day military parade.
Stop For Coffee at a Typical Parisian Cafe
There are plenty of cafes dotted around Champs-Elysees where you can enjoy an excellent coffee and “pain au chocolat”. After spending time strolling the beautiful avenue, you can grab a quick coffee from one of the many Parisian cafes. I recommend you sit outside to enjoy your coffee; it’s an experience on its own!
Notre Dame
Notre Dame is a mind-blowing cathedral located in Île de la Cité and a must-stop on your one-day trip to Paris. The journey from Champs-Elysees to Notre Dame takes about 14 minutes by train, and you can also go by bus or taxi.
Notre Dame’s interiors are currently closed to visitors due to a fire incident in 2019. However, I recommend touring the exterior to get a glimpse of this famous cathedral and capture stunning photos in the process. The reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral is announced for December 2024.
Sainte Chapelle
From Notre Dame Cathedral, you can take a short walk to Sainte Chapelle, where you will find a Gothic masterpiece with 1113 stained-glass windows which cover the majority of its walls. The vibrant colors and intricate designs of the windows create a mesmerizing effect, as they allow sunlight to filter through and illuminate the interior.
Sainte Chapelle is a small but top-rated attraction that gets many visitors each year. Be sure to get a skip-the-line pass for this attraction, so you don’t spend your time in the queue.
French Bistro Lunch
Now is a great time to stop at a French Bistro for lunch. There are many restaurants in Île de la Cité where Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle are located. Make your way to one of the bistros to enjoy a hearty lunch.
Musée Du Louvre
The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum and the most famous in Paris. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Notre Dame, or you can also take the Metro Line 7 if you don’t feel like walking.
Taking a walk or riding on an electric scooter will allow you to enjoy the beautiful views along the River Seine before you get to the museum.
At the Louvre Museum, you will get to see iconic art like the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, some artworks by Vincent van Gogh, and the stunning Louvre pyramids at the entrance. Don’t forget to get a timed entry ticket to avoid spending time in a queue.
You won’t be able to see everything here because there are usually over 30,000 artworks displayed at a time. However, you can allocate 2 hours to see some of your preferred art before moving to the next stop.
Check their official website beforehand to explore their exhibitions and events, as well as to know their operating hours and purchase your tickets in advance.
Alternatively, you can explore another museum, as Paris is a city with an incredible array of options.
Some of the top museums in Paris include the Musée d’Orsay, which features works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir. The Centre Pompidou, a contemporary and modern art museum that houses works by artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol. And, the Musée de l’Orangerie, famous for its display of Claude Monet’s Water Lilies series.
Seine River Cruise Night
End your day in Paris by taking a cruise on the Seine River, enjoying panoramic views of stunning landmarks and architecture. This river cruise offers the opportunity to enjoy views of beautiful buildings such as The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Musée d’Orsay.
You can take a Seine River cruise with dinner included, or you can find many restaurants near the Seine River where you can enjoy a delicious dinner by the waterside before you retire for the day.
The duration of the cruise depends on the type of cruise you choose, generally ranging from 1 to 2.5 hours.
Cruise departures occur every 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the time of day and day of the week. The last cruise typically departs between 10 and 11 pm, with the timing varying based on the specific month.
Experience a Famous Cabaret Show! (Optional)
If you still have some energy left after a whole day of exploring, and depending on the activities you’ve chosen, you might want to experience an exhilarating cabaret show in Paris!
There are several options to pick from, but the most famous one is the legendary Moulin Rouge cabaret. It offers a typical Parisian cabaret show, with the option to include dinner.
Another excellent choice is Crazy Horse. While the show is a bit more sensual, the performances, costumes, and lighting are spectacular. Either way, sit back, sip on some champagne, and enjoy the show! Make sure to check their websites and book your tickets well in advance.
More Than a Day in Paris?
There is no shortage of things to do in Paris, so if you have more days, consider yourself lucky!
Some activities you can choose from include; heading out on a day trip to the Palace of Versailles. Plan for a full day to visit, as the journey from Paris takes around 1 hour by train. Once there, you’ll need a few hours to explore the gorgeous palace and its gardens.
Another option is to visit the popular neighborhood of Montmartre, known for its iconic Sacré-Cœur. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and take walks through charming streets lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
I hope you have enjoyed this travel guide. Au revoir & bon voayage!
