Looking for a one-day Paris itinerary? You’ve come to the right place!
Paris, the city of romance, culture, and stunning monuments, charms everyone who visits.
A day might seem short, but don’t worry! This Paris travel guide will help you make the most of your time.
From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the famous Louvre and the charming streets of Montmartre, we’ll explore the best of Paris together.
Get ready for a day full of amazing experiences and delicious flavors. Ready to explore Paris in just one day? Grab your coffee, and letβs dive in!
Table of Contents
Morning on Your One-Day Paris Itinerary
Climb the Eiffel Tower
Start your Paris adventure at the Eiffel Tower, a must-see that attracts nearly 6 million visitors every year!
This incredible structure stands at 330 meters (1,083 feet), making it one of the tallest in France.
Fun fact: The original plan was to dismantle the Eiffel Tower after the 1889 World’s Fair. However, its stunning design and popularity led to it being kept permanently.
The Eiffel Tower has three levels, each offering amazing views of the city.
From the top, you can see breathtaking sights like the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Seine River, and many more.
You have two options: take the elevator all the way to the top or climb the stairs to the second level before catching the elevator to the summit.
Visiting the Eiffel Tower is the perfect way to kick off your one-day exploration of Paris!
Practical Information
The Eiffel Tower is open from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM in the summer and from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM in the winter.
Ticket prices vary based on the type of ticket and your age, with summit tickets costing around 27-35 euros.
For a smoother visit, itβs a good idea to buy your tickets online in advance and use the east entrance, which is usually less crowded.
What is the best month to travel to Paris?
The best time to visit Paris really depends on what youβre looking for.Β
SpringΒ (April to June) andΒ fallΒ (September to November) offer great weather and fewer crowds.Β
SummerΒ (July to August) is busy but warm, whileΒ winterΒ (December to February) is quieter and has a festive vibe.
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Wander Along the Seine River
Keep your day going with a relaxing stroll along the Seine River, where you can enjoy the calm vibe and get a great view of the Eiffel Tower.
After a nice walk, youβll arrive at TrocadΓ©ro, a historic spot that hosted the 1937 International Exhibition of Art and Technology.
Here, youβll catch one of the best views of Paris. While you’re at TrocadΓ©ro, check out the Palais de Chaillot and its lovely gardens.
This area is also home to several cultural attractions, including the Architecture and Heritage City (CitΓ© de l’architecture et du patrimoine) and the Museum of Humanity (MusΓ©e de lβHomme).
TrocadΓ©ro is a hidden gem thatβll make your one-day Paris itinerary even better and leave you feeling inspired.
Noon on Your One-Day Paris Itinerary
Enjoy Lunch at Parisian Restaurant
Next, take a break for a delightful lunch to recharge before continuing your exploration.
Paris is known for its amazing French cuisine, and you’ll find plenty of charming cafΓ©s and restaurants around the Eiffel Tower offering a variety of flavors.
Stop by Les Deux Magots, a historic cafΓ©, or enjoy a quieter spot by the river at Le Saint RΓ©gis, offering a cozy atmosphere and a lovely view of the Seine.
For lunch, try the Quiche Lorraine, a flaky pastry with a savory filling, or the Croque Monsieur, a tasty baked sandwich with smoked ham and cheese.
For a taste of traditional French cuisine, go for the Ratatouille, a delicious vegetable dish.
Donβt forget dessert! Enjoy a CrΓ¨me BrΓ»lΓ©e with its crispy sugar crust or a fragrant Tarte Tatin.
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What to book when visiting Paris?
When visiting Paris, itβs a good idea to book a few things in advance for a smoother trip. Start by reserving yourΒ accommodationΒ andΒ flightsΒ to get the best availability and prices.
Be sure to secureΒ museum tickets,Β restaurant reservations, andΒ city passesΒ to save time and money. Itβs also smart to pre-bookΒ day tours,Β activities, andΒ travel insuranceΒ for a hassle-free experience.
Explore the Louvre Museum
After lunch, you might want to head to the Louvre, a former royal palace and one of the world’s largest museums.
The Louvre is famous not only for its extensive collection but also for the striking glass pyramid in its courtyard, designed by Ieoh Ming Pei.
With over 380,000 exhibits and 35,000 art pieces from various periods and styles, the Louvre is a must-see.
Donβt miss iconic works like Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”, the stunning “Venus de Milo”, and EugΓ¨ne Delacroix’s “Liberty Leading the People”.
Since the museum is so large, itβs a good idea to focus on the pieces that interest you most or follow one of the thematic routes available.
Practical Information
The Louvre Museum in Paris is open every day except Tuesdays, usually from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and it stays open late on Fridays until 9:00 PM.
A standard ticket costs around 22 euros, but if you’re under 26 and from the EU, you can get in for free.
Afternoon on Your One-Day Paris Itinerary
Take a Stroll Along Champs-ΓlysΓ©es
After your visit to the Louvre, take a relaxing walk along the Champs-ΓlysΓ©es, one of the most famous avenues in the world.
Here, you’ll find upscale shops, designer boutiques, and charming cafΓ©s.
The area is known for its luxury and elegance, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
As you stroll, admire the beautiful buildings surrounding the avenue, including the Grand Palais and Petit Palais.
The Champs-ΓlysΓ©es is also a great place to take a break. Stop at a cafΓ©, order a coffee, and enjoy watching the people and the stunning Parisian architecture.
Which area is the best to stay in Paris?
When picking where to stay in Paris, think about yourΒ budgetΒ andΒ preferences.Β Le MaraisΒ is a fancy area with lots to see, whileΒ MontmartreΒ offers moreΒ affordableΒ options and great views.Β Saint-Germain-des-PrΓ©sΒ is quieter and full of charm. Choose theΒ neighborhoodΒ that suits you best!
Visit the Arc de Triomphe on Your One-Day Paris Itinerary
Next, head to the Arc de Triomphe, one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks.
Built in the early 19th century by Napoleon Bonaparte, this historic monument honors French military victories and still amazes visitors today.
Be sure to go up to the terrace for stunning panoramic views of Paris, including sights like the Eiffel Tower, SacrΓ©-CΕur Basilica, and the modern skyscrapers of La DΓ©fense.
History buffs will love exploring the interior, where the Museum of the Arc de Triomphe offers fascinating details about its history and construction.
Also, beneath the arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, making this site an important symbol of Franceβs national heritage.
Practical Information
The Arc de Triomphe is open daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Wednesday to Monday) and from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Tuesdays during the summer.
In the winter, itβs open from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM (Wednesday to Monday) and 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM on Tuesdays.
Getting to the terrace costs 16 euros for adults, and itβs free for EU visitors under 26.
Evening on Your One-Day Paris Itinerary
Admire the SacrΓ© Coeur Basilica in Montmartre
If youβve still got some energy in the evening, hop on the metro to Montmartre. A walk up the hill is a great way to spend your evening in Paris.
At the top, youβll be amazed by the SacrΓ©-CΕur Basilica, with its stunning mosaics. At night, itβs beautifully lit, creating a magical vibe.
Montmartre is a historic, artistic neighborhood that still has that bohemian feel.
As you stroll through its charming streets, youβll feel like youβre walking in the footsteps of the great artists who once hung out in the local cafΓ©s and studios.
After visiting the church, head to the steps out front, where locals and tourists gather to take in the amazing view of Paris.
Itβs the perfect spot for a romantic evening or just a peaceful walk with the city lights in the background.
Practical Information
The SacrΓ©-CΕur Basilica in Paris is open daily from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM, and entry to the basilicaβs interior is free.
If you’d like to visit the dome, tickets cost β¬8 for adults and β¬5 for kids. The dome is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the last entry at 6:30 PM.
Is it expensive to go to Paris?
Paris can be as affordable or as expensive as you make it, depending on where you stay, what you eat, and what activities you choose.
Budget travelers can get by with β¬50-β¬80 per day, while those in the mid-range might spend β¬100-β¬200 daily.
If you’re going for luxury, expect to spend over β¬200 a day, not including accommodation.
Get Lost in the Latin Quarter
Finally, explore the lively Quartier Latin, known for its unique vibe and plenty of cozy cafes and restaurants.
For a great meal, try La Jacobine for some classic French comfort food, or check out Le Coupe Chou, a charming spot known for its traditional dishes and cozy vibe.
Treat yourself to some classic French flavors like escargot, foie gras, or bΕuf bourguignonβand don’t forget to save room for dessert!
Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets, soaking up the lively atmosphere, often filled with university students.
You can also enjoy some evening shopping at the cute little shops, boutiques, and bookstoresβgreat for finding souvenirs.
Just nearby, youβll find the impressive Pantheon, where famous figures like Marie Curie are buried, adding a bit of history to the mix.
Itβs the perfect way to end your day, especially if you’re following your one-day Paris itinerary!
What are 5 interesting facts about Paris?
1. TheΒ Eiffel TowerΒ changes in height with the temperature. On hot days, the metal expands, making the tower a few centimeters taller.
2. Beneath Paris, there are extensive underground tunnels and catacombs, creating a hidden city under the city.
3. Paris is known as the global fashion capital, where many major fashion trends started. Streets like theΒ Champs-ΓlysΓ©es are famous for their high-end boutiques and fashion houses.
4. TheΒ MontmartreΒ district was once home to famous artists likeΒ Pablo Picasso,Β Vincent van Gogh, andΒ Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The area still has a bohemian feel and attracts modern artists.
5. Paris is often called the “City of Lights” because of its historical role in the Enlightenment and its beautiful nighttime illumination.
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One-Day Paris Itinerary: Summary
Visiting Paris in just 24 hours can be a challenge, but with my one-day Paris itinerary, youβll see many of its key attractions.
Stay flexible and enjoy every moment in this enchanting cityβyouβre sure to leave with unforgettable memories!
Remember, Paris has so much more to offer, so youβll probably want to return and explore even more of this captivating metropolis.
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And if youβve been to Paris, drop your tips in the comments below. Your advice could help other travelers!
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Great itinerary for experiencing Paris in a day! Starting with the Eiffel Tower and ending at the Latin Quarter ensures you see iconic sights and enjoy French culture. I especially appreciate the dining tips and practical advice. Perfect for first-time visitors. Thanks for the detailed guide!