A one-day trip to Paris might sound like it’s impossible to enjoy, but with some careful planning it’s feasible to pack several iconic landmarks, tasty food, and the intangible magic of the French capital into your visit.
Ready to fall for Paris in a day? Allons-y!
Don’t forget to bring your iRoamly France Travel eSIM – it’s a great idea to go from viewing maps to sharing moments in real time during your trip to Paris.
How to Spend One Day in Paris？
There are so many attractions in Paris that you could spend days hopping from one to the next, but chances are you only have a day to see everything. To make the most of your very limited time, decide what you’re most interested in – whether that’s the big-name sites, stately museums, or simply shopping neighborhoods – or follow our own recommended 1 day itinerary through the city.
Here’s our own suggested plan, taking in 7 sites from morning till night. If you’ve got your heart set on a few others, use the suggestions at the end to help you map out your own route.
Now, let’s move on to the itinerary for an unforgettable day in Paris.
One-Day Tour Itinerary in Paris
Morning:
First Stop: The Louvre Museum
The Louvre, a former royal palace, is Paris’s most visited museum – and for good reason. Home to 35,000 works of art, the museum is one of the world’s largest and holds some of its greatest masterpieces.
The enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa, the beautiful Venus de Milo – you’ll never run out of stunning art here, plus the building itself is a work of art: the modern glass pyramid of its entrance is only the beginning of the adventure into French culture.
How to Get There: Take the Paris Metro to the Louvre-Rivoli stop or walk just a few blocks from Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre station.
Buy your tickets online ahead of time to avoid long queues. Tickets are €17 per adult, and you’ll need to select a timeslot for entry. Guided tours are also available for an extra charge, with expert guides showing you their favorite pieces.
Hours: The museum is open every day but Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., but remains outside when it's closed. Last tickets are sold an hour before closing, and the galleries are emptied 30 minutes before closing.
Second Stop: Tuileries Garden
After the Louvre, head straight out its side entrance to the Jardin des Tuileries.
This beautiful garden is the perfect place to relax after the hustle and bustle of the museum. The geometric paths, fountains, and statues are lovely to explore, taking you right to the Orangerie Museum, home to Monet’s Water Lilies. You can even pop a squat on one of the many seating areas and take it all in.
Take your time! This garden is the perfect place to rest those feet and soak in the sun. Grab a bench by a fountain, sip on the cup of coffee you picked up before you left the museum, and admire the views of Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe in the distance.
Lunch time! Go enjoy a classic Parisian meal at a nearby bistro, such as a croque-monsieur, or keep it simple with a baguette, cheese, and charcuterie.
Afternoon:
Third Stop: Love Lock Bridge and the Seine River
Now head to the famous Pont des Arts, known as the Love Lock Bridge.
While authorities have had to remove the majority of the love locks that once weighed down the bridge’s railings, the romantic gesture still makes sense when you’re in this city of love. The River Seine glides hypnotically beneath it – you can just see Notre Dame's spire in the distance, around the corner to the left.
How to Get There: The bridge isn’t too far from the Louvre, so you won’t have to go far out of your way. You can get a brilliant shot of Notre Dame from it, too.
If it’s a honeymoon, engagement or similar romantic occasion, consider taking along a padlock, as many couples do for a Paris proposal, and clip it to the bridge. If not, soak up the view and the atmosphere all the same.
Fourth Stop: Notre Dame de Paris
Pop across the Pont des Arts and you’ll find yourself at the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.
Belle-ringing, gorgeous, and with a past dating from the 12th century, the Gothic architecture and history of the world-famous cathedral is reason to pause – that and the damage from the 2019 fire. But hop across the bridges until you reach the Place du Parvis-Notre-Dame, and a panoramic viewing spot awaits.
How to Get There: Just minutes from the Love Lock Bridge on foot, meander across the Pont Saint-Michel, sticking close to the river.
Arrive early in the day to beat the lines; we felt very smug about getting there before the queue formed.
Fifth Stop: Montmartre
End your day in Montmartre – a town in its own right until it was subsumed into Paris in 1860.
The artistic quarter of Paris sunsets best, with winding alleys between bijou cafés and bustling squares. One climb up the hill brings you to the beautiful Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, with views spanning every quarter of Paris. Catch a cancan, explore a gallery or two during the day, and you’ll find aspects of the Spirit of Paris in every corner.
How to Get There: The easiest route is by taking the Metro to the Anvers or Pigalle stops and walking to the funicular. If you want, you can walk up the Montmartre stairs for incredible street art.
Yes, you’ll have to walk up a hill, but don’t feel you need to run – the funicular is a good option if you don’t pace yourself.
Evening:
By now you’ve explored the soul of Paris, and hopefully worked up an appetite. Time for a nice French dinner!
Here are three popular French restaurants to consider:
Le Comptoir du Relais (6th Arrondissement): A cozy little bistro serving classic French fare. It gets busy, so book a table in advance.
Bistrot Paul Bert (11th Arrondissement): For a taste of authentic French dining, head to this local favorite. Reservations recommended.
Le Procope (6th Arrondissement): One of the oldest restaurants in the world, this historical spot serves delectable French meals with a view of the picturesque Saint-Germain-des-Près. Book ahead to secure a table.
After Dinner: Eiffel Tower or Seine River Cruise
The choice is yours for the remainder of your evening. You can either:
Go up the Eiffel Tower: Just be sure to pre-book your tickets, especially in peak season. The last ascent is at 11pm, so you have plenty of time to squeeze it in.
Take a Seine River Cruise: The night cruises leaving from the base of the Eiffel Tower are remarkably pretty, with an illuminated Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and more twinkling in the skyline.
Chill and Take in the Sights: Alternatively, grab a bottle of French wine, some pastries and enjoy an Eiffel Tower light show from the Trocadéro Square, or the Champ de Mars.
Other Paris Attractions That Are Worth Visiting
Even if you’re only planning a day trip, there may be some more to see and do in Paris if you can hustle through these worthwhile stops or start planning a return.
1. Sacré-Cœur Basilica
A trip up to Montmartre Hill gives you access to one of the most breathtaking views of Paris – not to mention the Sacré-Cœur’s own striking white domes.
Getting There: Visit Anvers Station on Metro Line 2, or Abbesses Station on Line 12, both a short walk from the basilica.
Tip: Climbing the steps may be a bit of a workout, but it’s worth it for the view. There’s also a funicular if you prefer the easy route!
2. Musée d'Orsay
Housed in a repurposed railway station, the Musée d'Orsay boasts a collection of masterpieces from artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas – an attraction not to be missed for art lovers.
Getting There: You’ll find the Musée d'Orsay at 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur. Take RER C to Musée d'Orsay station or Line 12 to Solférino station.
Tip: The museum is quietest in the late afternoon, so consider a post-lunch visit for a more peaceful experience.
3. Arc de Triomphe
A memorial to those who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, climbing the Arc rewards you with one of the best views in Paris – a unique perspective on the Champs-Élysées and beyond.
Getting There: Sitting at the top of the Champs-Élysées, the monument can be reached via Metro Lines 1, 2, or 6 to Charles de Gaulle-Etoile station.
Tip: Ready to take on plenty of steps to get to the top? The 360° panoramic view is a pay-off worth the effort.
Maybe You Are Curious About Something Else?
If you’re organizing a day trip to Paris, there may be a few details you’re still curious about. Allow us to clarify.
The Best Way to Get to Paris
Paris is easily accessible by plane, train, or bus from most European destinations – or parts of the world even further afield. Pick the best option for you in terms of timing, convenience, and cost. From either Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly, a train or taxi will take you directly to the city center, while trains from nearby nations will bring you right to the heart of the city.
The Best Time to Visit Paris for One Day
In terms of weather, crowds, and cost, aim to visit Paris in spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). You’ll find pleasantly mild temperatures and mild tourist numbers. Summer is festive but busy, while winter can be festive but cold.
Safety Matters
Paris is as safe as any major city, but that doesn’t mean you should become complacent as a tourist. Be vigilant with your belongings, especially in busy landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower or Louvre Museum. Watch out for pickpockets, and don’t venture into quiet spots after dark. In an emergency, dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire brigade.
Traveling to Paris with kids?
Taking children to Paris can be a wondrous trip, with family attractions like Disneyland Paris, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, and child-centric collections at the Musée d'Orsay. Slow walks along the Seine or a sightseeing cruise along the river can also be low-key fun for mini adventurers.
Summary:
With the highlights of Paris at your feet, from the Louvre to the Seine, Montmartre to the Eiffel Tower,
and a bit of planning and some insider knowledge, make a day trip to the French capital a trip to remember.
Admire the art, sample the cuisine, or just soak in the cityscape – no matter what you get up to, your 24-hour Paris adventure will be unforgettable.