Paris One-Day Itinerary: How to Spend 24 Hours in Paris
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Only have one day in Paris? Whether you’re on a long layover in Paris, passing through on a wider trip around Europe, or just dipping your toes into solo travel with a short city break, this Paris one-day itinerary will help you make the most of every minute.
I have been to Paris six times. Two of those visits were whirlwind 24-hour trips, so I know exactly how overwhelming it can feel to squeeze this incredible city into a single day.
Should you rush to see the Eiffel Tower? Skip the lines at the Louvre? Wander aimlessly and just soak it all in? I’ve been there and I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t.
To save you time and ensure you make the most of every second, I’ve created the perfect one-day itinerary for first-time visitors to Paris who want to see the main sights.
I’ll also share tips on getting around quickly and cheaply, as well as some of the best places to eat and drink along the way, so you can spend more time exploring and less time figuring out the logistics.
Whether you’re travelling solo in Paris, sticking to a budget, or just want a stress-free day in my favourite city, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the perfect way to spend one day in Paris.
One-Day Itinerary Summary
If you need a quick outline of the best one-day itinerary for first-time visitors to Paris, look no further…
Morning
Arrive in Paris – head to the city via the RER B train. Get off at Saint-Michel Notre-Dame metro station.
Head to a bakery for a coffee and pastry breakfast. One of the closest bakeries to Saint-Michel is Paris Baguette – Paris St Michel.
Peak inside Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral – book your tickets online in advance.
Visit the Shakespeare and Company bookshop.
Lunch
Lunch at Crêperie des Pêcheurs – take your pick of artisanal sweet or savoury crepes.
Afternoon
Walk over the Pont des Arts bridge to the Louvre. View the Louvre from outside. Don’t waste time waiting in the queue unless you’re a huge art fan.
Stroll through Jardin des Tuileries and up the Champs-Élysées.
Climb the Arc de Triomphe and enjoy one of the best views across the city!
Head to the Trocadero for the view of the Eiffel Tower! Stop at Carette for hot chocolate and afternoon sweet treat on the way.
Evening
Climb the Eiffel Tower at sunset or join an evening river cruise of the River Seine!
Eat dinner at Au Canon des Invalides or Le Roussillon – two of my favourite restaurants in Paris.
Itinerary: One Day in Paris for First-Time Visitors
Getting to Paris from Charles de Gaulle Airport
If you’re arriving at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, you have a couple of options to get into the city. The cheapest way to reach Paris is by the RER B train. Follow signs for RER from the airport arrivals.
It takes 35 minutes to reach Notre Dame from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. The RER B train leaves every 10-20 minutes and costs €13 for a single fare. I recommend getting off the train at the Saint-Michel Notre-Dame station as this itinerary starts from there.
The other option is to take a taxi or an Uber, which costs €50-60 euros and can take longer than the RER B train due to traffic.
Breakfast – Coffee and Pastries
If you’re starving when you get off the train, head to a nearby bakery for a coffee and a pastry (or two). There really is no better way to start a day in Paris!
I recommend the following bakeries, just a short walk from the Saint-Michel Notre-Dame metro station.
Paris Baguette – Paris St Michel
Boulangerie Les Arts Gourmands
Notre Dame Cathedral
After breakfast, head straight across the Pont Saint-Michel bridge to Île de la Cité, where you’ll find the famous Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris.
The cathedral reopened in December 2024 after 5 years of restoration work following the fire that destroyed parts of the cathedral.
Notre-Dame is free for all to enter, so I recommend taking a peak inside. You can purchase a ticket at the entrance but as you only have one day in Paris, I highly recommend you book your ticket online before you visit to skip the long queues.
You can only make reservations online a few hours before you visit, so check the night before or early in the morning for tickets for that day.
Shakespeare and Company Bookshop
An optional extra to visit while near Notre-Dame Cathedral is the world-famous Shakespeare and Company bookshop. If you’re a bookworm, a visit to this bookshop is a must, but if books aren’t your thing, you can skip this part of the itinerary.
Lunch at a Creperie
If you’re only in Paris for one day, you’ll want to sample as much of the French cuisine as possible! Whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer savoury flavours, a creperie is the perfect light lunch to keep you going for your afternoon exploring Paris.
Near to Notre-Dame, you’ll find a range of creperies. I recommend paying a visit to Crêperie des Pêcheurs for highly-rated artisanal sweet and savoury crepes. Crêperie des Pêcheurs is open daily from 12pm.
Walk the Pont des Arts to the Louvre Museum
After filling yourself up on crepes, take a walk across the Pont des Arts bridge for a magnificent view of the River Seine and the Louvre ahead of you!
As you only have 24 hours in Paris, I recommend skipping the inside of the Louvre, as you’ll likely need to wait in a long queue to get in. What’s more, the Louvre really needs at least a couple of hours to really appreciate, so save this for a longer visit to Paris.
Instead, I recommend viewing the beautiful Louvre from the outside, including the stunning historical parts of the building and the modern, iconic pyramid.
Jardin des Tuileries and the Champs Elysees
From the Louvre, stroll through the pretty Jardin des Tuileries. If the weather is good, take a seat in one of the many green chairs dotted around the gardens and enjoy some people-watching while resting your feet.
From here, walk through the Place de la Concorde, the site of Marie Antoinette’s execution, and amble up the Champs-Élysées, one of Paris’ most famous streets.
Views up the Avenue des Champs-Élysées provide a fantastic photo opportunity to capture the magnificent Arc de Triomphe, which sits at the top of the Champs-Élysées.
Climb the Arc de Triomphe
In my opinion, the view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe is one of the best views of the city, especially at night. From here, you can see down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and across to the Eiffel Tower.
It’s one of my favourite places in Paris – I love climbing the Arc de Triomphe at night and taking in the glowing lights of the city around me!
The Arc de Triomphe is open from 10 am – 11 pm daily from April to September, except for Tuesdays when it opens at 11 am. You can book your tickets online in advance and view more information about opening times on the official website.
Walk to the Trocadero – Stop at Carette For a Sweet Treat
After climbing the Arc de Triomphe, you’ll likely need a sit-down and a sweet treat to keep you going until dinner.
From the Champs-Élysées, walk down the Avenue Kléber towards the Trocadero for the best view of the Eiffel Tower! On your way, stop at Carette for hot chocolate and an afternoon sweet treat on the way.
After refuelling, head over to the Jardins du Trocadéro for the view you’ve been waiting for! The view from the Trocadero down towards the Eiffel Tower is spectacular. I recommend you sit on the steps for a while and take it all in.
Climb the Eiffel Tower
Yes, it’s touristy and yes, you may have to wait in a queue, but is any visit to Paris complete without climbing the Eiffel Tower at least once? I don’t think so! It’s a rite of passage to view Paris from the top of the Iron Lady, and if you are lucky enough to time your visit to the Eiffel Tower at sunset, you’ll get to see the city transition from day to night too!
To speed up your visit, book tickets online in advance and skip the queues.
Seine River Cruise
After all the walking and exploring, a relaxing evening river cruise on the River Seine is the perfect way to end the day and rest your weary feet. You can join a river cruise from near the Eiffel Tower. They usually depart every 30 minutes and run until late in the evening. There are a few companies you can book with. I recommend the following Seine River cruises:
1-Hour Seine Cruise departing from the Eiffel Tower – see all he highlights along the River Seine between the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame. Runs from 10 am – 10 pm daily.
Paris Evening River Cruise with Music – This evening river cruise includes a glass of wine, champagne or beer.
Seine River Bistronomic Dinner Cruise – Sail past iconic monuments while enjoying a 3-course meal.
Dinner in Paris
If you do decide to book a river cruise, you could book a cruise with dinner for an extra special experience, or head to one of my favourite restaurants near the Eiffel Tower – Au Canon des Invalides or Le Roussillon.
Many restaurants close to the Eiffel Tower are made for tourists, which means they are over-priced and the food isn’t great quality. However, I have visited Au Canon des Invalides and Le Roussillon many times and have always had great food for reasonable prices.
If the weather is good, you can sit outside at Au Canon des Invalides for a view of the Eiffel Tower peaking out and twinkling over the rooftops!
Accommodation in Paris
When I stay overnight in Paris, I check into the beautiful Grand Hotel Leveque, situated on Rue Cler – one of the prettiest streets in Paris. I’ve stayed in this hotel several times, and it never fails to disappoint.
If you only have 24 hours in Paris, you don’t want to waste time trekking across the city back and forth from your accommodation. Grand Hotel Leveque is in the 7th Arrondissement, which is only a 10-minute walk to the Eiffel Tower and surrounded by shops, restaurants, cafes and bakeries.
Paris Accommodation
If you’re looking for accommodation for your solo trip to Paris, look no further…
Budget Accommodation
Hôtel Flor Rivoli – this hotel is in a great location in Châtelet, quite close to the Louvre and within central Paris. The hotel has 24-hour reception and free WiFi. The metro station is only 220 metres from the hotel.
Grand Hotel des Balcons – lovely location in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a beautiful neighbourhood in central Paris. The metro station is a 3-minute walk away, and the hotel has a 24-hour reception and free WiFi.
Mid-Range Accommodation
Hotel d’Angleterre – Fantastic location in the centre of Paris, making this a great choice for solo travellers. This hotel has a 24-hour reception, and a hotel bar, and is only a 5-minute walk from the River Seine.
Grand Hôtel Lévêque – My personal favourite. I have stayed here a few times. I love the location close to the Eiffel Tower on a beautiful street in the 7th arr. It’s close to bakeries, restaurants, shops and everything you need and in a great location for walking to many attractions.
Luxury Accommodation
J.K. Place Paris – This gorgeous 5-star hotel is in a great location and offers a fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, terrace and sauna. One day, I might just treat myself to this stunning hotel.
Villa Marquis Member of Meliá Collection – Fulfill all your Parisian dreams with a view of the Eiffel Tower from your luxury hotel room balcony! This stunning hotel is located between the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées, close to the Seine.
Is It Worth Going to Paris for One Day?
I usually prefer slow travel, spending time in your destination to get a feel for it, rather than racing through multiple destinations and barely touching the ground. However, if you only have one day to spend in Paris, it is definitely worth it.
Paris is a city you should return to time and time again, peeling back the layers and discovering something new every time you visit.
By spending 24 hours in Paris, you can see many of the main sights and get a feel for what Paris is all about. Paris is easy to discover both on foot and by public transport, so visiting for only one day is possible and definitely worth it. But it’s important that you plan well to make the most of your time.
Living in the UK, it’s easy to reach Paris in a very short time. I’ve visited Paris twice for a day and absolutely loved my time there. Each time I visit, I explore a new part of the city, visit a different museum or attraction and fall in love with it a little bit more.
What to Know Before You Go
First time visiting Paris? Here are a few tips that I wish I’d known before my first trip to Paris.
When is the Best Time to Visit Paris?
I have visited Paris in all seasons and various months of the year and can honestly say that Paris is beautiful all year-round. However, the weather can make or break a trip, especially if you only have one day in Paris!
The city is most beautiful during springtime (April-May) when you’ll find blossoms on the trees and also be more likely to enjoy better weather.
The weather in winter (November-March) can be changeable and very rainy. I once visited Paris in January, and it rained for three days straight! While there are plenty of things to do indoors in Paris in the rain, it wasn’t very fun getting soaked when travelling in between. It also meant I missed out on simply walking around the streets and enjoying the beautiful buildings.
In summer, many locals leave the city due to the heat and the French tradition of taking a month off for a holiday, so visiting during August could mean that some restaurants, bakeries and shops will be closed.
In truth, you could visit Paris in any month and have a wonderful time, but I believe the best time to visit Paris is in April, May or June.
What is the best way to get around Paris quickly?
If you’re able, walking between nearby attractions in Paris is the best way to get around and see the city at the same time. Although Paris is huge, it’s also very walkable if you choose a particular part of the city to explore each day.
Part of the fun is walking through the gorgeous streets and avenues, and enjoying the sights along the way.
If you’re following this Paris 1-day itinerary, I strongly recommend you wear some comfortable walking shoes and walk between the sites.
However, if you’re feet are too tired, Paris has a great public transport system that is relatively cheap and easy to use. I recommend using the Paris Metro (underground) as this removes the possibility of wasting time being stuck in traffic.
Is one day enough to see Paris?
Yes and no – you won’t see everything the city has to offer, but with a smart itinerary, you’ll be able to see many of the main highlights, or explore a particular area of the city. If you fall in love with Paris (as I did), you can explore more of the city on your next visit.
What are the must-see sights in Paris if I only have one day?
For first-time visitors, some of the must-see attractions in Paris include the Eiffel Tower (of course!), the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre (outside view), Notre-Dame Cathedral, the view of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero and a Seine River Cruise.
If you’re a returning traveller to Paris, you should add Sainte-Chapelle, Musée d’Orsay, Montmartre, Sacre Coeur, the Latin Quarter, Jardin du Luxembourg, Places des Vosges and some of the smaller neighbourhoods such as Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Marais and Canal Saint-Martin to your Paris 1-day itinerary.
Should I visit Paris on a layover?
Absolutely! However, it’s important to note that it can take up to 1 hour to get from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport into the city, so you’ll need at least an 8 hour layover to make the trip into the city worth it and ensure you can get back to the airport with plenty of time.
Can I walk to most attractions in this Paris itinerary?
Yes! This Paris one-day itinerary is designed to make sure you can walk between all of the attractions. While there is a lot of walking involved, it means you’ll see so much more of the city than if you take a metro.
I have structured this itinerary so that the next attraction on the list is just a short walk away from your previous location, with food and drink recommendations along the route to ensure you don’t need to stray too far when looking for something to eat.
How much should I budget for a day in Paris?
Expect to spend around €100-170, depending on how many attractions you pay for and where you eat. Meals, metro tickets, and entry fees are your biggest costs.
Here’s a breakdown of how that might be spent:
Metro tickets from Paris CDG to Paris Centre – €26 return
Breakfast – Coffee and pastry – €5
Lunch at a Creperie – €10
Arc de Triomphe entrance ticket – €16-22
Hot chocolate and a sweet treat at Carette – €16-20
Eiffel Tower entrance ticket – €36 (using the lift to the top floor)
Seine River Cruise – €15 for a cruise, €40-50 including dinner
If you’re travelling to Paris on a budget and want to reduce costs, here are a few tips:
Eat on the go – grab a baguette for lunch to save a few quid and also save some time.
Skip the visit to Carette. While the hot chocolate and sweet treats are amazing, it’s also very expensive. Skip Carette in favour of an independent local cafe or bakery for lower prices.
Book a second-floor ticket for the Eiffel Tower rather than going all the way to the top. Second-floor tickets cost €23.10 rather than €36.10 for the top floor. Or to save even more money, take the stairs rather than using the lift!
Should I book tickets in advance?
Yes! If you only have one day to spend in Paris, you can book tickets to the major attractions such as the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower online in advance to skip the queues and avoid wasting time.
What’s the best area to stay in Paris for one night?
My favourite area to stay in is the 7th arrondissement as it’s close to all the major attractions and is also a lovely neighbourhood that feels safe at night, especially as I frequently travel solo in Paris. My favourite hotel is Grand Hotel Leveque on the beautiful Rue Cler!
You could also choose to stay in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 6th arrondissements as they are all very central to many attractions and generally feel safe for solo female travellers and first-time visitors to Paris.
What should I pack for a one-day visit?
The most important thing to pack for your one day in Paris is comfortable walking shoes. A portable charger, reusable water bottle, weather-appropriate layers, and a small bag for essentials are also important items to take with you.
If you have a question about how to spend one day in Paris, please feel free to contact me via the contact page. I’d love to hear from you!
When I worked in Switzerland in lived in l’Ain in France we would go to Paris every month. Now that we are back in the US we come back once a year and if we are lucky twice. I cherish every single trip and love to spend even just one day in the city!
Wow! Paris every month is my dream. It’s the kind of city you can never tire of!
Beautiful post…I really need to plan my Paris trip!
I hope you love your visit to Paris!
Wow you certainly know how to make the best out of your time in my hometown! It is just so fantastic to sit down at one of those restaurants and just take in the vibe of the city. Strolling along the Seine river remains one of my favourite activities, especially now with the Parc Rives de Seine. And oh those Macarons… can’t get enough of them! Lovely post!
Paris feels like it should be my hometown! But until it actually is, I’ll just keep visiting whenever I can! But yes, you’re right, sitting in a restaurant and taking it all in is my favourite. Thanks for your comment 🙂