How to Spend One Day in Paris: Detailed Itinerary

Paris is known for its bohemian spirit, luxurious boulevards, and romantic 19th-century skyline peppered with iconic landmarks.

The French capital is home to some of the best museums in the world alongside cutting-edge fashion and world-class gastronomy. So how are you going to squeeze all this into one day in Paris?

The great thing about Paris is that it’s a fairly walkable city and that a lot of the attractions you’ll want to see are close to one another. As I know you’ll want to see as many icons as possible, my Paris in one-day itinerary shows you exactly how to do this.

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Overview of Your One Day in Paris Itinerary

Since you’re only going to have one day in Paris, be prepared for a jam-packed itinerary and get a good night’s sleep the day before! Here is a quick overview of the places you will get to see today.

Breakdown of your one day in Paris itinerary

• Morning: Trocadéro, Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre (Moulin Rouge, Musée de la Vie Romantique​, Montmartre Cemetery, café hopping)
• Afternoon: Scenic walk from Champs-Elysées, Jardin des Tuileries, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, Notre-Dame du Paris, Latin Quarter
• Evening: Tour Eiffel, Dinner in Paris

Map for the best things to do in one day in Paris

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Paris itinerary.

I marked each time of the day with different colors – I used blue for the morning, red for the afternoon, and green for the evening so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit during your one-day Paris itinerary.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Morning

Trocadero

If you only have one day in Paris then it’s worth getting started as early as possible and that means a sunrise wake-up. I know, I know, who wants to wake up early on a holiday? But trust me, you’re going to love this!

For the first stop on your Paris itinerary, head over to Trocadéro (the closest metro station is called Trocadéro as well). It’s an open, public terrace which is located directly across from the Eiffel Tower. From here you get uninterrupted views of that icon of Paris, the Iron Lady.

Trocadéro is one of the most famous Instagram spots in Paris so it’s always full of people. However, if you arrive here in time for sunrise you will have the area practically all to yourself and you will also have the loveliest light to take enchanting photos of all 324 meters (1,063 feet) of the tower.

After that, you can also wander around the Jardins du Trocadéro which features sculptures and fountains. There are no costs associated with visiting Trocadéro so you can splash out on a croissant instead!

Sacre-Cœur

After the Eiffel Tower, the chalky-white Sacré-Cœur is another of the most famous landmarks in Paris. So head there early with your 24 hours in Paris before the crowds arrive!

Sacré-Cœur is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to the Heart of Jesus. Its architectural style is inspired by the likes of Saint Sofia in Constantinople and San Marco in Venice. Inside you’ll find a beautiful, colossal mosaic depicting the Risen Christ and from the upper dome, you get a windswept view across Paris.

To get to Sacré-Cœur from Trocadéro you can take the metro from Trocadéro to Anvers (change at Charles de Gaulle – Étoile). It takes around 30 minutes.

Sacré-Cœur is free to visit unless you want to visit the dome and crypt. The dome costs €7, however according to their official website the crypt is closed to visitors at the present time.

Explore Montmartre

Sacré-Cœur is located in the Montmartre neighborhood (18th arrondissement). It’s actually a large hill which means you get some incredible views of the city from Sacré-Cœur and beyond.

Montmartre is known for its artistic heritage, its nightlife, and its romantic winding cobblestone streets and courtyards. Spend some time getting lost and watching the local painters at work. You can even commission a portrait of your own for a cool souvenir from your one day in Paris.

Because there is a lot to see in Montmartre I’m suggesting a couple of places you might want to check out. However, you would struggle to squeeze all of these in so just pick the ones that most appeal to you.

• Moulin Rouge: Located in Montmartre on Boulevard de Clichy, this iconic birthplace of can-can dancing is perfect for snapping photos of its famous red windmill. If you have more time, consider watching a cabaret show. It’s a 15-minute walk from Sacré-Cœur.
• Musée de la Vie Romantique: This charming 1830 house, once home to painter Ary Scheffer, features a small collection of Romantic-era art, furnishings, and jewelry. The idyllic exterior is worth a visit, and the permanent collection is free.
• Montmartre Cemetery: A peaceful and picturesque spot filled with trees and graves of famous figures like Stendhal and Dalida. This is another item on your one day in Paris itinerary that is free and it’s also one of the more off-the-beaten-path things to do in Paris.

Lunch in Montmartre

Montmartre is a fabulous place to sit and sip a coffee and nibble on a pastry. Go alfresco on a street terrace or cozy up by a window on a chilly day and watch the Parisians and tourists go about their day.

Even if you’re exploring Paris in a day you should factor in some time to absorb the Parisian café culture. If you need some recommendations, check out my favorite cafes below.

• Café des Deux Moulins: If you’ve seen Amélie you will recognize this café as the one that our joy-spreading heroine waitressed! It’s a functioning café and they serve a creme brulee in her honor. It does get busy here so aim to get here before the lunch crowd.
• Hardware Societe: This is a hip café that blends Parisian, European, and Aussie fare. It’s close to Sacré-Cœur and is a great option for brunch if you skipped breakfast. Their French toasts are seriously to die for!

Afternoon

Champs-Elysees & Jardin des Tuileries

From Montmartre, ride the metro from Abbesses to Franklin D. Roosevelt (change at Concorde) or Anvers to Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau (change at Place de Clichy). Either way, you will begin the afternoon of your Paris in a one-day itinerary at one of the most splendid streets in the city!

From here you will enjoy a walk through the Jardins des Champs-Élysées and past the Egyptian obelisk at Place de la Concorde.

Continue through the Jardin des Tuileries. These gardens were commissioned by Catherine de Medici in 1564 as a place for her to host lavish banquets and events. Once the gardens were opened to the public they became a place for Parisians to relax.

Louvre

If you are a diehard art lover then you should jump at the chance to visit this prestigious art gallery during your 24 hours in Paris.

The Louvre is the largest art museum in the world, and it contains important masterpieces such as the Venus de Milo, the Mona Lisa, and Liberty Leading the People.

Because time is short, you might prefer to only visit the exterior, see those iconic pyramids, and use the rest of your time to see other landmarks.

If you want to head straight to the Louvre and maximize your time in the gallery – you could skip the section above and disembark at the Palais-Royal-Musée du Louvre metro. Entrance to the Louvre is €22 and it’s recommended to buy your ticket in advance.

Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel

Located across from the Louvre this isn’t the famous Arc de Triomphe but it’s just as glorious!

Construction began in 1806 and the arch served to commemorate Napoleon’s military victories of the previous year. You will see depictions of Victory, Fame, History, and Abundance.

Atop the arch, you can spot Peace riding in her triumphal chariot. On a sunny day, the rose-pink marble really glimmers.

Notre-Dame de Paris

Continuing your exploration of Paris in a day, it’s time to cross over the Pont Neuf. But before you plant your feet on the left bank of the River Seine, first you will arrive on the island habitat of Notre-Dame de Paris.

Although Notre Dame was subject to heartbreaking damage during the 2019 fire, work is underway to restore it to glory.

While the first stone of the great Gothic cathedral was laid in 1163, it took almost 200 years before the building was completed.

In the late 18th century, French revolutionaries caused major damage to the structure. It wasn’t until the publication of Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame that a campaign to restore the cathedral was set in motion.

Latin Quarter

Like Montmartre, the Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement) is another vibrantly bohemian Parisian neighborhood that I recommend you wander around.

It’s a large district packed with some of the most popular things to do in one day in Paris. Here are some of the places you can elect to check out.

• Shakespeare and Company: Opened in 1951 by George Whitman, this legendary bookshop is a tribute to the original founded in 1919 by Sylvia Beech, which was frequented by literary icons like Hemingway and Joyce. Today, you can browse eclectic shelves of English-language books.
• Odette Notre Dame: This charming café in the Latin Quarter is perfect for a coffee and fluffy choux à la crème. It’s the perfect pit stop during your one day in Paris.
• Panthéon: This 18th-century mausoleum houses the remains of French icons like Voltaire, Hugo, and Curie. The grand neo-classical building with its dome and columns is worth a visit, even if you don’t go inside.
• Jardin des Plantes: A stunning botanical garden ideal for spring or summer visits, originally created as a royal medicinal garden. Entrance is free, and it’s a 15-minute walk from the Panthéon.
• Le Jardin de Luxembourg: A centrally located alternative, this garden features lush floral displays and the Palais du Luxembourg, now home to the French Senate. It’s a 10-minute walk from the Panthéon.

Evening

Tour Eiffel

To conclude your one day Paris itinerary, let’s finish off where you started, but this time with a sunset at the Eiffel Tower.

Only this time you’ll go to the summit and watch Paris transform into its evening. The perfect way to conclude a day discovering the charms of the city!

Admission varies based on how much climbing you are prepared to do! If you want to ride the lift all the way to the top of the tower, it will cost you €35.30.

But if you’re happy to walk to the second floor and then take the lift, it is €22.60. Whichever one you choose, make sure to buy your tickets in advance!

Dinner in Paris

After a full 24 hours in Paris sightseeing and walking, you deserve a scrumptious meal in one of the best restaurants in Paris!

You might want to eat closer to your hotel but if you are looking for some tips on where to eat in Paris, here are some recommendations.

• Girafe: This elegant restaurant serves fresh seafood which you can enjoy from their terrace with a backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. If you want to see the other Arc de Triomphe lit up at night, you can walk there from Giraffe in 20 minutes.
• Beefbar Champs-Elysées: Beefbar serves some of the best steaks in Paris in a deluxe setting. Request a table in the main dining room for the full Belle Époque experience.
• Juveniles: This wine bar is more laid back than the other restaurants I’m recommending but the quality of the food is unparalleled and it has a lovely ambiance. You can tuck into locally sourced classic French fare and browse from what feels like hundreds of wines.
• Le Potager de Charlotte: Paris isn’t the most vegan-friendly city but le Potager de Charlotte shows it can be done with its innovative and colorful plant-based menu! You can wash it down with one of their delicious wines or try a vegan hot chocolate.

Useful Info for Visiting Paris

Where to stay in Paris

Paris is not only one of the most beautiful cities in France but it’s also one of the most visited ones in the whole of Europe. Therefore you will find a wide selection of accommodations in the city, starting from cheaper hostels and guesthouses to 5-star hotels and luxury apartments.

Paris is divided into 20 administrative units called arrondissements. The best arrondissement to stay in Paris completely depends on what you want to do as a tourist and how much time you have in hand.

If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, you will probably like to stay near the Seine River (1st to 7th arrondissement), where the major tourist attractions are located.

If you’re looking for a quick solution, below you can find some of the best hotels to stay in during your one day in Paris, depending on your budget.

• Luxury: Hôtel San Régis
• Mid-range: citizenM Paris Champs-Élysées
• Budget: Hotel Opera Maintenon

Best time to visit Paris

Paris is a true year-round destination and there is no bad time to visit Paris. However, each season is quite different and the best time to visit Paris highly depends on what are you planning to do and of course, your budget.

If you will only have one day in Paris, it’s best to go in the summer when the days are really long. The sun usually rises around 6 am and sets around 10 pm which gives you plenty of time for sightseeing. However, since this is the peak season for tourism, you will need to be prepared for massive tourist crowds and higher price tags.

Generally speaking, late spring and early autumn are the best times to visit Paris if you want to avoid the crowds but you still want to enjoy warm weather. As a bonus, in spring you can see the flowers in full bloom and in autumn you can admire the beautiful fall foliage in Paris.

The holiday season is also magical in Paris with festive lights and Christmas decorations set up all around the city. Read my guide about the best things to do in Paris at Christmas for more info!

Paris is actually a lot warmer than other European cities during winter with an average temperature of around 5-8°C (41-46°F) during the day, which is still quite pleasant for sightseeing.

How to get to Paris

Paris is served by two main airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY). CDG is the major international airport in Paris, located 23 km (14 miles) northeast of Paris.

The easiest and most budget-friendly way to get to the city center from the airport is using the RER B train line. It takes around 30 minutes to reach the city center by train and a one-way ticket costs €11.40.

ORY is the second most important airport, located 13 km (8 miles) south of Paris. Unfortunately, there are no direct train lines to get to the city center.

First, you need to hop on the Orlyval train which will take you to the Antony train station, where you can change to RER B. The journey takes around 30 minutes and it costs €12.50.

How to get around in Paris

Paris is a fairly walkable city and most of the must-see spots are close to each other and easy to reach. So the best way to get around in Paris is actually on foot! As you will see in this Paris itinerary, you can cover almost all the must-see spots by walking.

That being said, Paris is a big city and since you will only have one day in Paris, you need to use your time wisely. Luckily Paris has a fantastic public transportation system that will help you cover more ground in the city.

Paris has 16 different metro lines with more than 300 metro stations. That means you can reach practically everything with a metro! If this wouldn’t be enough, there are 4 tram lines and countless bus lines as well.

Of course, you can find many taxis and ride-hailing companies such as Uber around the city but with a public transportation system like this, you won’t really need them.