If you’ve got just one day in Paris and you’re wondering how to make the most of it, you’re in the right place. Having lived in this magical city since 2006, I’ve got the insider scoop on how to experience the best of Paris in a day.
Whether it’s your first visit or you’re back for more, this itinerary is packed with must-see spots and local secrets. From the charming streets of Montmartre to the iconic Eiffel Tower, we’ll cover it all.
How to make the most out of your one day in Paris?
If you’ve ever searched for “perfect day in Paris” or “one day in Paris”, you’ve probably seen a bunch of guides and itineraries. I’ve looked through them too, and to be honest, they often leave me scratching my head.
Some are jam-packed to the brim, while others suggest you’ll barely have time to do anything. Let’s find a happy medium and plan a day in Paris that’s just right!
But let’s set the record straight: if you’re in Paris for just a day, you won’t tick off every highlight. But don’t think for a second that a one-day visit isn’t worth it. You can absolutely have a fantastic time and get a real taste of what Paris has to offer. Let’s make that day count!
A word of warning: This 1 day in Paris itinerary that I created for you is sportive, and you better pack your most comfortable walking shoes for Paris because you’ll be on your feet all day.
Also interesting:
- 2 days in Paris: read more here
- Paris first timer guide: read more here
In this guide I am aiming for that the sweet spot between sightseeing and joie de vivre. Because let’s be honest: you can visit the Louvre, but if you have only one or two spare hours, what’s the point?
And you can also just rush from one sight to another next on your Paris in one day tour. But if you don’t have a moment to just sit and enjoy a glass of wine on e terrace?
Visiting Paris is not a race. Paris is about pleasure and joy, about taking it all in, about being fully there.
Your Realistic iItinerary for One Day in Paris
I have been living in Paris for many years, and I put together a realistic itinerary of things to do in Paris in a day.
Everything you could and should do if you are in Paris for a day to make the most out of your stay and get a comprehensive impression of the city.
For a café on a patio and even a glass of wine at sunset. You will also see some of Paris’ most iconic sights, and I can assure you it won’t be the most stressful day of your life. And you most likely want to come back!)
What does this 1 day in Paris Itinerary cover?
In a nutshell, these are the sights and activities you can be looking forward to if you are following more or less this one-day itinerary for Paris:
- Eiffel Tower
- Pyramid of the Louvre
- Notre Dame
- Seine River Cruise
- St.Michel
- Sacré Coeur
- Shakespeare & Company
- Centre Pompidou
- The Bouquiniste
- a café in a Parisian street café
- of course: An authentic french croissant
- and: a glass of wine
If you are thinking now that I am out of my mind to be intending to squeeze all those activities to do in Paris in one day, that’s fair.
Though, I am good at coming up with efficient plans. Read on to see for yourself how you can maximize your day in Paris.
Paris in a Day Walking Distance: 9.5km ≡ Duration: 8h to 10h
Feel free to use the itinerary below as is, or think of it as a set of building blocks.
Depending on your schedule, energy, and personal preferences, you can easily skip parts like the Louvre Pyramid or Montmartre.
You might even want to start with Montmartre and skip the Marais. These modules are flexible and can be swapped around to suit your mood. This way, you can create a memorable day in Paris that’s tailored just for you.
Your 1 day in Paris Itinerary
Maybe you’re thinking of a quick stopover in Paris for a day while heading to Southern Europe. Or perhaps you’re in luck with a long layover in Paris, giving you enough time to venture into the city. And depending on where you’re based, a day trip to Paris could even be on the cards!
Either way, visiting Paris for one day is a fantastic way to get to know the city a bit.
If you need precise information regarding your arrival point, for example how to get into town from airports, where to park your car, etc., please read also the last section of this article
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. Here’s your itinerary for one perfect day in Paris.
#1 Châtelet & Marais
Length: 4km | Duration: 1h30
Paris works really well when you’re short on time. It’s not a massive city, quite the opposite, actually, and most of its sights are centered around the same area.
That’s why I’ve picked Châtelet, a major metro and train station, as the starting point for this itinerary. Châtelet is a key public transport hub, making it easy to connect from wherever you’re arriving in Paris.
It’s directly linked to Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, and to major train stations like Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, Gare Saint Lazare, and Gare de Lyon. So, getting here should be a breeze.
Tour de Saint-Jacques
After enjoying the obligatory French Croissant and are at the Metro station, head east. If you are unsure where east is, look out for the Tour de Saint-Jaques. The 52m high tower is the only remains of a gothic 16th-century church that got destroyed following the French Revolution in 1797.
Hôtel de Ville
Heading down the Rue de Rivoli, you will soon see the Hôtel de Ville, the Parisian mayor house, on your right. I suggest paying a visit to the tourist office that is located on the left side of the building.
It’s a good occasion to stuck up on some Paris knick-knack as a memory of your one-day trip to Paris, but the real reason why it’s worth to step in are the free temporary exhibitions!
24 hours in Paris – Visit the Marais!
Starting from Hôtel de Ville, make your way north, passing the Centre Pompidou, and enter the Marais. This area was the aristocratic district of Paris until the French Revolution, and many historic buildings here are remnants of that era.
Post-revolution, the Marais transformed into a bustling commercial area and became the heart of Paris’ Jewish community. Nowadays, it’s also known as the center of LGBT culture in Paris and a hub for galleries, boutiques, trendy restaurants, and bars.
So if it comes down to what to see in Paris in one day, the Marais is definitely high up on the list. If you have a bit more time in Paris, the Marais is a wonderful district to take a walking tour for foodies!
Your Exact Itinerary: Châtelet & Marais
If you follow the itinerary below, you will come across the most interesting and representative sights within the Marais area.
The actual walking time in the Marais, according to Google, is about 53 minutes. But you should really allocate at least 1h30, if not 2 hours. The Marais is filled with charming shops and small galleries, and I did promise you’d have time for a café, right? Taking it slow here is part of the experience.
To save time, I suggest you have (an early) lunch in the Marais.
The Marais, with its strong Jewish and Middle Eastern influences, is a great spot for kosher food and, of course, falafel!
A top choice is L’As du Falafel on Rue des Rosiers. This famous falafel shop is even a favorite of Lenny Kravitz. That’s quite the endorsement (and honestly, the falafel really is delicious). You’ll spot it easily thanks to the queue, but don’t worry, they serve fast.
Alternatively, I can recommend Le Sabich Sandwich from Babka Zana near Place de Vosges on 8 rue du Pas de la Mule.
For more food ideas, check out our Paris Food Guide to discover the best eats in the city!
#2 Île de Saint-Louis
Length 300m | Duration 15min (if you make an ice cream stop!)
After you’ve visited the Shoah Memorial in the Marais, cross over the Pont Marie to reach Île Saint-Louis. While the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral might tempt you to detour, hold off for a bit — it’s not on our agenda just yet. Stay patient, there’s more to explore first!
Just when you set foot on the Île Saint-Louis, you’ll pass by Berthillon. It’s the most famous (and best) glacier in Paris, and their ice creams and sorbets are knowingly among the 10 best ice creams in the world. And isn’t time for a desert anyway? Treat yourself!
By the way, does the café in the picture above look familiar? It’s a filming location for Emily in Paris!
If you’ve got a little extra time and you’re still up for a walk, I recommend adding about 15 minutes to your schedule for some detours around Île Saint-Louis. It’s a really pleasant island and worth the extra exploration.
#3 Quartier Latin
Complete Loop 4 km | Duration 1h30—2h
Shortcut Tour 1.2 km | Duration 20 – 40 min
The Quartier Latin, known as the traditional university district of Paris, still houses most of the city’s educational establishments. The area gets its name from its history — Latin used to be the language of academia!
Today, the Latin Quarter is a vibrant student hub, bustling with pubs, bars, markets, shops, and picturesque cobbled streets. It’s a lively part of the city that’s full of energy and character.
Given that you’ve already done a fair amount of walking today, it might be wise to keep your Latin Quarter tour relatively brief. The full loop on the map below is more suited for those who are particularly keen on exploring Paris or for those opting to rent a Vélib bike for quicker travel.
If you’re leaning towards the shorter route, head directly to Odette, marked as point G on the map. This will streamline your tour while still allowing you to experience a key part of the Latin Quarter.
Latin Quarter Shortcut Tour (If you lack time)
The shortcut itinerary through the Latin Quarter includes some iconic Parisian spots, starting with Odette.
This charming tea house is famous for its choux à la crème – a type of filled puff pastry. It’s a great place to either sit down for some people-watching with a tasty pastry or to grab some choux to go.
Just a short walk from Odette, you’ll find the renowned bookstore Shakespeare and Company. Specializing in English and American literature, this bookstore is a true Parisian institution and one of the city’s most unique spots.
If you’re short on time, Shakespeare and Company is a must-visit in Paris, even for just a day. It’s no longer a hidden gem, but it’s absolutely worth stepping inside to explore.
When you visit Shakespeare and Company, make sure to take in the view of Notre Dame from the first floor. And while you’re there, give some love to the resident cat who lives in the bookstore (not in Notre Dame!).
For a unique souvenir, any book you buy can be stamped upon request – a nice little touch to remember your visit.
If you haven’t grabbed a bite yet, the Latin Quarter offers plenty of lunch options. But a heads-up: try to avoid the restaurants around Rue de la Harpe.
They might be cheap and look tempting, but trust me, you can find much better food elsewhere in the area for just a bit more.
#4 Île de la Cité
Length 1,8 km | Duration 40 min (if you visit the Hôtel Dieu)
From the the Latin Quarter, just cross the St. Michel Bridge and finally head over to Notre Dame. Since the tragic incident in 2019, Notre Dame cannot be visited currently.
Some blinds are put in place, so you cannot get even close to Notre Dame. However, you can still snap some pictures and the Île-de-la-Cité has a few nice places to discover, for example, the Hôtel Dieu just left from Notre Dame.
It’s not a very time-consuming activity, but a real secret tip and definitely worth it! See our post here and know more about visiting.
Editor’s advice: if you are around Notre Dame, be extra wary of pickpockets and do not stop if some girls ask for your signature for something.
#5 Seine River Cruise – Time to Relax
Book your Ticket here | Duration 1h30
After wandering through the Marais, much of the Latin Quarter and the Seine islands, you’ve definitely earned a break!
On the Seine Island Île de la Cité, where you currently are, you find the pier for the Seine River Cruise. It’s the perfect chance to just hop on and enjoy a relaxing cruise along the river!
Taking a cruise on the Seine will not only let you relax and stretch your legs a wee bit after quite a busy day, but you will also see most of Paris’ important sights (at a very fair price!)
- Tour Eiffel
- Musée d’Orsay
- Musée de Louvre
- Notre Dame
- Île de la Cité
- Grand Palais
- Petit Palais
- Pont Neuf
- Pont Alexandre III
There are many companies in Paris that are offering Cruises on the Seine and one is usually as good as the other, but most of them are leaving at the Eiffel Tower. So not at all where you are.
If you are visiting Paris only for a very short time and following my itinerary, you need to book a Seine Cruise with Vedettes de Pont Neuf. It’s the only company that starts in the center of Paris.
I strongly recommend booking your Seine cruise in advance, as some time slots are very popular and superfast sold out. Check here for availabilities, schedules, and rates.
Tip: The boats are leaving from the Seine island Île de la Cité and the entrance is next to the statue of Henry IV, in the middle of Pont Neuf.
#6 The Pyramid of the Louvre
Length 1,1 km | Duration 14 min
The Louvre is the world’s most visited museum and is located in the former king’s palace, the Palais du Louvre. It’s also the largest art museum of the world, with more than 30.000 exhibited objects on 72.735 square meters.
But bad news first: you won’t have time to visit the Louvre if you are on a one day trip to Paris.
That being said, if you skip one or two of the suggested itineraries, you could make it. Just think about purchasing your tickets in advance, as even a museum like the Louvre can be sold out. Click here to reserve your spot!
Need help deciding? Read this article: Is the Louvre Worth It? Your No-Nonsense Guide
The great news is, you’ve got time to see the famous Pyramid of the Louvre. This glass pyramid, situated in the main courtyard of the Louvre, was inaugurated in 1988.
Initially, it wasn’t widely embraced, but today, it stands as one of Paris’ key landmarks. Interestingly, it’s not just one pyramid – there’s also an inverted glass pyramid inside, a fact you might recognize if you’ve seen the film or read Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code”.
It’s a striking piece of architecture that blends modern and historical elements, making it a must-see on your Paris trip.
(Well, there are 4 Pyramids, but those 2 are the most significant)
#7 Montmartre & the Sacre Cœur
Length 700m | Duration 25min – if you linger
Montmartre is one of Paris’ loveliest areas, and if you’ve still got a bit of energy left, consider taking an Uber up north. (The Metro is also an option, about a 30-minute ride.)
When you arrive at Abbesses Metro station, take some time to grab dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. I personally recommend Comptoir Breizh.
It’s a traditional Crêperie serving both sweet and savory dishes, and their offerings are truly delicious. It’s a great way to wrap up your day with some authentic French cuisine.
Right next to the Abbesses Metro station, you’ll find your first Montmartre highlight: “Le mur des je t’aime” or the Wall of Love. It’s a perfect spot for a quick photo. Then, get ready to head uphill.
Yes, there are a few stairs involved, but soon you’ll arrive at “Place du Tertre”, the famous square bustling with painters ready to sketch your portrait.
And just a bit further, you reach the grand finale of your one-day Paris adventure: the majestic Basilica of Sacre Coeur. What better way to end an amazing day than by watching the city lights come on at night from this stunning vantage point?
P.S.: Don’t forget to grab some beers or wine to enjoy as you take in the breathtaking view.
Editor’s advice: As you descend the stairs at Sacre Coeur, keep an eye out for individuals who might approach you to tie a friendship bracelet around your wrist, often expecting money in return.
The best strategy is to simply ignore them and walk past quickly. They’re not dangerous, just quite persistent and can be annoying. Being aware and moving on swiftly is your best bet.
How to organize your day trip to Paris?
No matter how long or short you stay in Paris, there are always a few things to organize.
The most common question for travelers is understandably about how to get to Paris in the first place.
If you’re arriving by car, finding a convenient and reasonably priced parking spot is crucial. On the other hand, if you’re flying in, it’s important to know the best ways to get from the airport into the city.
The following articles will be interesting for you:
- 5 ways to get from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris: THE complete guide!
- How to use the Parisian Metro in 2022!
- Paris by bike: How to rent a bike in Paris in 2022!
1 Day in Paris: Transportation & Accomodation
Each mode of arrival requires a bit of planning to ensure a smooth start to your Paris adventure.
Arriving in Paris by Plane
The Paris Layover Tour
If you are traveling internationally in or out of Europe with a connection in Paris, you might have some waiting time between flights. You can also plan an easy overnight layover to benefit from the occasion to explore Paris.
Paris isn’t very far from the airport, and it’s easily possible to use a layover by visiting Paris.
How to get to Paris from the Airport?
Paris has 2 airports: Roissy/Charles de Gaulle (CDG) in the north and Orly (ORY) in the south. Both airports are connected to Paris by RER B (Parisian express train) with several inner-city stops.
By Public Transport
The train from the airport, whether it’s Orly or Charles de Gaulle, takes around 45 minutes to Châtelet, the center of Paris.
By Private Transport
If you are short on time and don’t want to stress about figuring out public transportation, you can also easily book a private transfer from the airport to Paris.
I recommend you to check with Welcome Pickup because they are reliable, speak English and track your flight to be aware of delays.
Check here our very extensive guide on how to get from CDG airport to Paris!
Where to stay when traveling by Plane?
If your layover requires reserving a hotel, you can either check in to a hotel close by the airport or spend the night in Paris.
However, it depends on your flight departure time. If your plane is scheduled before noon, I suggest staying close to the airport. Traffic in Paris can be VERY busy, both on roads and public transportation.
Where to stay near Charles de Gaulle Airport (Roissy)?
A few Hotels are located directly on the Airport premise, so you don’t have to worry about transportation in the morning. The best Hotels are:
- Ibis Paris CDG (Budget)
- Innside by Melia Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (Midrange)
- Pullman Paris Roissy Cdg Airport (Upscale)
Where to stay near Orly Airport?
If you are leaving from Orly in the south, you have less of a choice because there are only two hotels in the airport area. Both are good and convenient:
- ibis Paris Coeur d’Orly Airport (Midrange)
- Novotel Paris Coeur d’Orly Airport (Upscale)
Arriving in Paris by Car
If you’re heading north or south or are on a road trip through Europe, you might find yourself arriving in Paris by car. However, having a car in Paris isn’t really ideal.
I strongly recommend against driving into the city center and also suggest avoiding street parking. The traffic in Paris can be intense, and finding a parking spot is often a challenge.
Moreover, leaving all your luggage in your car while you’re out exploring Paris is not a good idea.
It’s better to find a secure parking solution or consider alternative transportation options once you’re in the city to ensure your belongings stay safe and you avoid the stress of navigating Parisian traffic.
There are many paid and surveilled parking places all around town that are close to public transportation. You can find your convenient location and even book a parking place ahead of your arrival.
You can do that for example here, but there are many parking place providers in Paris.
Rent a Hotel with Parking Place
If you’re planning to stay overnight in Paris and have a car, booking a hotel with private parking can solve your parking dilemma. I recommend checking out these hotel options.
All of them are conveniently located near Metro stations, ensuring quick access to the city center. Plus, they’re situated just far enough from the heart of the city to avoid getting caught in Paris’ notorious traffic.
This way, you get the best of both worlds – ease of travel and a stress-free place to park your vehicle.
However, parking is not free and all hotels charge a minimum of €20 per day.
Mama Shelter East: ultra-modern hotel with iMacs in each room. The hotels also have an in-house restaurant, a Pizzeria, and a bar.
Le Mireille: The nice French hotel lies nearby to the Sacre Coeur. The location is perfect for everyone who is following our one-day in Paris itinerary, as the Sacre Coeur is the end of the tour!
Arriving in Paris by Train
If you’re traveling to Paris from London, Brussels, or Cologne, you’ll most likely arrive at Gare du Nord. On the other hand, if you’re coming from the south of France, your arrival point will probably be Gare de Lyon.
Conveniently, each of these train stations is connected to Châtelet by a direct Metro line, and the journey takes about 10 minutes.
A single ride Metro ticket costs €1,90 at the time of writing and can be loaded on a Navigo Easy Travel card that you either buy at the station for €2 or load on your phone for free.
Where to stay in Paris for one night?
If you are looking for a hotel in Paris for one night, it’s best to stay in the center of Paris. This way, you are saving time in public transportation, you get the full Paris flair, and you are quickly everywhere.
But it is hard to choose the right Hotel in Paris, I know. That’s why I have a few Paris hotel guides that will help you find your perfect accommodation.
- 5 most convenient Ibis Hotels in Paris – Budget Hotel Guide
- 14 Hotels with stunning Eiffel Tower views- for (almost) every budget!
- The best Hotels in Montmartre; for every budget!
If you’re planning to follow this itinerary and need to catch a flight from Charles de Gaulle Airport later, it’s actually a smart idea to look for a hotel in Montmartre.
This location offers you a convenient route back after a day of sightseeing, and it also means a shorter trip to the airport, as both Montmartre and Roissy Airport are in the northern part of the city.
Plus, Montmartre is an incredibly beautiful area, perfect for enjoying a morning coffee before you head to the airport. Staying there not only simplifies your logistics but also adds a charming start to your departure day.
Want more Paris recommendations? Here’s my free Google Map with 200+ spots 🗺️
À bientôt,
Lena
Parisienne since 2006 🇫🇷
Sharing Paris life, French culture, cafés, food & honest travel tips
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NEW: The Salut from Paris Travel Guide:
Must-Haves for Paris:
- eSim card to stay online while in Paris. I used Airalo for my travels.
- You likely need a travel adapter to plug your devices.
- Travel Insurance – if you don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is a good option.
- If your flight is delayed or even canceled, use AirHelp to get compensation.
Tours & Attractions:
- I book tours & activities through Get Your Guide or Viator.
- Museum & Landmark tickets can be cheaper on the official page, but they are often sold out.
- I love the GoCity Travel Passes for easy planning
Flights & Transportation:
- I use Omio to compare flight fares & connections
- Airport transfers I book through Welcome Pickup
- For car rentals, I use AutoEurope. It’s easy to compare prices
- Train Tickets, you can book through Omio
- Here’s my Parisian Metro Guide
Accomodation:
- Hotels in Europe I mostly book through Booking.com (check reviews carefully)
- Vacation Rentals through Airbnb or VRBO
FAQ: One Day in Paris
Is 1 day enough in Paris?
One day in Paris may not be enough to explore the city to its core, but it is enough time to get a good glimpse of the city and to take in that exceptional Paris vibe.
Can you walk around Paris in a day?
Absolutely. Paris is surprisingly small, especially if you compare it to London, Berlin, or New York. Everything is close together, and crossing Paris on foot from North to South takes not even 3 hours.
If you stroll around Paris for one day, you see a lot and surely can check off a few of your bucket list items.
What should I avoid in Paris?
Paris is a safe city to visit, especially if you roam around the center. However, avoid having your valuables at places, that are easily accessible because pickpockets are everywhere.
Is a day trip to Paris from London worth it?
Paris is easily visited from London for a day. The Eurostar takes not even 2.5 hours from London to Paris, and the station is very close to attractions and sights.
What is the cheapest way to travel around Paris?
The cheapest way to travel around Paris is the Metro, 1,90€ one way.
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