24 hours in Paris: A 1-day itinerary

Paris, France, is a bucket list destination for many travelers around the world. Although it would take days and weeks to explore all of Paris’s quaint alleyways, terraced restaurants, and world-famous museums and monuments, there are plenty of things to do in Paris with only a full day to pack in a Paris itinerary. So if this is your first time in Paris or a long layover, here are some ideas on how to spend 1 day in Paris.

24 hours in Paris at a glance

Breakfast: Start your day at a charming Parisian café with a fresh croissant and café au lait.

Morning: Visit the Eiffel Tower and stroll through the Trocadéro Gardens.

Lunch: Savor a leisurely lunch at a bistro, indulging in classic French cuisine like quiche or coq au vin.

Afternoon: Wander through the historic streets of Le Marais.

Sunset: Head to Montmartre for a sunset view from Sacré-Cœur.

Dinner: Dine at a traditional French restaurant, enjoying dishes like duck confit or bouillabaisse.

Late evening: Stroll along the Seine under the city lights.

Top tip

To experience the most of Paris, including free entry and discounts to various attractions I’ve recommended, consider purchasing the Paris Pass.

8 AM - 10 AM: Breakfast

Fuel up for the big day ahead by enjoying a quintessential Parisian breakfast: a slice of baguette with butter, a pastry, juice, and coffee. Paris is known for its restaurants serving food outdoors at small round tables with chairs facing the street, perfect for people-watching and taking in the sights and sounds of the city (bonus points if the tables are facing the Seine). Wherever you’re staying in Paris, you’re never far from a restaurant that will serve breakfast and a hot drink al fresco.

Insider tip

If you’re too excited to get your 1-day Paris itinerary started or are not much of a breakfast person, the city is covered in boulangeries (bakeries) and patisseries (pastry shops) where you can purchase croissants or pain au chocolat for the road.

10 AM - 12 PM: Morning

The morning in Paris is a sacred time because it’s when the tourists have yet to come out in full force at different attractions around the city. Start your morning sightseeing in Paris at either the Sacre Coeur, Paris’s pearly white hilltop basilica, with a cruise along the Seine River to get your bearings in Paris, or at the world-famous Notre Dame Cathedral and its neighbor, the Sainte Chapelle, a lesser-known but no less spectacular gothic chapel that dates back to the 13th-century.

Insider tip

The Sacre-Coeur Basilica is a free thing to do in Paris (donations are accepted), and visitors can pay extra to climb to the top dome to see the sights across Paris. Sainte-Chapelle has one of the world's most impressive stained-glass window collections, most of which were installed for the chapel’s original construction. It is no longer considered a religious building, so tickets are required for entry except on the first Sunday of the month.

12 PM - 1 PM: Lunch

Depending on your hunger levels, you can stop for something to eat near Notre Dame or head closer to the Louvre Museum before stopping for a bite.

Insider tip

If you decide on Notre Dame, Comme Chai Toi is located just across the Seine. Enjoy lunch with a view at this traditional French restaurant that serves duck and bass filets, grilled octopus, and of course, escargot. If you choose to head to the Louvre, Happy Caffe is a budget-friendly creperie with crepes and sandwiches for less than €10.

2 PM - 4 PM: Afternoon

Spend your afternoon in Paris at one or more of its unmissable museums and galleries. Paris is recognized globally as a capital of the arts, and the city’s museum district is where the most famous art museums are concentrated. With a full day in Paris, it’s possible to see one or two of these famous art museums: the Louvre and its distinctive glass pyramid, home to 35,000 other works of art; the Pompidou Center, with its inside-out architecture designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, or the Musée d’Orsay, largely dedicated to impressionist and post-impressionist artworks.

Insider tip

Other museum options in Paris worth noting include the Musée de l'Orangerie and the Rodin Museum and sculpture gallery.

4 PM - 5 PM: Sunset and evening

Make the most of your Parisian golden hour by getting some altitude and reaching the top of either the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe. The Eiffel Tower is not only the most iconic landmark in France, but it was also an engineering wonder of the world for its time. The Arc de Triomphe is another Parisian icon, located in the middle of an impressive roundabout at one end of the Avenue des Champs-Elysées.

Insider tip

One of the perks of visiting the top of the Arc de Triomphe in the evenings is the ability to see the Eiffel Tower from a distance. For 10 minutes at the top of every hour after nightfall, the Eiffel Tower lights up and sparkles in dazzling illumination. Although it’s exciting to be on the Eiffel Tower when it lights up, it’s magical to see it from a distance as well.

6 PM - 8 PM: Dinner

Close out your day by enjoying a beautiful French dinner on the Seine River — especially if you’re visiting Paris in summer. Joining a river cruise complete with champagne and a three-course dinner is a glamorous, romantic, and fitting end to your full day in Paris.

Insider tip

The City of Light looks completely different from the Seine at night than it does during the day, so you can reminisce on your time in the city from a completely different perspective as you see all of the city’s landmarks one last time.

8 PM - 10 PM: Late evening

Staying up late? Paris at night is a sight to behold. Catch a cabaret show: cabarets first came about in Paris in the late 1800s, and feature catchy music, upbeat choreography, and (partially nude) theatrical dances to woo audiences. With champagne included, they make the perfect nightcap for your day in Paris.

Insider tip

Make sure to wear smart attire (no flip flops, tennis shoes, shorts, or sportswear) and know that cabarets can include some nudity and seduction, so may not be appropriate for everyone. Some shows do not allow children.

FAQs

Is it worth visiting Paris for 24 hours?

Yes, a day in Paris is worthwhile. While you won’t see everything, you can still enjoy iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre. With a well-planned itinerary, you can savor Parisian culture, cuisine, and atmosphere, making your short visit memorable.

What can I do during a 24-hour layover in Paris?

Maximize your layover by visiting iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Stroll along the Champs-Élysées and explore the historic Cathédrale Notre-Dame. Savor local cuisine by trying crêpes or enjoying a café au lait with pain au chocolat at a sidewalk café. Art enthusiasts can choose between the Louvre or Musée de l’Orangerie for a cultural fix. This itinerary offers a taste of Paris’s charm, culture, and cuisine in just one day.

Can you walk around Paris at night?

Exploring Paris at night offers a unique charm with its illuminated landmarks. Begin at the Louvre Museum’s pyramid, stroll through the Tuileries Garden, and reach Place de la Concorde with its striking obelisk. The city’s nighttime beauty is truly captivating.

Can you explore Paris in a single day?

Yes, you can make the most of a day in Paris. The city is compact and walkable, allowing you to see many iconic sights. Take a stroll to admire landmarks, and don't miss the chance to savor some delightful French pastries. With careful planning, you can experience the charm of the City of Lights even on a tight schedule.

What are some must-see landmarks in Paris if I only have one day?

In just 24 hours, prioritize visiting iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower for its breathtaking views, Notre-Dame Cathedral for its Gothic architecture, and the Louvre Museum to glimpse the Mona Lisa. Stroll along the Seine River and take in the beauty of the Pont Alexandre III. Don't miss the charming Montmartre district and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for a taste of Parisian culture and history.