A Fabulous Paris In A Day Itinerary: 9 Best Places To Visit

Can you visit Paris in a day? The French capital definitely deserves more than that.

You’d probably need a month to just scratch the surface. But if for whatever reason one day in Paris is all you have, you should definitely try to make the most of it – you can plan to go again when you have a week to spend in Paris!

Needless to say, with just a day in Paris you can only focus on a handful of attractions – if it is your first time in Paris, you should make it a point to go to the most famous places to visit in Paris and get a feel for the city until your next trip (because I am sure there will be more!).

Honestly, you can expect to have a very packed and somehow rushed day. But if you follow a well crafted itinerary and a few Paris travel tips, you will still go back home with incredible memories of the Ville Lumière.

Are you unsure where to start planning? Don’t worry, I am here to help. I have been to Paris several times, and know the city well, so I thought I’d create an easy-to-follow itinerary for a day in Paris. I will also share a series of hacks to help you navigate the city. Continue reading and start preparing.

Traveling from London? My post A Great Day Trip From London To Paris explains how to plan your day.

Paris In A Day Itinerary Overview

Here is a quick overview if your Paris in a day itinerary:

• Saint Chapelle Church
• Notre-Dame
• Louvre Museum
• Palais-Royal
• Arc de Triomph and Champs-Élysées
• Trocadero
• Eiffel Tower
• Seine River Cruise
• Montparnasse Tower

Heading To Paris Soon?

Make sure to book ahead for all the places you want to visit, whether you are in the early stages of planning your trip or have decided to go on a last-minute trip.

My favorite tour provider is GetYourGuide, which offers a variety of activities, flexible booking, and 24/7 support!

Finally, let’s discover all the places you can see in just one day in Paris.

How To Use This Paris In A Day Itinerary

This itinerary is based on the assumption that you have at least a day in Paris – that is, 24 hours in Paris as a minimum, and 12 full hours for sightseeing.

I have picked the best attractions in Paris, selected one of the best museums in Paris; and places where you can get incredible views of the city.

It is a really packed itinerary, and I recommend heading out for sightseeing no later than 8:00 am. If you feel it is too much, or if you feel the cost of visiting all the attractions in a day adds up, simply skip the attractions that don’t interest you.

To make your day smoother, you need to book admission to the places in this itinerary ahead of your visit – in some cases, it is actually a requirement. Don’t worry, I will tell how to do it.

Finally, make sure to wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking; and opt for a quick lunch at one of the many fabulous boulangeries (bakeries in English) or bistros in town.

Map Of Your Paris In A Day Itinerary

Here is the map of your itinerary for a day in Paris. You definitely walk to most places, but there will be occasions when you will be better off using the subway.

The Best Itinerary To See Paris In A Day

Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral

Notre-Dame Cathedral is the most famous church in Paris. It was finished in 1345, but took more than 200 years to complete!

The church opened again in December 2019 after the fire of 2019. If you wish to visit inside, you’ll have to book a time slot via the official website.

Take a few moments before moving to your next stop, another magnificent Parisian church.

Sainte Chapelle

Since you can’t go inside Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral I thought I’d give you the option of visiting one of the most beautiful churches in Paris. It will take you less than 10 minutes to walk there from Notre-Dame.

This 13th century Gothic church is decorated with floor to ceiling stained glass windows. It’s honestly a magnificent sight and you really should not miss it during your trip to Paris.

Sainte Chapelle is open every day except for 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.

The church works on a time-slot system and you should book your visit in advance. Book the first slot available – 9:00 am – to give yourself enough time to follow the rest of the itinerary. Factor in about one hour for your visit.

Tickets to Saint Chapelle can be bought on the official website of Saint Chapelle and are also included in the Paris Museum Pass.

Louvre

It will take you less than 15 minutes to walk from Sainte-Chapelle to the Louvre. This museum is honestly is a masterpiece from all points of view. 

Once a fortress and the residence of the king, it became an art gallery in the 1700s, after Louis XIV moved his court and the French government to Versailles.

It houses some of the finest paintings and sculptures in the world, including the famous Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, and more statues from antiquity and other ancient cultures.

Visiting the Louvre however is not just about its collection. It actually is a gorgeous building to explore, with grand rooms, ceilings that are incredibly detailed, marble floors.

The Pyramid outside gives it a modern, eclectic touch. It was designed by Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei and inaugurated on 29 March 1989, during Mitterand presidency. While it attracted criticism back then, it quickly became a symbol of the Louvre and it now is one of the most photographed places in the city.

There is always a line to get inside the Louvre, and tickets to this museum are often sold out, especially during the peak summer months. This means you need to get tickets in advance. With fast-track tickets you will only have to go through security checks to get in.

The Louvre works on a time-slot system, so you must pick one for your visit. I recommend opting for the 10:30 am time-slot, so that you have enough time to get there from Sainte-Chapelle. You may even pick a later time-slot to be a bit more comfortable.

This is a massive museum and a day is not enough to explore all of it, but if you only have 1 day in Paris you really can’t devote more than 3 hours to it.

Now, let me help you plan your visit to the Louvre.

The Louvre is open every day but Tuesdays. It is is closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. It closes at 9:45 pm on Fridays (keep this in mind if you are visiting Paris on a Friday).

You can use the Louvre official website to check the opening times. That’s also the best site to get cheap tickets, though admittedly it can be a bit confusing.

The Paris Museum Pass includes tickets to the Louvre, but you still have to book a time-slot for your visit on the official website.

Another way of getting tickets is on third-party booking sites. These are very easy to use, and they allow you to pick a time-slot directly. Tickets are sold for the same price of the official site, but here you will find more availability if you try to book last minute.

I normally recommend using GetYourGuide for Louvre tickets – it’s the most reliable third-party site. You can also get fast track tickets to the Louvre on Tiqets, another excellent site.

Since the Louvre is so big and crowded, a tour may be a good idea as you’d get an expert guide to take you around the museum, manage the crowds and show you all the best pieces in the exhibit. That’s what I opted to do the first time I visited, and I knew it was a good decision as soon as I walked in!

I recommend this masterpieces guided tour of the Louvre. The tour has free cancellation and lasts 3 hours. You can try to push yourself for the 9:45 am tour or else opt for the 11:00 am one (in which case you can visit Palais-Royal first).

You could also consider this Closing Time At The Louvre: The Mona Lisa At Her Most Peaceful – the tour starts at 6:45 pm so if you decide to leave the Louvre as the last attraction you visit on your day in Paris, this is a great option. The tour is operated by Take Walks, one of the best tour companies in Europe which only uses excellent local guides.

Lunch and then Palais-Royal

It will time to have lunch by the time you are done exploring the Louvre. You could opt to have something to eat inside the museum – there are several cafés and restaurants where you can eat.

Otherwise, you an head out and make your way to Bistrot Richelieu, which it a lovely local spot by the Palais-Royal. There’s also Délices et Gourmandises, a nice diner where you can have a quick bite.

Not many Paris in a day itineraries include the Palais-Royal, because it is a hidden gem in Paris. However, it is conveniently located close to the Louvre Museum, so it’s easy to pop in after you visit the museum (and it is free to visit).

The palace used to be the home of Cardinal Richelieu, who lived there until his death in 1642. It then became the home of Philippe II Duke of Orléans. It now houses the Constitutional Council and the Ministry of Culture.

You can walk inside the central open hall to check out the striped columns exhibit that are fun to photograph.

Arc de Triomphe

You have two options to get to the Arc de Triomphe. You can take the subway, or embark on the longest walk for the day.

If you decide to use public transportation, you will have to take Line 1 from Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre and get off at Charles de Gaulle – Étoile. It takes around 15 minutes.

Walking from the Arc de Triomphe Du Carrousel, behind the Louvre, to the Arc de Triomphe will take you around 50 minutes with no stops (it’s about 3.5 km or 2.1 miles). It seems long, but it can be very pleasant as you will get to go through the lovely Tuileries Gardens, see Place de la Concorde and walk along the Champs-Élysées.

It’s up to you what you decide to do, but whichever option you need to factor in how long it will take you to get there, as based on that you will have to then book the time slots for the following attractions.

The Arc de Triomphe is located in Place de l’Etoile. It is one of the most impressive buildings in Paris, so you should not miss it. It was built to celebrate the people who died during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. It is 50-meters (164 feet) tall, so quite big!

Interestingly, the Arc de Triomphe is at the very center of a large (and very trafficked) roundabout.

You won’t really have much time to go up if you only have a day in Paris, but you can stop to admire it from the outside.

For reference, you have a choice of stairs and elevator to the terrace, from where you can enjoy stunning views of La Défense – Paris business district, and the Eiffel Tower. The stairs on the way out are quite an interesting sight too.

The site is open daily, usually until late – opening times vary depending on the season but you are better off checking the official Arc de Triomphe website for more information. It is closed on 1 January, 1 May, 8 May (morning), 14 July (morning), 11 November (morning) and 25 December.

In case you want to go in, it’s good to know there is a fee to access the Arc de Triomphe. Tickets are included in the Paris Museum Pass, or else you can get tickets at the official rate on GetYourGuide.

Trocadero

Once again, you have the option of walking (around 25 minutes) or taking the subway (Line 6, get off at Trocadero) to reach your next stop.

The Trocadero is located on the other side of the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower, and it’s one of the most popular spots for great views of the Eiffel Tower.

It can be quite crowded – especially if you visit in the middle of the day. Go prepared knowing there will be other people, and simply embrace the views before you make your way to the Eiffel Tower.

Eiffel Tower

To get to the Eiffel Tower you will just have to cross the river – it’s an easy 10-minutes walk.

The Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel in French) is the most iconic tourist attraction in Paris and an absolute must-see even if you only have a day in Paris.

Built in 1889 for the World Expo, it is 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall and was once the tallest building in France. Its observation deck, located at 276 meters (905.5 feet) (that’s the Eiffel Tower summit), is the highest man made observation deck in Europe.

You have several options for accessing the Eiffel Tower – you can get to the first and second level (using the stairs or the elevator) and even take the elevator from the second floor all the way to the summit.

The price of the admission ticket will vary depending on which level you want to visit (the higher, the more expensive).

Many will say that the second level offers the best views. I have been to all three and still believe that the summit has the best panorama. That’s also where you can see Eiffel’s secret apartment.

From the Eiffel Tower you can see the Arc de Triomphe, the Champ de Mars, and all the way to Montmartre and even spot the Sacre Cour. If you have a good camera with a long lens, make sure to bring it! Or perhaps even take binoculars.

The Eiffel Tower is open every day. Closing times vary with the season and differ between stairs and elevator so you should check the official website for more information.

Since this is a very popular attraction, it works on a time slot system and you really need to get tickets in advance.

I recommend picking the 5:30 or 6:00 pm time slot, if you want to be a bit more comfortable. That should give you enough time to enjoy the Arc de Triomphe and then walk to the Trocadero.

The cheapest Eiffel Tower Tickets are found on the official Eiffel Tower site – these tickets are not refundable and they are the first to sell out.

You can also get an Eiffel Tower Ticket on GetYourGuide – the booking conditions are similar to those of the official site, but the site is much easier to use. You will have the option of selecting which level you wish to visit, as well as selecting your preferred time-slot.

Tickets to the Eiffel Tower are also available via the Paris Museum Pass – though remember you need to book a time slot separately on the Eiffel Tower site. The Paris City Card which allows you to pick a time slot directly.

Make sure to read my post How To Get Tickets To The Eiffel Tower for more information on that will help you plan your visit.

Once you get to the Eiffel Tower with your pre-booked tickets, you will still have to go through a security check, and line up for the elevator. These lines usually move quite fast.

Seine River Cruise

The dock to board your Seine River Cruise is just outside the Eiffel Tower, so you really can’t miss it even if you have just a day in Paris!

The views along the cruise are absolutely stunning. You will see the Eiffel Tower from the perspective of the river, and many other places including Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Orsay Museum.

Depending on the season you may even be able to cruise right in time for sunset.

Cruises last about one hour – though there are longer cruises that include dinner and drinks too. If you pick a dinner cruise, you won’t really have time for the next attraction. A good compromise would be a champagne cruise.

This cruise that departs right outside the Eiffel Tower includes an audio-guide commentary in a variety of languages.

The Paris Museum Pass includes tickets for a Seine River cruise.

My post How To Pick The Best Seine River Cruise will give you more guidance on how to pick the best cruise for you.

Montparnasse Tower

Once you disembark your cruise at the Eiffel Tower, find the Bir-Hakeim subway station where you can hop on Line 6 to Montparnasse – Bienvenüe – it’s just 6 stops.

Montparnasse Tower was built in the early 1970s. It is Paris’ second highest building with its 210 meters (689 feet). It is thought to be the ugliest building in Paris – but when you are in it, you don’t really get to se it.

The views from it are impressive – perhaps even better than those from the Eiffel Tower, because from it you get to see Eiffel Tower in all its glory. You will also see the Montparnasse district and La Defense. 

For Montparnasse Tower opening hours, make sure to visit the official website. You can get tickets on GetYourGuide. Admission is also included in the Paris Museum Pass.

Tour Montparnasse is conveniently located near Gare Montparnasse, from where you can take the bus to Paris Orly Airport or the RER to Charles de Gaulle Airport. This is super convenient if you are not staying in Paris overnight but need to head straight to the airport.

Practical Tips To Enjoy Paris In A Day

Guided tours of Paris

This Paris in a day itinerary can be easily followed independently.

If you want to spare the hassle of booking everything in advance and simply forget about the worry of looking at a map, you can also join a guided tour. There are several that take you to the most famous attractions mentioned in this post.

I recommend this Paris in a Day with Skip the Line Louvre Tour, Eiffel Tower, Montmartre & Seine River Cruise – it is run by the very reputable Take Walks and highly reviewed. It goes to most places mentioned in this post, and also includes the lovely Montmartre district.

Where to stay in Paris

If you are visiting Paris in a day, but are spending a night in the city, it is essential to stay in an area that is well connected to all attractions.

My favorite is the very quaint and still very local Marais District. It’s walking distance to the Louvre and Notre-Dame, and you will find many good cafés, bars and restaurants. 

You may want to look into one of these places:

Chambre d’hôtes – Marais – This lovely guest house in the heart of the Marais would be my personal choice. The incredibly professional owner Morgan only has two rooms, which are small but spotless, and both face a lovely garden.

Hôtel Le Presbytère – This beautiful small hotel has spacious room (well, by Paris standards!) that are incredibly cozy and very comfortable. It’s 10 minutes walk from Notre-Dame, which is perfect for this itinerary.

Maison Proust, Hotel & Spa La Mer – If you have the budget to splurge, this is certainly one of the best places to stay in the Marais district. Rooms are spacious, cozy and decorated in a unique retro style. If you want, you can have breakfast for an additional fee.

Using a Paris Pass

If you are trying to visit Paris in a day but on a budget, using a city card is probably a good idea, as you will have access to many attractions with fast track tickets.

Some passes also include public transportation, but read the small print to double check.

Here are the two main pass options in Paris:

Paris Museum Pass – this is the most popular option. You can buy a one-day pass, but you will then have to go to the official website of the places you intend to visit to make a reservation.

Paris City Card – this pass is a bit more expensive but a better option as it allows you to book the time-slots for the attractions you wish to visit directly on the site.

How to get to Paris

Paris can be easily reached by plane – there are good connections from the rest of Europe and the world; or by train from many cities in France and Europe.

Charles de Gaulle Airport is the main hub for Air France, which has connections from many airports in the US and Europe.

The easiest way of getting from Charles de Gaulle to Paris City Center is by RER train to the Gare du Nord – there are regular departures from the station inside the airport, and it takes between 25 and 50 minutes to get to the Gare Du Nord Station.

You also have the option of taking the bus, which will be around 30-45 minutes.

The second airport of Paris is Paris Orly. From there, you can take a bus to the center of Paris – it takes about 20 minutes.

You can book your private transfer from the airport to the city center via Welcome Pickups – they are my favorite company for airport transfers and I use them anywhere in the world. They have good cars, good drivers and excellent service.

For more information, head over to my post How To Get From Charles De Gaulle Airport CDG To Paris.

How to move around Paris

The best way to move around Paris is the subway – Metropolitan or simply metro in French. It connects all corners of the city, and it is cheap and convenient. There are also buses and trams you can use.

A ticket costs €2.15 – you need to get a Navigo Card, as individual tickets are no longer sold.

Another option to move around may be the hop-on hop-off bus. You will want to follow the “classic route” which has stops near the various places mentioned in this post. You will also have a commentary on the bus that you can listen to via headphones.

Other useful tips

Here are some final tips to make the most of your day in Paris:

LUGGAGE STORAGE – Luggage storage facilities can be found all around Paris, mostly near train and bus stations and often right in the terminal. Storage costs start at €5 per day. BagBnB is a good place to look for the nearest or most convenient location. If you need to store your bags, make sure to reserve in advance. 

DRINK LOTS OF WATER – Tap water is safe to drink in Paris, unless you find a sign that suggests otherwise. You can obviously buy bottled water, but to avoid using plastic I recommend bringing your own water bottle. My favorite bottle is the Super Sparrow water bottle. It keeps water cold for hours and comes in various sizes.

GET A DATA PLAN – Make sure your smartphone is unlocked so that you can get a local SIM card (if you are on a longer trip across France or Europe), or else buy a data plan from your provider so that you can use data outside of your home country. You will need it to access apps such as Google Maps that will come in handy.

MIND THE SCAMS – Scams and touts are as common in Paris – just as in any other major tourist destination. The most common scams are: the friendship bracelet, the golden ring, the cup and ball. Mind pickpockets on the bus or the subway – use your regular cautions, it is no more no less than the pickpockets issues you have in any other big city.

My post The Worst Scams And Pickpockets In Paris will give you lots of tips on how to react to scams and avoid them.

GET TRAVEL INSURANCE – Even if your trip is short, you should get travel insurance. Get a good travel insurance here.

Further Readings

If you have more time in Paris, these posts will be useful to plan your trip:

• A Wonderful Itinerary For 5 Days In Paris
• A Fantastic Itinerary To See Paris In 4 Days
• Paris In 3 Days: A Great Itinerary To Make The Most Of It
• A Fabulous Itinerary For 2 Days In Paris
• How To Get Versailles Tickets And Skip The Line
• A Guide To The 5 Best Cities To Visit In France
• How To Get Musee D’Orsay Tickets And Skip The Lines
• 15 Amazing Day Trips From Paris

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