One Day in Paris: The Ultimate Paris in a Day Itinerary

Do you only have one day in Paris? Don’t worry! That is plenty of time to see the top sites if you are motivated.

You must be prepared for a busy day of exploring to complete this one-day itinerary for Paris, France. Plan on getting up early and staying out late to see the best things to do in Paris!

I’ve packed a lot in so you can make the most of your visit to Paris. However, feel free to skip anything that does not interest you so you can spend more time at sites you prefer.

I have written this one-day in Paris itinerary assuming you have one full day to see the City of Lights. If you fly in the day before, try to hydrate and rest up for an action-packed day.

If you are visiting Paris as a day trip from close by, try to arrive by train as early as possible.

Only 24 hours in Paris is not a lot, but with many of the monuments close together and a reliable metro, you can visit a lot of places even if you are short on time.

If you have more time, check out my 2 days in Paris itinerary!

I have been to Paris many times and hope you love it as much as I do!

Get ready to plan the best 1 day Paris trip!

One Day in Paris: The Ultimate Paris in a Day Itinerary

Stop 1: Wander the Louvre Art Museum

Start your day in Paris at the Louvre Art Museum. Full of famous and outstanding antiquities and art pieces, this is the most visited museum in the world!

I suggest arriving at the iconic glass pyramids before the museum opens so you can get in as soon as possible. Also, make sure to buy skip-the-line tickets in advance to save time.

Usually, at least half a day is recommended for the Louvre since there is so much to see.

However, since you only have one day in Paris, I suggest picking out your must-see artworks ahead of time and making those a priority.

Most tourists want to see the Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo di Vinci and the beautiful Venus di Milo sculpture which is missing its arms.

Grab a map of the museum when you enter and download the app so you can maneuver the galleries without getting lost.

Book Here: Louvre Museum Timed-Entrance Ticket

Book Here: Paris: 2-Hour Louvre Museum Guided Tour with Ticket

Where to Stay Near the Louvre:

Mid-Range: Hôtel Odyssey by Elegancia Check Rates: Booking.com

Upscale: Hôtel Regina Louvre Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 2: Be Awed by Notre Dame and Saint-Chapelle

From the Louvre, it is a short walk to the Ile de la Cite, an island in the Seine River.

Take a quick look at Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris. This famous piece of Gothic architecture was greatly damaged in a fire in April 2019 so you cannot tour the inside while it undergoes repairs.

However, you can still view it outside and grab a selfie.

Next, head into the Saint-Chapelle. The upper chapel is awe-inspiring with floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows with images that tell the story of the Bible.

A rose window at Sainte-Chapelle describes the Book of Revelation through its stained glass panels.

Along with the small first floor where you enter the chapel, this Paris attraction is not big and can easily be completed in an hour or less.

If you love amazing churches, this is a must when visiting Paris in one day!

Book Here: Sainte-Chapelle, Conciergerie, Notre Dame Guided Tour

Stop 3: Stroll Through the Tuileries Garden

After seeing some of the best churches in Paris, walk to the other side of the Louvre and the Jardin des Tuileries. This garden is immaculate and pretty with fountains, statues, trees, and flower beds.

If you are visiting Paris with kids, this is a good place to let them run around. Keep in mind that walking on the grass is not allowed. They might like a ride on the Jardin du Carrousel though!

Rest on one of the many chairs, have a snack, and people-watch in one of the best parks in Paris. This will give you a nice little break in Paris for 1 day.

Stop 4: Bike or Walk Down the Champs-Elysees

At the other end of the Tuileries Garden, you will come to the Place de la Concorde with a towering Egyptian obelisk.

The famous Avenue de Champs-Elysees begins on the other side of the plaza. I suggest renting a bicycle or an e-scooter here and riding down the upscale street.

You will find many bike-sharing stations around Paris as well as Lime scooters dotting the sidewalks. They are easy to use, cheap, and can be rented for as long as you need them.

You can also walk the tree-lined Champ-Elysees if you prefer.

You will love this 1.2-mile street with its many upscale shops, shopping malls, cafes, and restaurants. This might be a good place to stop for lunch.

Stop 5: Climb the Arc de Triomphe

At the western end of the Champs-Elysees, you will be greeted by the Arc de Triomphe, one of the most famous monuments in Paris.

Commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806 to honor those who fought and died for France, this must-see attraction sits on a massive roundabout where twelve streets converge.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located here too with an eternal flame that commemorates the war dead who were never identified.

Climb the many stairs to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for some of the best views in Paris. Among the 360-degree views, you will spot the Eiffel Tower.

Keep in mind that there is not an elevator to the top. Anyone wheelchair-bound or unable to climb steep steps will not be able to participate.

Please be aware of this fact when planning a trip to Paris.

Book Here: Paris: Arc de Triomphe Rooftop Tickets

Stop 6: Visit the Eiffel Tower

After climbing down from the Arc de Triomphe, hop back on your bike or scooter, walk, or take the metro down Avenue Kleber to Place du Trocadero.

Here you will find another amazing view of the Eiffel Tower across the river. Snap some photos, then cross the river to the base of the most famous landmark in France!

The Eiffel Tower is over 1,000 feet tall and was built for the 1889 World’s Fair. It is one of the best places to visit in Paris, France!

If you plan on going up the Eiffel Tower, I highly suggest buying tickets in advance! You can climb up 1,665 steps or ride the elevator. You will love the city views!

If you don’t have the time or budget to go up, simply walking around the Eiffel Tower is a very memorable thing to do in Paris. You’ll get a perspective of just how large the famous monument is!

Book Here:  Eiffel Tower Summit or Second Floor Priority Access

Book Here: Paris: Eiffel Tower Access & Seine River Cruise

Where To Stay Near The Eiffel Tower:

Affordable: Hôtel de la Tour Eiffel. Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Grand Hôtel Lévêque. Check Rates: Booking.com

Eiffel Tower Views: Hotel Relais Bosquet Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 7: Take a Seine River Cruise

Along the river next to the Eiffel Tower, you can board a boat for a fun, narrated cruise of the Seine River.

This is one of the most popular things to include on a 1 day in Paris itinerary since you will spot many famous sites from the water.

Pass under the pretty bridges of Paris as you learn about the architecture and history of the city. You can sit on the open deck and take awesome photos!

Depending on how you time your one day in Paris, you might want to book a dinner cruise.

Book Here: 2-Hour River Seine Lunch Cruise

Book Here: Seine River Sightseeing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner

Stop 8: Watch Sunset from Montmartre

After your cruise, use the metro to travel to the highest point of the city to watch the sunset or the lights of the city twinkle as night falls.

The hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre is the bohemian and artsy part of Paris.

The bustling streets are lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is a great place to pick up a souvenir to celebrate your Paris 1-day trip!

The beautiful, white Basilica of Sacre-Coeur towers over Montmartre. Head to the top for outstanding views or stand at the base among the crowds also appreciating the City of Lights!

Book Here: Montmartre Highlights Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Book Here: Montmartre Cheese, Wine & Pastry Guided Walking Tour

Where To Stay In Montmartre:

Affordable: Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels. Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Timhotel Montmartre. Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 9: End Your Day in Paris at a Rooftop Bar

If you still have some energy left after running around Paris, you can end your day with a nightcap at one of the many trendy rooftop bars in Paris.

This is one of the best things to do in Paris for couples or friends looking to enjoy Parisian nightlife.

Order a cocktail and sip it while overlooking the dazzling city at night. Try to book a table at a bar with Eiffel Tower views to see it sparkle.

This is a fantastic and romantic way to say goodnight on your Paris 1-day itinerary.

Packing Tips For Staying 1 Day In Paris

Here are my tips on how to pack lightly to make your One day in Paris more organized.

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

These RFID sleeves would be a solution.

This world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is easy to use.

These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel.

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. the 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it fits nicely in a backpack or your purse.

This replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh water when you fill your Bobble.

You will want a backpack or daypack to store snacks, water bottles, phones, extra clothes, etc… This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.

Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these Air Run high fashion sneakers come in a lot of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.

If you are visiting Paris for a day in warmer weather, maybe you want a pair of sandals to wear to dinner or the local cafe, I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.

This cotton unisex lightweight scarf is versatile and can be worn in any season.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in lots of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable.

If you are fond of aviator-style aviator-style sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.

If you need new luggage, this expandable soft-side spinner luggage is affordable.

Like hard-sided better? Then you may favor this hard-sided luggage set. Both sets come with TSA locks and 8 wheels per piece.

Do not forget TSA-approved luggage locks! These come in a pack and each has 3-digit combination padlocks.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional charge to you.

How To Get To Paris To Begin Your One Day In Paris Itinerary

Charles de Gaulle International Airport is the largest, busiest, and closest to the Paris City Center. It is the most popular airport for international flights.

A little farther out is Paris Orly Airport, the second most frequently used airport.

To get to your accommodations, you can rent a taxi or hire an Uber. For public transport, the train is your most affordable option. The Parisian trains and stations are clean.

You can purchase tickets right at the airport. The ticket machines are found when you exit the secure section of the airport. Please be advised, there are lots of steps involved with the Parisian metro system.

If you or your party is infirm or in a wheelchair, you will probably need to make other transportation arrangements.

If you travel from another European country, high-speed trains arrive and depart frequently from all over Europe daily. The main train stations are Gare du Nord, Gare de I’Est, or Gare de Lyon.

How To Get Around During a Day In Paris

I’d suggest walking. Paris is a visually beautiful city. There’s much to see and absorb, which you could miss if you are not walking.

Leave ample time to arrive at your destination and wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.

The metro train system is extensive in Paris. It’s fast and cheap, arriving and departing frequently. You can purchase tickets at every station.

The metro is not an option for the wheelchair-bound or for those unable to walk long distances or climb up and down stairs frequently.

There are also city buses and trains to consider during your one day in Paris. You always have the option to get a taxi or hire an Uber driver.

I do not recommend driving in Paris for visitors because of the traffic and difficulty finding parking. That is an option, however.

Renting a bicycle or e-scooter in Paris is an amazing way to explore the city. You have amazing mobility, yet the convenience of stopping whenever you like for a picture during your 1 day itinerary in Paris.

Read my 4 days in Paris itinerary if you have longer to spend in Paris.

Quick Tips For Your One Day In Paris Itinerary

These are great if this is your first time in Paris.

Stay vigilant! Pickpocketers are common in crowded areas of the city so be aware of your surroundings and belongings.

Do not worry about the language barrier when traveling to Paris. I understand a few basic French words and had NO difficulties when I visited.

The French people in Paris know a few English words and you will be able to communicate enough to make your wishes known.

You can even use a translator app on your phone to assist with your communications. My family and I use Google Translate. This is one of my top travel tips for Paris!

Call your credit card company and verify if your credit card does or does not have foreign transaction fees.

When you visit an ATM in Paris, be sure it is in the same network as your bank so you are not charged transaction fees every time you withdraw cash.

Also, consider withdrawing larger amounts of cash more frequently, to limit the transaction fees.

Buy advanced tickets to must-do Paris attractions whenever possible. First off, usually, tickets purchased in advance online are less expensive.

Secondly, They usually come with skip-the-line options!

If you travel to Paris, France, from far away check out my tips for surviving long international flights.

There is plenty of time to explore Paris in one day! Be ready for a busy day, but it will be worth it!

I know you will love seeing some of the best places to visit in Paris!