The Perfect 1 Day Paris Itinerary (+ map to follow)
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Paris is a beautiful city that has so much to offer travellers that we knew we had to create this 1 day Paris itinerary for anyone looking to capture the main sights.
Even if you’ve visited Paris before, you will find that there is so much more to explore. In this sense it’s a bit like London where no matter how many times you visit, you will still find more things to do.
In this blog post you will find a one day itinerary for Paris which is mostly suited to those that have never visited the city before. However, we’ve also included a list of the best things to do in Paris as well as where to stay in the city.
This Paris itinerary is completely flexible and interchangeable so if you have spent time in Paris before you will be able to swap out some of the items to make the itinerary more your own.
1 Day Paris Itinerary Quick Facts
08:00 Wander towards the Seine and take some time to see the Parisian Statue of Liberty
08:30 Visit Jardins du Trocadero
09:00 Visit the Eiffel Tower to take pictures
10:00 Breakfast at Madame Brasserie – Tour Eiffel (advance booking required)
11:30 Take the metro to the Arc de Triomphe
12:00 Wander down Champs-Elysees
12:30 Visit Grand Palais
13:30 Lunch at Cordonnerie
14:30 Stop to see the Louvre Museum
15:00 Luxembourg Gardens
16:00 Metro to Montmartre
17:00 Montmartre free walking tour
19:30 Dinner at Le Poulbot
20:30 Enjoy cocktails at Lost Generation
(If you have time take a visit back to the Eiffel Tower to see it lit up at night)
Is one day in Paris enough?
In short, no, one day in Paris is not enough time to explore everything that the city has to offer. However, if that’s all the time you’ve got then it is absolutely enough time to explore some of the main attractions in Paris.
For us, it is only a short plane journey to Paris so it is easy for us to go as often as we want. If you’re like us and live not too far then don’t worry too much that you only have one day in Paris as it’s easy enough to go back anytime you feel like it.
However, if you’re travelling from outside of Europe and this is a once in a lifetime trip for you then you may want to consider extending your time in Paris.
With that being said, spending some time in Paris is better than not getting to visit at all so it is worthwhile making the most of your time there.
For that reason, this itinerary is jam-packed so that you can experience as much as possible so you’ll definitely get a lot of steps in following this itinerary in Paris!
How many days in Paris is enough?
This is a tricky question because it completely depends on how much you want to see whilst you’re there! Paris is a huge city and has lots of different attractions, events and things to see whilst you’re there.
If you’re looking to do absolutely everything in Paris then you might as well pack your bags and move to the city now like Emily in Paris!
On a serious note though, if you’re looking to just tick off the main attractions then we would suggest between 3-4 days in Paris would be plenty of time.
However, if you’re wanting to make the most of Paris then you would want to consider spending 7-10 days there. If you live close by like us then you can break this up by doing a couple of trips over to Paris.
This of course is all if you’re not including taking a trip to Disneyland Paris as well!
No matter how much time you spend in Paris, you are set to have an amazing time and have a chance to explore a decent amount of the city.
Where to Stay in Paris for One Night
Paris has lots of different hotels, hostels and B&B’s dotted all around the city. The closer you get to the main attractions, the more expensive the accommodation can be.
The first time we visited Paris, we booked to stay closer to the centre and we were staying in a room that was no bigger than a cupboard and it cost us around £500 for 2 nights! Not just that but it wasn’t a very nice or clean hotel either.
Due to this, when you’re choosing where to stay in Paris, you need to really do your research so that you can find the best quality options.
We would actually recommend staying a bit further out than the centre of the city and using Paris’ amazing public transport system to get around.
Below we’ve popped a couple of different places for you to stay depending on the type of budget you have when you’re visiting Paris.
UCPA Sport Station Hostel – perfect for budget travellers
If you’re visiting Paris on a budget then this hostel is a great place to stay. We actually thought that this was one of the best hostels we stayed in during our travels in Europe to be honest.
The rooms were clean, comfortable and spacious. Not just that, there are lots of different activities in the hostel available to you including a range of sports and fun group activities.
This hostel is a little further out from the main city but you can easily use public transport or walk to get where you need to go.
Hôtel Tourisme Avenue – centrally located, affordable hotel
This hotel is a great choice if you’re wanting to be closer to the main attractions in Paris but not spend an absolute fortune. Don’t get us wrong, it is still not going to be as cheap as you would expect from other European cities but it is Paris after all!
It is only a 10 minute walk from the Eiffel Tower so you won’t have far to go at all! The rooms are comfortable and the location is very convenient so this will be a perfect choice especially when you only have one day in Paris to explore.
Shangri-La – perfect for Luxury Travellers & Couples
If you’ve got the budget to spend then there is no better way than spending 1 night in Paris than at the Shangri-La. This is a phenomenal hotel which also has some rooms with views of the Eiffel Tower.
For anyone that likes to stay in a hotel that’s a little extra special then this is certainly the right one for you in Paris. This is an absolutely stunning hotel and you will not be disappointed in your choice to stay here either!
If these are not quite what you’re looking for then you can use our interactive map below to explore the different places to stay in Paris.
You can just simply input your travel dates and it will show you loads of different accommodations available in the city as well as prices so that you can find the right place for you!
Things to do in Paris for One Day
With so many different things to see and do in Paris, we’ve created a list below of some of our favourite spots. Some of these items are in the one day itinerary and some are not so that you can switch out any attractions that you may have done before.
Seine River Boat Trip
There are quite a few different options when it comes to taking part in the Seine River Boat Trip. Some options will include champagne, some are arranged for sunrise or sunset, you can even have dinner whilst floating down the river.
No matter which option you choose, this is a great way to see Paris from a unique perspective. If you’re travelling as a couple, this is a beautiful romantic activity in Paris for couples to enjoy together.
Seine River Boat Trips
- Paris Seine River Champagne Tasting Cruise
- Paris Seine River Cruise with Live Music by Bateaux Mouches
- Paris Seine Gourmet Dinner Cruise & Champagne
- Paris Seine River Sightseeing Cruise by Bateaux Mouches
Eiffel Tower
If you’re visiting Paris then you absolutely can’t leave without seeing the Eiffel Tower in all its beauty! If you’ve only got one day in Paris then you may just want to see it as opposed to going to the top.
However, if you’re thinking you might have more time than that then you will definitely want to arrange to go to the viewing point and see Paris from this beautiful viewpoint.
Eiffel Tower Tours
- Eiffel Tower Second or Summit Floor Ticket by Elevator with Views
- Eiffel Tower Climbing Tour with Summit Access
- Eiffel Tower Reserved Access Summit or 2nd Floor Guided by Lift
Macaron Tasting / Baking
If you’ve visited Paris before then this is a unique experience for anyone looking to sample Parisian culture in a different way. Macarons are a delicious sweet treat that you can find all over Paris.
Explore around the city and sample the different spots that have some of the best Macarons in Paris or alternatively why don’t you try your hand at making your own?
Paris Macaron Baking / Tasting Excursions
- Seine River Cruise & Free Macaron Tasting near the Eiffel Tower
- Macaron Baking Class – Near Eiffel Tower
- Montmartre Hill French Afternoon Tea Tasting Tour with Crepes & Macarons
- Saint-Germain The Original Chocolate Tasting Tour with Pastries & Macaron
- Paris Macarons Small-Group Baking Class with a Chef
Explore around Montmartre
For us, Montmartre is one of our favourite areas to visit in Paris. It has a completely different pace from the rest of the city and used to once be known as the slums of Paris.
Now, it is one of the most beautiful areas to visit and is known for its history and stunning cobblestoned streets. Home to the Sacre-Coeur and Moulin Rouge, this is a wonderful area to explore even if your time in Paris is limited.
Montmartre Walking Tours
- Montmartre Walking Tour: The Best of Art, Culture & Parisian Charm
- Paris: Discover Hidden Montmartre on a Walking Tour
- Discover Montmartre and Visit the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur
- Montmartre Hill French Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Walking Tour
Louvre Museum
Another main attraction in Paris is the Louvre Museum and it is a sight to see. This museum is actually underground but is most distinguished by its pyramid skylights that stand out.
This museum is incredibly busy and there are always lots of queues outside of people hoping to catch a glimpse of the infamous Mona Lisa.
If this is on your Paris bucket list but you only have 1 day in Paris then we recommend visiting early and booking skip-the-line tickets to maximise your time as much as possible.
You will have seen plenty of Instagram photos of people standing next to the Louvre pyramid pinching the top of it. If you don’t have enough time to visit inside the building, it is still worth seeing the outside and getting some great snaps to make. If you’re looking for some awesome Paris Instagram Captions to go along with it then look no further!
Louvre Museum Tickets & Tours
- Louvre Museum Priority Access Guided Tour with Mona Lisa
- Louvre Museum – Exclusive Guided Tour (Reserved Entry Included)
- Louvre Museum Masterpieces Guided Tour with Reserved Access
Moulin Rouge Show
This is truly a once in a lifetime experience and an activity we highly recommend in Paris. Tickets to see a show at the Moulin Rouge are not cheap but it is absolutely well worth it.
If you have the budget to be able to see a show whilst you’re spending a day in Paris then this should be up there on your bucket list.
Moulin Rouge Tickets
Walking Tour
If your time is short in Paris then a walking tour is a great way to see the best parts of the city and learn more about the history of Paris whilst you’re at it!
We did a few walking tours during our visits to Paris and they were really helpful to see a lot of hidden gems that would otherwise be missed.
We recommend finding time during your day in Paris to partake in a walking tour which will give you a good run through some of the best parts of Paris.
Paris Walking Tours
- See 15+ Top Sights Paris Tour with Fun Guide (Walking & Metro Tour)
- Paris Top Sights Half Day Walking Tour with Fun Guide
- Paris: Discover Hidden Montmartre on a Walking Tour
- Paris Le Marais Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours
- Paris Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours
Luxembourg Gardens
This is a stunning area to visit in Paris which will give you a break from the hustle and bustle of the main city. The gardens are split between the English and French gardens and you can wander around and admire the beauty.
If you’re in Paris during either the Spring or Summer period then this is the prime time to see the gardens. This is a gem in Paris that absolutely shouldn’t be missed if you have the time.
Arc de Triomphe
This stunning monument is a homage for those that sadly lost their lives in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars and is now a popular sight in Paris.
Take time to admire and appreciate this impressive monument whilst you’re in Paris. If you have time you can also climb to the top of the monument and gaze out at the wonderful Parisian city.
Palais Royal Garden
This is a quite beautiful garden that you should try and visit which is not too far from the Louvre museum. Like everywhere in Paris, it comes with its own unique history and is a beautiful area to visit.
Another perk of visiting Palais Royal Garden is that it is also free to enter so it’s great for any budget travellers visiting Paris too!
1 Day in Paris Full Itinerary
We give you advance warning that this Paris itinerary is very full-on so that you can make the most of your time in the city. However, if it is a bit too fast-paced for you then don’t be afraid to deviate from the itinerary or skip out on one or two of the items on the itinerary.
So that you can really make the most of your time in Paris, you will need to be prepared for an early start especially so that you can escape some of the crowds too!
08:00 Wander towards the Seine and take some time to see the Parisian Statue of Liberty
Wherever you’ve decided to stay in Paris, try and make your way towards the Seine where the Parisian Statue of Liberty lies. This will give you some great views and capture some beautiful photos to start your morning.
08:30 Visit Jardins du Trocadero
This is one of our favourite spots for getting views and photos of the Eiffel Tower. It is a stunning area and well worth wandering around before getting closer to the Eiffel Tower.
We ended up meeting a photographer in this area and we got a small Paris photoshoot which only cost us 10 euros in this area and it was definitely worth the money!
09:00 Visit the Eiffel Tower to take pictures
Edge closer to the Eiffel Tower to see it in all its beauty and get some great snaps a little closer! Unless you are planning to miss out on some of the other items in this itinerary, we would not recommend climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
It is a really busy area and you will find that you will be queuing for long periods of time. If you only have 1 day in Paris then you will find more time queuing than you will actually exploring.
10:00 Breakfast at Madame Brasserie – Tour Eiffel (advance booking required)
This is a wonderful restaurant to enjoy breakfast as you must be starving by this point of the itinerary! It is also a very popular restaurant too so we recommend trying to get a booking in advance so that you don’t avoid disappointment.
Not only is the food phenomenal here but the views are also incredible and not to be missed!
11:30 Take the metro to the Arc de Triomphe
Once you’ve finished your delicious and well-deserved breakfast, jump on the metro and head over to the Arc de Triomphe so that you can see this stunning monument in person.
You have no doubt seen plenty of Instagram snaps from this area and now is your chance to get your own! Similar to the Eiffel Tower, it is a very popular Paris tourist attraction so you will unlikely have time to climb to the top with just one day in Paris unless you are prepared for queuing.
12:00 Wander down Champs-Elysees
You can either walk from the Arc de Triomphe which will take around 20 minutes or save your feet and take the metro. Take a wander down Champs-Elysees and admire this stunning district.
The walk through this area is enough for you to want to blow off the rest of your Paris exploration plans and just spend it shopping in one of these many awesome shops. Right at the end of Champs-Elysees you will find the Place de la Concorde which is great to take some cool Instagrammable snaps.
12:30 Visit Grand Palais
Whilst wandering around Champs-Elysees, you can deviate to head to the Grand Palais which is a phenomenal museum with a stunning backdrop.
The Grand Palais is a gorgeous historical site and often hosts events so it’s always worth checking to see if there’s anything exciting whilst you’re visiting Paris.
13:30 Lunch at Cordonnerie
Stop off at La Cordonnerie for some delicious lunch in this cosy French restaurant. This is not too far from the Louvre museum and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere when you go to this restaurant.
As with all restaurants in Paris, we would suggest booking in advance because they are all extremely busy and this will save you having to wait around for a table.
14:30 Stop to see the Louvre Museum
Whilst you won’t have time to enter the Louvre Museum with only 1 day in Paris, it is still a sight that you should definitely see before leaving the city.
You will have no doubt seen plenty of photos on Instagram with people pinching the top of the pyramids. This is a very busy area so you will find that you will spend a good bit of time avoiding the hustle and bustle around this area.
15:00 Luxembourg Gardens
For a break from the extremely busy Paris streets, head to the Luxembourg Gardens for a change in pace. Spend some time wandering around the gardens and admiring the beauty of both the English and French gardens.
This is an extremely picturesque area and one that any visitor to Paris would thoroughly enjoy.
16:00 Metro to Montmartre
Head onto the metro to our favourite area of Paris, Montmartre. It will take around 35 minutes to get the metro there. Some people may be concerned about taking the metro so it’s worth checking out our Paris safety tips before embarking on your metro trip.
17:00 Montmartre free walking tour
Experience the best parts of Montmartre on this free walking tour and let this area of the city encompass your heart. We went on this walking tour ourselves in Paris and we thoroughly enjoyed our time here and everything we learnt about the history of the area.
We have given you a recommendation for somewhere to eat before leaving Montmartre but it is also worth asking your walking tour guide if they have anywhere they would recommend too.
19:30 Dinner at Le Poulbot
Before leaving Montmartre, you will want to stop and enjoy a delicious dinner at Le Poulbot. Whilst this is still in the touristy area of Montmartre, it is a small cosy restaurant where you will enjoy some great food before you leave Paris.
20:30 Enjoy cocktails at Lost Generation
After you’ve finished your meal, if you’re not quite ready to leave Paris then you may want to enjoy some cocktails at Lost Generation and take in the atmosphere and everything you’ve experienced throughout the day.
PS. If you have time or your hotel is on the way then it is worth taking one last stop towards the Eiffel Tower to have a chance to see it lit up during the night.
1 Day Paris Itinerary Map
Before you visit Paris, make sure that you save our 1 day Paris itinerary map so that you can easily follow the route whilst you’re in the city!
1 Day in Paris Itinerary Final Note
Phew! We did warn you that it was a very full-on itinerary so that you can experience and see as much of Paris as possible whilst you’re there for one day.
It is a stunning city and has so much to offer tourists that it would be virtually impossible to do everything in one day. However, this itinerary will give you the chance to visit and experience as much as possible in a short period of time.
Don’t waste time and experience your best life in Paris now!
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