Paris is a city that could take a lifetime to explore, but if you’ve only got one day, don’t worry—you can still experience its magic! Whether you’re on a layover, a whirlwind trip, or just squeezing Paris into a tight schedule, this itinerary will guide you through the must-see landmarks, hidden gems, and delicious French cuisine. From catching the morning sun streaming through the windows of Notre Dame, to sunset at the Eiffel Tower, with delicious French cuisine enjoyed as you go. Get ready for an unforgettable day in the City of Light.
You can easily spend days or even weeks exploring the City of Light. However, if you’re on a layover visit where you have 24 hours or less, this is the perfect 1 day Paris itinerary to help plan your trip.
In This Article
TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO PARIS
- Where to stay – We used Booking.com for all of our stays and is great for finding those amazing deals. Alternatively, you can always see if hotel corporate codes might work for you.
- Car rentals – Save the most money through car rental coupon codes and always start your search with Discover Cars and RentalCars so you know what the best deals are.
- Tours: The Paris Pass and Paris Explorer Pass is a great way to save money but would make more sense if you’re staying for 2 days or more.
- Flights – International flights are never cheap, but with the Skyscanner “Everywhere” feature you can find the best deals. Check how much it would be for you to get to Paris!
- Insurance – Not always required but always recommended! Make sure you’re covered with the best travel insurance.
- Best deals – Bookmark our frequently updated travel deals page.
- Flights – Always find the best deals on flights using the Skyscanner “Everywhere” feature.
Paris Itinerary in 24 Hours
I’ve had the opportunity to visit Paris on a number of trips, some short and some long. With so many things to do in France, a 1 day Paris itinerary can be very handy especially if you’ll be transiting to another part of the country or doing a flight layover.
Arriving Into The City
Depending on where you are coming from, you will probably arrive into either of Paris’ airports Roissy-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY), or one of its major RER (regional train) stations.
You can catch the RER train from either airport into the city and from there connect with the Métro system to take you pretty much anywhere you want to go within Paris’ central 20 androissements. A comprehensive network of 14 interconnected lines which also connect to RER stations, you can buy tickets for the Métro at any station, either as a single ticket for 1.90€ or a carnet of 10 tickets for 16.90€.
You should be able to execute this itinerary with nine Métro/RER tickets (they are transferrable), however it may be worth buying the carnet of 10 tickets just in case.
If traveling with luggage, there are plenty of options for storing suitcases in Paris, while you make the most of your day in this beautiful city. As soon as you arrive, drop your cases in secure storage and then jump on the Metro to your first destination.
Alternatively, you can also look for a semi-private minivan transfer for a balance of efficiency and cost.
9:00am – Notre Dame Cathedral
To start your day in Paris, catch Métro line 4 to Saint-Michel Notre Dame. From here it is a short walk to the legendary Notre Dame Cathedral. If arriving early enough, you can choose to climb the bell towers, which affords excellent views of the city as well as letting you see the cathedral’s famous gargoyles up close.
Queues start to grow long after 8:30am or so however, so you may choose to simply enjoy the impressive façade and interior instead.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 6 Parvis Notre Dame, Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004, Paris
Website: Notre Dame Cathedral
Tips:
- A great way to see Notre Dame is through a boat ride on the Seine with the Batobus riverboat shuttle service which only costs $20 USD. They run like a hop-on-hop-off bus except by boat.
11:00am – Marais
The next stop is the historic neighbourhood of the Marais, an easy 20 minute walk from Notre Dame.
Visit the famous Place du Vosges and explore the surrounding neighbourhood’s winding medieval streets, which afford plenty of Instagram-worthy opportunities.
12:30pm – Lunch: Crepes in Montparnasse
For a typical French culinary experience, head to any crêperie in Montparnasse. This area was historically populated by people from Brittany, the home of the crêpe, and remains a centre for restaurants serving authentic crêpes and galettes (savoury crêpes made with whole-meal flour).
From the Marais, catch Métro line 4 to Edgar Quinet and wander down Rue Montparnasse, which runs North from the Métro station and drop in on any of its crêpe restaurants for an authentic meal. One that I’d recommend is La Belle Ronde.
2:00pm – Musee D’Orsay
After lunch, catch the Métro to Assemblee Nationale or Solferino or RER to Gare Musee d’Orsay.
Although the Louvre is undoubtedly Paris’ most famous museum, the city has a number of other renowned art museums. The Musee D’Orsay is also a fine, world-class museum and much more achievable to visit with a couple of hours, unlike the Louvre which demands at least a whole day to do it justice.
The Musee D’Orsay features art work from some of the defining periods in French Art: particularly the Impressionist and Art Nouveau periods. Among the works displayed here are masterpieces from Monet, Renoir, Degas and Van Gogh, to name but a few.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 1 Rue de la Legion d’Honneur, 75007, Paris
Hours: Open 9:30am to 6pm daily, closed Mondays. On Thursdays, they’re open late until 9:45pm.
Website: Musee D’Orsay
Price: €14/€11 concession/under 18 and 18-25 year olds from EU states free. Entry is also free on the first Sunday of every month.
Tips:
- Masks are mandatory during COVID-19.
- Only suitcases, travel bags and backpacks smaller than 56 x 45 x 25 cm are allowed.
- Cloakroom and lockers are available
- The closest Métro line is 12 and stop Solférino
4:00pm – Montmartre
Next, you’ll be visiting Paris’ most famous neighbourhood, Montmartre. The setting of the Moulin Rouge and the artist and intellectual revolution of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Montmartre remains a centre for art and culture.
End your day in Paris by catching Métro line 12 to Abbessess and wander up the hill to Montmartre’s famous Place du Têtre, stopping to admire the characteristic white façade of Sacre Coeur Basilica along the way.
TIP: Be careful in the neighbourhood from pickpockets. I’ve personally had my backpack stolen after putting it on the ground. While it’s not dangerous here, you do need to be on alert.
In Place du Tetre you can get a small table outside a café and enjoy an espresso while watching the sketch artists push their wares.
6:00pm – Dinner: Chez Toinette
A 1 day Paris itinerary isn’t complete without having a traditional French restaurant. Since you’re in the Montmartre neighbourhood, walk a little further south to Chez Toinette.
Rated as a Traveler’s choice by TripAdvisor, it’s a little off-the-beaten-path but anyone who’s eaten there will tell you how amazing their restaurant is.
Reservation are recommended since the restaurant is small. Make sure to order the escargot, ravioli, duck, bourguignon, and/or foie gras are recommended.
8:00pm – Eiffel Tower’s Illumination
There’s no perfect ending to your day than to head over to the Eiffel Tower and have a picnic at the Bassins du Champ de Mars park.
From Chez Toinette, take Métro line 12 from Abbesses to École Militaire with a change at Concorde on line 8.
Before you head to the park, head over to Carrefour City to pick up cheese and maybe even a bottle of wine.
Find a spot on the grass to picnic and wait for the the Illumination light show where it twinkles for 5 minutes every hour, on the hour after sunset.
Map of the Paris Itinerary
This is a map that pins all the spots in this 24 hour Paris itinerary.
Where to stay in Paris
If you need a one-night stay in Paris, here are my recommendations for where to stay.
Typically I’d bring up Airbnb as an option but one night might be a challenge. Booking.com is going to be your best bet here especially if you’ve reached Genius level membership.
HOSTEL
Le Regent Montmartre
If you’re okay with a shared bathroom, this is a well-rated hostel in the heart of Montmartre. Rooms are basic but comfortable with free wifi and luggage storage options.
BUDGET
Plug Inn Montmartre
This is considered hostel but they have rooms with private bathrooms for a great price. Also located in Montmartre, you get free buffet breakfast, wifi, and luggage storage.
MID-RANGE
Motel One Paris-Porte Dorée
Don’t be fooled by the name, I’ve stayed at a Motel One in Hamburg and this has very similar design and vibes. Rooms, staff, and location are great (close to Porte Dorée Métro station)
CONDO HOTEL
Résidence Charles Floquet
The location and view from this gorgeous fully-loaded apartment is stunning being so close to the Eiffel tower. This is a clean and spacious unit that gives you access to a kitchen which is a plus.
Alternative things to do in 24 hours
There are so many things to do in Paris but if the itinerary doesn’t have quite everything you’re hoping to do, here are a few other ideas you can incorporate.
Just remember, 24 hours goes by quickly so pick and adjust wisely!
- Louvre Museum – I know, how could I have left this out. The original thought is that it might take up too much of your time but if it’s a must do, you should definitely fit this in!
- Montparnasse Tower Roof Terrace – I always argue that this is the best rooftop view of Paris.
- Opera Garnier – This is a great self-tour to admire the largest opera hall in Europe
- Les Invalides – See the tomb of Napolean and one of the world’s largest military history and art collections.
- Panthéon – This is a the temple dedicated to the memory of those who have marked French history since the time of the French Revolution.
- Pompidou – Another museum that you can consider during your day in Paris. Some consider it the MOMA of Europe.
- Illuminations River Cruise – Evening river cruise along the River Seine and see the city light up.
- Champ Elysee and Arc de Triomphe – If you’re looking to do more shopping and see the Arc, include this in your itinerary.
Read more about Europe
- Spooky places and scary places in Paris
- Wifi hotspot you can use in Europe
- Istanbul 2 day itinerary
- What to see in London as a first timer
Does Paris have an activity pass?
- The Paris Pass and Paris Explorer Pass is a great way to save money but would make more sense if you’re staying for 2 days or more.
FAQ
Where can you buy Métro tickets?
You can by individual or 10-pack of tickets at ticket desks and automatic vending machines, located in all metro, bus, tram, and RER stations.
Does the Métro have an unlimited ride pass?
Yes, there is a Paris Visite Pass which allows for unlimited travel in a day. This costs 13,20 € and you can buy it here.
Are there storage lockers at the airport?
At CDG Terminal 2, you can store your luggage at the lockers located at the CDGVAL station’s exit near the RER train station. This is available 7 days a week from 6am to 9:30pm. This is operated by Bagages du Monde.
At ORY, baggage storage is available in terminal Sud in the public area near Gate G departures hall. This is operated by Bagages du Monde.
When does the Eiffel Tower Illuminations end?
The light show ends at 1am.
Can you use Uber to get around Paris?
Yes, Uber is available in the city however it may not be advisable especially during rush hour because of heavy traffic.
How much are taxi rides from CDG to the city?
The airport has flat-rates into the city to make things easier. It’s €50 for anywhere north of the Seine and €55 for anywhere south of the Seine.
What you should read next
Travel Resources For Your Next Trip
If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.
Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.
Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.
Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.
Rideshare: For new Lyft users, use code WILLIAM4825 to get 50% off your first 2 rides (max $10 USD per ride). Offer valid for 14 days after you take your first ride. For new Uber users, use code psuqbjg4d7rn for the same offer except it’s valid for 30 days.
Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.
eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.
- AmigoSIM – Use GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 25% off. Code is re-useable.
- Gigsky – Use TANG149 to get $3 USD when you sign up, then use code GOINGAWESOME to save 20% on all eSIM orders.
- KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
- AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
- Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
- Ubigi – AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.
Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.
Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.
Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).
Tours and Activities: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.
Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.
- HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks. By booking through our link to get a 5% discount!
- RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
- SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
- Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
- InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.
If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.
As a long time Paris resident, I think this is a pretty good itinerary for just a day. The only exception I would make is going to the Montparnasse area. While having an authentic crepe would be fun, there are far more interesting areas to visit. For example, a stroll down the Champs Elysées from the Etoile to the Tuileries (and then the Tuileries gardens) is a great way to spend an hour or two!
Thanks for taking the time to drop a comment and your thoughts on what could be added in there. I agree that the Montparnasse area is a pretty awesome area! I guess it depends on how quickly you can do all these different areas in a day but it’s do-able!