Paris in a Day: The Best One Day in Paris Itinerary From a Local

Can You Do Paris in a Day?

Yes, it’s possible to do Paris in a day. So of course, you won’t be able to cover everything in Paris. There are so many monuments and things to do that you could spend a lifetime there without being able to do it all. But with the right planning, you’ll be able to see the Eiffel Tower, sample French food, and gaze at the Mona Lisa all in one day!

As a Parisian for 30 years now, I’ve often welcomed friends and family, many of whom have limited time to explore. So I’ve regularly played guide in Paris for 1 day (or a weekend), and every one of them has loved the experience. Trust me, Paris is a must-visit, even if you only have a single day.
 

 

Paris in One Day Itinerary Overview & Map

Here’s my recommended itinerary for a day in Paris, which is doable at a steady yet reasonable pace. However, feel free to remove or add steps as you wish.

Morning:

• 8 am – Breakfast at Angelina
• 9 am – See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum
• 11.30 am – Explore Le Marais district + Lunch

Afternoon:

• 13.30 pm – Walk along the Seine
• 4 pm – Visit the Eiffel Tower
• 5 pm – Stroll along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe

Evening:

• 7.30 pm – Diner at a French restaurant
• Evening – Discover illuminated Paris

To get your Paris one day itinerary map for free, simply click on the image below to open it in Google Maps. Then click on the “star” icon to save it to your own maps.

 
Keep reading to get detailed info and tips to execute this Paris 1 day itinerary!👇

Don’t know where to stay in Paris? Check out this guide of the best areas in Paris for tourists!

One Day in Paris Step-by-Step Itinerary

With only 1 day in Paris, you’ll want to really pack in the activities. I recommend that you wake up early, grab breakfast, and then hit the city and start exploring.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes that you can walk in because you’ll be on the move all day. It would be smart to pack a bag with some snacks in case you get hungry while walking in the city, and a reusable water bottle.

Whenever you’re traveling in Paris, keep a close eye on your valuables. Be sure to keep your phone and wallet tucked away, especially when in those Paris unsafe areas, and out of sight as much as possible when riding the metro.
 

1. Breakfast at Angelina

Angelina is a legendary Parisian tea room on Rue de Rivoli, not far from the Louvre and Tuileries. It’s famous for many reasons: its decor, which makes you think you’re in Versaille; its iconic hot chocolate and Montblanc cake; and the list of celebrities who’ve graced its halls, including Empress Sissi, Coco Chanel, Kate Moss, Richard Gere, and many more.
 

Stéphane Peres / CC BY-NC

Make sure you get there early, from 7.30 am. In fact, this is the only time you can avoid the flood of tourists and hours of queuing. Full breakfast costs about 30€.

If you arrive in Paris in the morning, I recommend skipping Angelina and making do with a croissant or pain au chocolat at any traditional bakery you’ll find on your way (avoid chains such as Paul or Brioche Doré for heaven’s sake). Or, you might be able to enjoy breakfast in your hotel if you’ve stayed in a budget-friendly hotel in Paris.
 

2. See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum

As soon as you’ve eaten, head off to the Louvre Museum. From Angelina, stroll through the adjacent Tuileries Garden for about 10 minutes to the museum. You’ll arrive just in front of the famous glass pyramids.
 

In order to see the Mona Lisa, you’ll need to go to the Louvre Museum with a plan. The museum is enormous and very crowded, so it can be hard to navigate, especially if you’re not sure what you’d like to see. Be sure to book a timed slot ahead of time and consider using the Carrousel or the Porte des Lions entrances to avoid the long lines to enter the museum.

Then, go straight to the Mona Lisa as early as possible. There will probably still be a line to see this famous painting, but the earlier you go, the better.

After you explore the Louvre Museum, be sure to stop at the Colonnes de Buren for a fun photo session before moving on to the next step.

Tip: Book your Louvre skip-the-line-ticket in advance to avoid queuing for hours.

3. Explore Le Marais district + Lunch

Le Marais is the historical Jewish Quarter of Paris and one of the trendiest parts of the city. The area is known for having fabulous little eateries, cafes, and boutiques. You’ll love wandering around this neighborhood where you can really soak in the Parisian atmosphere.

Sweet crepe and cider at Breizh Café

Within Le Marais is Breizh Café, a creperie with a few locations throughout Paris. There, you can enjoy some savory galettes and crepes made with buckwheat flour. The galettes include toppings like ham, egg, cheese, and vegetables, and are often enjoyed with an alcoholic sparkling cider. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

For dessert, try a sweet crepe from Breizh. The plain butter and sugar crepes are wonderful, but there are more adventurous options like a flambéed crepe with Grand Mariner or a crepe with green tea ice cream and black sugar syrup from Okinawa.
 

4. Walk along the Seine

After you’ve eaten lunch, spend a little more time exploring Paris by strolling along the Seine. For me, it’s the best way to quickly see some of Paris’ most famous monuments.

There are footpaths on the lower level near the water for long stretches, and from there you can see Parisians and tourists alike taking in the views. Be sure to stop to admire Pont Neuf, a famous bridge that is adorned with mascarons or stone masks.
 

 
You can wander away from the water a few blocks and admire the Latin Quarter, known for being the medieval part of the city. You’ll notice that the passageways are narrow and winding, a stark contrast to the broad avenues in other parts of the city. You can also see a few other landmarks like Notre Dame or Sainte-Chapelle along your walk.

I recommend walking all the way to the famous Bir Hakeim Bridge for some unforgettable views and photos. But feel free to take the metro whenever you need it.

Tip: If you can’t walk for long, an alternative option is to take the BatoBus. It’s a hop-on-hop-off boat that you can board and disembark at any stop along the route.

5. Visit the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is the best symbol of Paris, so you’ll absolutely want to go when you’re in the city. You can approach the Eiffel Tower from a few directions, but it’s fabulous to see it from the Champ de Mars park.
 

View of the Eiffel Tower from the Champ de Mars

If you see a Carrefour or other grocery store on your way to the Eiffel Tower, you can grab a few snacks to enjoy a quick picnic in Champ de Mars. And before leaving the area, head to Rue de l’Université and Place du Trocadéro for spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower.

Anyone who has always dreamed of climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower can – but it will probably take at least an hour or two and might be ambitious for a Paris one day trip. You’ll definitely want to pre-book your visit to the top of the Eiffel Tower, including any extras like a glass of champagne at the top.
 

6. Stroll along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe

After marveling at the Eiffel Tower, head to the world’s most beautiful street: the Champs Elysées! From Trocadéro, it’s a 30-minute walk or a 10-minute metro ride directly to the Arc de Triomphe (Charles de Gaulle Etoile station).

Walk up the avenue towards the Arc de Triomphe and along the way, you’ll come across charming shop windows, luxurious or not. You might find it hard to resist a bit of window shopping or even stepping into some of the stores, especially if you’re visiting during Christmas. Well, if you have the time, it’s the perfect spot to buy a souvenir.
 

The further you go, the more magnificent the view of the Arc becomes. For the best photo, cross the road on a crosswalk and stop in the middle to take a nice centered shot. Just be quick before the light changes to red!

To access the Arc, make sure to take the underground passage. It’s possible to climb up to the Arc’s roof for a breathtaking view of Paris and its star-shaped square. However, like the Eiffel Tower, it can get quite crowded and lines can be long. Be sure to check the queue situation and make your decision accordingly.

Want to climb the Arc de Triomphe? Book your spot here now to save time!

7. Diner at a French restaurant

No trip to Paris is complete without sampling traditional French cuisine, so be sure to have dinner before you leave the city.

There are fabulous, classic French restaurants throughout the city, but you’ll want to avoid the spots that are close to the city’s main landmarks. Instead, consider a spot like Le Florimond, a small, vegetable-forward bistro walking distance from the Eiffel Tower.
 

Diner at Le Florimond

For a trendy option that’s much less stuffy than a classic French restaurant, consider visiting L’Avant Comptoir de la Mer. This small seafood tapas restaurant serves tasty small plates along with oysters and a selection of French wines.

Those traveling on a strict budget might instead try Bouillon Pigalle near Moulin Rouge and Sacré-Coeur Basilica. It’s a massive restaurant that usually has a line around the block serving classic French fare but at prices intended to be affordable for working people. The menu is large but still features classics like beef ​​bourguignon, snails in parsley butter, and sea bream with ratatouille.
 

8. Discover illuminated Paris

If you’re staying the night in Paris and depending on where you’ve had dinner, consider returning to the Eiffel Tower at night to see it sparkle. The tower lights up for 4 minutes on the hour after the sun sets, and it’s a completely different experience than seeing it during the day.
 

 
Alternatively, you can make your way to the Arc de Triomphe to see it lit up at night. There are restaurants and bars along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées that offer a lively atmosphere and a view of the famous archway.

Many of the bars and restaurants throughout Paris have wonderful terraces, where you can sit into the evening and enjoy a glass of wine, a cocktail, or a shot of espresso for a nightcap. From a restaurant’s terrace, you can watch as locals and tourists stroll by and savor the last few moments of your time in Paris.
 

More Than a Day in Paris?

If you find yourself with more than just a day in Paris, even a few extra hours, don’t miss the chance to explore further! Here’s a short list of additional must-visit spots in Paris for your extended stay:

• Montmartre and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica: Montmartre is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in the city, maintaining an authentic Parisian charm. And the white basilica perched atop the hill is an absolute must-see!
• Opéra Garnier: The whole area around the Opéra Garnier is exceptionally beautiful, and the opera itself is a true architectural masterpiece.
• Place Vendôme: It’s a superb square with a magnificent column at its center, encircled by palaces and luxury jewelry stores. You can try out a trompe l’oeil by Cédric Grolet nearby.
• Pont Alexandre III: This is no ordinary bridge, but the most beautiful in Paris, with its monumental structures in gilded bronze. A must-see when in Paris!
• Musée d’Orsay: If you’re a museum lover, this one is unmissable! Housed in a former train station, the building itself is stunning and it has the world’s largest collection of Impressionist paintings.

Sacré-Coeur Basilica in Montmartre

How to Get Around Paris for a Day

I’ve designed this Paris in 1 day itinerary to be 100% walkable. But you’re bound to end the day with your feet on fire, I have to admit.

There’s no need to worry though, as public transportation in Paris is a breeze with an extensive and efficient network. Metro stations are conveniently spaced, and buses crisscross the city, making it easy to get around. You’ll be able to ride a metro, bus, or tram at any time.

As for 2023, here are the options available to use on a one day trip to Paris:

• Forfait Mobilis: 24-hour unlimited access to public transport for 8,45€ (Paris intra-muros only)
• Tickets t+: single one-way ticket valid for 1 hour for 2.10€

If you’re using an Android smartphone, you can get your ticket through the Ile de France Mobilité app. If you have an iOS device, you’ll have to purchase your ticket at the kiosks or vending machines available at all train and metro stations.

Tip: Public transport in Paris is often under construction, and there can be problems, especially at peak times. Download the City Mapper or Ile de France Mobilité app to get real-time traffic updates and plan your trips smartly.

An alternative is to choose a hop-on hop-off bus, which is really convenient for a short trip in Paris.

Using a car is not an option in Paris. Parking is very expensive, traffic jams are a headache, and certain areas are now off-limits to cars. If you arrive in Paris by car, park your car in an underground parking lot for the day.
 

Bir Hakeim bridge

Getting to Paris from Charles de Gaulle Airport

If you’re arriving in Paris from Charles de Gaulle Airport, the trip is easy. Just take the RER B, which will take you to downtown Paris in about 35 minutes.

The most central stops served by the RER B are Gare du Nord, Chatelet-Les-Halles, and Saint-Michel Notre Dame. From any of these stations, you can easily make any connection to reach your destination.

Fare for a trip from CDG Airport to Paris is more or less 11.45€.
 

Getting to Paris from Orly Airport

If you’re arriving in Paris from Orly Airport, there are 2 options you can choose:

1. Orlybus: it’s a bus running from Orly to Denfert-Rochereau station in Paris in 25-35 minutes for 11.20€ one-way. You’ll need to get another ticket at Denfert-Rochereau station to ride the subway to your final destination.
2. Orlyval: it’s a subway line linking Orly to Antony RER station, where you can catch the RER B train to Paris. The price is 14.10€ for a ticket including Orlyval + RER B to Paris. The whole trip takes about 35-45 minutes.

Where to Stay in Paris for One Night

Spending one night in Paris? Look no further, here are the most convenient accommodations to follow this itinerary, which are either close to the Louvre Museum or to the Champs Elysées:

✅ Best Hotel – Hôtel du Danube Saint Germain: Located in the quiet St Germain district, this hotel is only a 10-minute walk away from the Louvre. This place is for sure the best value-for-money hotel you could find in this area!

💰 Best Budget Hotel – The People – Paris Marais: Located 10 minutes from the Louvre by metro, this place provides several bedroom options, including dormitories. You could spend the night there for less than 40€!

✨ Best Luxury Hotel – Monsieur George Hotel & Spa: Located right by the Champs Elysées and 10 minutes from the Arc de Triomphe, this 5-star hotel offers incredible rooms and services for a surprising price given the standing.

Final Thought

If you’re going to Paris for a day only, you can still see many of the city’s top attractions. It’s possible to cover some of the best things to do in Paris in one day like the Seine River, the Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe. You’ll also see the Tuileries Garden, one of the most beautiful green spaces in Paris.

One day trip in Paris is plenty of time to try a few classic French dishes and baked goods. Be sure to try a savory galette, a sweet crepe, and a croissant or other treat from a boulangerie or French bakery. For dinner, try local dishes, but don’t feel that you have to go to a stuffy restaurant if that’s not your style – there are great spots throughout the city.

Finally, leave enough room in your crowded one day in Paris itinerary to take in the scenery. Paris has incredible architecture, adorable boutiques, and idyllic views seemingly everywhere you look. Try not to be so focused on getting to the next spot that you forget to actually take in the city. Hopefully, you’ll be back to Paris for a longer trip in no time.

🔍 Read more:

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• Best Spots for Sunrise in Paris
• Best Beaches Near Paris

Discover even more Paris guides here.

I hope you enjoy this one day itinerary in Paris; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below. Help a fellow traveler and share this guide using the buttons below! 🙂