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This guide explains what you can do in Paris in a day, how to get around the city without missing out on all the essentials and how to make the most of the Parisian capital without losing any of its essence.Sara García
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By Sara García
Journalist and in love with trips full of new experiences. Writing and traveling merge to allow him the privilege of telling about what he discovers in every corner of the world and sharing them with anyone who wants to follow in his footsteps.
If you only have 24 hours, the key to making the most of a day in Paris is to optimize your distance and understand the historical context of each destination. This optimized itinerary shows you what to see in Paris in 1 day, grouping together the essential attractions based on proximity and combining history, walks and unique views.
Here is a summary of what we recommend you see to give yourself the time to enjoy a day in Paris. And at the end of the tour we help you with how you can extend the experience if you have more time, with links to other places to visit in Paris that are worth seeing.
Summary of the Paris itinerary in 1 day
| Strip | Area | Key experience |
| Morning | Úle de la Cité · Louvre | Medieval origins and classical Paris |
| Afternoon | Champs-Élysées Eiffel Tower | Monumental and symbolic Paris |
| Evening | Montmartre | Bohemian and artistic Paris |
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Paris: the essentials in 24 hours
On this day in Paris we combine history, urban icons and neighborhoods with their own special identity. The tour is designed to help you see how to see Paris in one day without any unnecessary rush, visiting nearby and well-connected areas.
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In the morning, see the historical origin of the city
Located on the Úle de la Cité, Notre Dame Cathedral is the greatest symbol of medieval Paris. Its Gothic architecture began in the twelfth century and marked a before and after in European religious construction. If you want more information, see our post- Guide to visiting Notre Dame Cathedral in which you will learn all the things you need to know before visiting the city.
We then walk for about 10 minutes to the Sainte-Chapelle, our next stop on the itinerary.
Sainte-Chapelle
Built to house royal relics, this chapel is a radiant Gothic jewel, famous for its storytelling stained glass windows that transform the light into a unique color show.
We carry on and cross the Pont Neuf on foot towards the Louvre.
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Louvre Museum (exterior and patios)
It was an ancient royal palace. This museum represents the transformation of Paris from a royal capital to an Enlightenment city. Although we do not want to go inside, a tour of its courtyards allows you to understand its historical dimension.
On leaving the museum, we can walk towards the Tuileries Garden and take a pleasant walk if the weather allows, before reaching the grand avenue. Here you can stop for lunch before continuing with your itinerary in the afternoon.
Spend the afternoon in monumental and elegant Paris
This time period is dedicated to major urban icons. It begins as soon as I finish lunch so you have plenty of sunshine to reach the Eiffel Tower in the day and see the sunset from above
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Champs-Élysées
This major urban axis connects the political, military and cultural power of the city. A stroll through the river is a perfect understanding of 19th-century Paris and its monumental urban design.
From here, we can walk towards the Arc de Triomphe, walking along the avenue and enjoying the windows of dozens of brands.
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Arc de Triomphe
Commissioned by Napoleon, it is a monument to French collective memory and a key point for understanding the organizational structure of Paris.
If you have time, we recommend you walk, but if you're tired, take the metro to Trocadéro.
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Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower was conceived as a temporary structure but ended up becoming the universal symbol of the city and industrial modernity. We recommend you get tickets here before going.
Cross the Seine or take the metro to Montmartre.
A night in bohemian Paris
We end the day in a district with its own personality.
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Montmartre
This old village merged with the city and was a refuge for artists and thinkers. Its cobbled streets retain all the spirit of the most creative Paris. You can learn more about the district in our post What to see in Montmartre.
The best thing about this district is that you can explore it all on foot to reach the end of the itinerary.
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The Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Located at the highest point in the city, the basilica offers a symbolic view of Paris and one of the best urban views.
At the end of the tour, enjoy dinner and great French cuisine in great company.
Here is our interactive map so you can see the full route.
If you want to stay in a central hotel in Paris, we recommend you book the Meliá Paris Champs Elysées. The perfect place to rest and recharge your batteries after an intense day in the City of Light.
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If you haven’t heard much, we encourage you to extend your visit and check out these other posts as they might give you more ideas.
- What to see in Paris in 2 days
- What to see in Paris in 3 days
- What to see in Paris in 4 days
- What to see in Paris in 5 days
If you already know any of the places we suggest, take a look at the following links to specific guides such as What to see in Montparnasse, What to see in Le Marais or What to see in La Defense.
If you have an extra day, a classic excursion is What to see in Versailles.
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