One day in Paris: your perfect itinerary and top tips!

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Paris, the capital of France, is one of the most visited cities in the world. And for good reason. It’s crammed full of iconic landmarks, world-class museums, beautiful streets, and riverside districts.

Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to sightseeing opportunities, and there are plenty of places within easy reach for day trips. It’s one of my favourite cities!

But what if you only have one day in Paris? Maybe you’ve flown into the city and have a day to explore before heading on to other French destinations. Or perhaps you’re on a day trip to Paris using the Eurostar from London or Brussels.

If this is the case, you might be wondering what you should focus on.

This post provides itineraries to help you make the most of your one day in Paris. It includes some of the top attractions to visit in the city centre, including the world-famous Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the stunning Sacré-Coeur Basilica in the charming Montmartre district.

And if you’re visiting Paris (also known as the ‘City of Love’) as part of a romantic day out or city break, check out my post on the most romantic things to do here.

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Itineraries for one day in Paris

My two itineraries cover some of the best things to do in Paris and the best places to head for.

They differ slightly in terms of activities during the day because it will be impossible to cram everything into a single day or if you are just on a short visit to the city.

I have, however, tried to fit in as much as possible so that you get to see the main sights. So be prepared for a full day out! And try to start early if you can.

Itinerary 1 includes a trip to the Louvre Museum for art lovers. However, if this is not at the top of your list, I’ve also set out a second itinerary that includes a short cruise down the River Seine as an alternative.

For both, you can also drop some things if you would like to sightsee at a slower pace. For example, you don’t necessarily need to go into Notre-Dame Cathedral – maybe just take a look at it from the outside – and you might only want to go into one of the gardens I’ve added in.

Scroll down to the end of this post to find these itineraries.

I’ve also provided some practical information to help you plan your trip. You can also access a tourist map of Paris here (I find this one particularly useful as it includes the main metro stops).

How to do one day in Paris

You can easily plan your own one day in Paris using my itineraries and travelling independently into the city.

By plane

Many countries operate direct flights to Paris airports. If you’re having a holiday or vacation in Paris and just stopping off in the capital for a day, then you might be arriving this way.

The main airport is Paris Charles de Gaulle. It is around 25 kilometres outside the city centre.

If you arrive at this airport and want to travel in by public transport, you can take the train (RER B line) or catch the Roissybus. If time is tight, the train is likely to be the best option, as it takes around half the time of the bus (just over 30 minutes versus 60 minutes).

Some flights also land at Orly airport, which is a little closer to the city. Again, it is easy to reach the city centre from here. There is a metro (line 14), as well as the RER train (line C plus a shuttle bus). The metro is the quickest way.

By train

The Eurostar also runs to Paris from London with a journey time of around two hours and twenty minutes. Trains run regularly from London St. Pancras station, and several arrive in Paris well before mid-morning.

So, if you’re looking for a day out in the city, it’s still possible to do this.

From Brussels, the Eurostar takes around an hour and a half.

You can also catch inter-city and regional trains to Paris from various destinations in the country. This includes, for example, Lyon (just under 2 hours by train), Bordeaux (two and a quarter hours), and Tours in the Loire Valley (one and a quarter hours).

Paris guided tours

Alternatively, you could book a Paris day trip.

On this trip, you take the high-speed train from London to Paris and then sightsee in the company of a tour guide. It includes a one-hour cruise down the River Seine and some free time to explore on your own.

How to get around Paris

You can follow my itineraries below by using the metro and walking between some of the sights. I’ve added information on nearby metro stations to head to in various locations. You can get more information on the Paris Metro here.

However, if you prefer not to walk around the city or are particularly short on time, another good way to get around is to book a hop-on hop-off bus.

This will take you between the sights while also giving you some information via the onboard audio guide.

You can also book walking tours that will take you around the top attractions with a guide who can give you information on the city and its history. You can browse walking tours here.

An itinerary for one day in Paris

Start at the Jardin du Luxembourg on the left bank

Paris is full of stunning parks and gardens. This includes the beautifully manicured Jardin du Luxembourg, which is on the edge of the city’s Latin Quarter.

The Jardin du Luxembourg dates back to the early 17th century and is a wonderful green space to wander around. There are French and English gardens here, neat lawns and flower beds, an orchard, a small lake and over a hundred statues, monuments, and fountains dotted around.

There is also the Palais du Luxembourg within the garden. Once a royal palace, this now houses the French Senate.

I’d suggest starting your day here. It’s a good way to get a sense of the beauty that Paris is renowned for from the get-go. If this is the first thing you see in Paris, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Good to know: If you’ve come into the Gare du Nord train station, you can catch the blue metro line (Line B) to Luxembourg metro station. If you’ve arrived via Gare de Lyon station, catch the red line (Line A to Châtelet Les Halles), and then swap to the blue line for Luxembourg.

There are many other beautiful gardens to visit in the city, including the Jardin des Plantes (not far from the Jardin du Luxembourg). There’s also the Place des Vosges in the historic Le Marais district and the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, with its views across to Montmartre.

Unfortunately, you won’t have enough time to visit these with just one day in Paris – but maybe save these for next time!

Stroll through the Latin Quarter

After visiting the Luxembourg Gardens, I’d recommend exploring the Latin Quarter. There are some attractive tree-lined streets where you can stroll around and experience the Parisian vibe.

The Latin Quarter is one of the oldest areas in Paris and contains a wealth of things to stop off and see. Again, you probably won’t have time to cover them all, but you’ll no doubt see some of the landmarks as you wander around.

These include the Sorbonne University, the Pantheon (a grand building where famous people such as Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau are buried), and the Jardin des Plantes.

You can also walk along the side of the river and around the outdoor sculpture museum. View some of the works of art here en route to the Île Saint-Louis island and the next stop, Notre-Dame, on the Île de la Cité.

Good to know: There are loads of great cafes and eateries in the Latin Quarter where you can sample fabulous French cuisine. So, before you move on, you could always stop off for a coffee or brunch.

Pop inside Notre-Dame Cathedral

After exploring the Latin Quarter, I’d recommend your next stop is Notre-Dame Cathedral. This is on a little island in the middle of the river – the Île de la Cité.

The cathedral is Gothic in style and was built in the Middle Ages. It was closed for a time after a fire destroyed part of the building in 2019 but has now reopened. It is a beautiful structure and quite breathtaking inside.

It’s worth popping into and is a convenient place to cross over the river to the right bank of the city.

Stroll along the right bank of the river

After you’ve crossed over between the river banks via the Pont d’Arcole, you’ll see the grand renaissance Hôtel de Ville. With your back to this city hall, walk towards the Pont Neuf bridge with the river, and the Île de la Cité on your left.

Dating back to the 16th century, this stone bridge is the oldest in Paris. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Just beyond this, you’ll come to the famous Louvre Museum. On the other side, away from the river, is the Rue de Rivoli. This long shopping boulevard stretches from near the Île Saint-Louis up to the Place de La Concorde.

View the art in the Louvre Museum

The Louvre is the most visited art museum in the world. Housed in a grand palace with an eye-catching glass pyramid in front of it, the museum covers art from around the world and across the centuries.

Perhaps most famously, the museum houses the Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci in the early 16th century. The Venus de Milo sculpture can also be viewed here.

As the Louvre is the most visited museum in Paris and the most visited art gallery in the world, if you want to go inside, I’d recommend booking skip-the-line entry tickets (entrance guaranteed within 30 minutes). This will ensure you get in quickly and can maximise your time on your one day in Paris.

The Louvre is open every day except Tuesdays. So, when planning your one day in Paris, if you want to visit, consider going on a different day.

Good to know: You will need to devote at least a couple of hours to seeing the art in the Louvre (arguably you need longer than this, but time will be short on your one day in Paris). If you’d prefer to save your time for other sights, then I’d skip this, focus on other places in my itinerary, and potentially hop on a short river cruise.

Other art museums and galleries

If you would prefer to visit a different art museum, there are numerous other options available.

Other art museums in the city include the Musée D’Orsay, the Musée Rodin, and the Petit Palais.

It’s also worth visiting the Pompidou Centre, which houses the National Museum of Modern Art – if only to see its unique building and structure. The Palais de Tokyo also showcases modern art.

Wander through the Jardin des Tuileries

After seeing or visiting the Louvre, you’re in the ideal location to pop into the 16th century Tuileries Garden, which is right next door. It is the oldest garden in the city.

The garden is another fantastic green space to wander around, featuring manicured gardens, tree-lined pathways, ponds, and grand statues. It’s easy to see why the Paris tourist office website labels it ‘an oasis of greenery and Parisian history’.

If you need a break by the time you reach the gardens, there are plenty of benches where you can take the weight off your feet and spend some time relaxing and taking in your surroundings.

And if you visit over the summer months, you might get to visit the funfair that takes up residence as part of the Tuileries Festival.

See the Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Élysées

At the opposite end of the Tuileries Garden to the Louvre is the Place de la Concorde. You’ll be able to spot it from the large obelisk that stands in the centre of the square.

It was here that executions took place during the French Revolution, most notably of Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette (if you want more of an insight into these members of the French royalty – and if you are lucky enough to have more than one day in Paris – take a trip out to the Palace of Versailles which is just 40 minutes away by train).

You can just briefly go into the Place de la Concorde en route to other sights.

The Champs Élysées

From the Place de la Concorde, you can walk onto the Champs-Élysées. It is one of the world’s most famous avenues, with charming and elegant cafes and boutique shops straddling the wide tree-lined boulevard. At the other end is the Arc de Triomphe.

If you are in need of a quick break, you can stop off here for a coffee or a snack. And if you’re there at night, you can stroll along and experience the avenue when it comes alive with lights.

Good to know: The Place de la Concorde is not too far from the Eiffel Tower, on the other side of the river. So, you could skip the Champs-Élysées and spend more time at the Eiffel Tower.

Take a cruise along the river

Booking a Seine river cruise is an ideal way to combine seeing some of the city’s top landmarks and having a memorable experience. It’s also one of the best ways to see the city if you are short on time.

If you plan to go into the Louvre and spend a couple of hours there, you might not have time for this. But if you don’t stop off in the Louvre, or have a bit more time, sailing down the Seine is highly recommended.

Many of the sightseeing cruises depart from near to the Eiffel Tower. You can head down and visit this landmark first before going to the river for a cruise. Or you could hop onto the boat first.

This one-hour cruise is ideal for visitors who only have one day in Paris. It sails from the Eiffel Tower, past sights such as the Orsay Museum, the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Grand Palais.

There are also other longer cruises available if you fancy having a meal on board or doing something a bit more romantic.

Check out the different types of River Seine cruises here.

Good to know: if you’re not following my itineraries or want to catch a boat from elsewhere, this 75-minute panoramic cruise starts from the Quai de Orfèvres on the Île de la Cité.

Gaze up at the iconic Eiffel Tower

The iconic Eiffel Tower is probably top of the fantastic sights to see in Paris. You can’t visit the French capital without seeing it. Standing at over 1,000 feet, it dominates the skyline and is one of the world’s most visited monuments.

So, on your one day in Paris, seeing the Eiffel Tower at least is a must. If you’re pushed for time, you could just go to the tower, wander around the gorgeous Champ des Mars park, and capture some great snaps of it.

Good to know: The Eiffel Tower is within walking distance of the Place de La Concorde: cross back over to the left bank. However, it may take around half an hour, so you may prefer to use public transport. The nearest metro station is Bir Hakeim (line 6), which is just a 10-minute walk away. You can also take the RER train (line C) to Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel station or the bus (lines 82, 30, and 42).

Ascend the Eiffel Tower

If you have the time, I’d really recommend going up this famous landmark.

There are some absolutely breathtaking views from the observation deck in the tower. There are views out across the river and to all of the landmarks that Paris is so famous for.

And if you want to make it extra special, you can also stop off in one of the restaurants for champagne or a bite to eat.

Good to know: Unsurprisingly, going up the Eiffel Tower is hugely popular among visitors. So, if you want to do this, I’d recommend pre-booking tickets to ensure you can go up immediately upon arrival and make the most of your time.

Stroll around Montmartre and visit the Sacré-Coeur

Montmartre is often considered to be one of the city’s most charming neighbourhoods. So, you should definitely try to spend some time here.

When you arrive in Montmarte, you can stroll around the cobbled streets and squares, with their cozy bars and restaurants (including the historic La Maison Rose) that serve traditional French food.

You can book a guided walking tour if you’re interested in learning more about the area.

Good to know: If you’re using the metro to explore and have just visited the Eiffel Tower, get on at Bir-Hakeim metro station and take the green line to Charles de Gaulle Etoile. Then, switch to the blue line to Anvers, which is within walking distance.

The Sacré-Coeur

Montmartre is perhaps most famous for the beautiful Roman-Byzantine Sacré-Coeur Basilica, the elegant white domed-church that sits on top of a hill here.

You can walk up to it via steps or take the funicular and see the views across the city. Stay until the sun goes down, and it will be particularly special (and another perfect place for some romance!). Once you arrive, you can go inside and see the interior.

You can also climb to the top of the dome. Being the highest point in the city after the Eiffel Tower means you get absolutely incredible views from here.

Montmartre also has a museum of art and history (the Musée de Montmartre) and is famed for its Moulin Rouge theatre and concert hall, which boasts a windmill on top.

Good to know: I’d suggest ending your day in Montmartre, especially if you’re departing the city from the Gare du Nord. Therefore, perhaps save visiting the area for late afternoon. The Chateau Rouge metro station is just two stops from Gare du Nord on metro line 4. If you’re departing from Gare de Lyon, catch line 4 to Châtelet and swap to line 1.

One day in Paris: two itineraries

The following itineraries are very similar, but have a slight variation depending on whether or not you would like to spend some time going into the Louvre museum.

One day in Paris

I hope you have a wonderful time in Paris, especially if this is your first visit (if you’re like me and fall in love with the city, it probably won’t be your last!).

I also hope this guide to one day in Paris helps you plan your short time in the city. If you have any questions, please get in touch at [email protected].

For other ideas for day trips and short breaks in France, check out some of my other posts:

• A day out from Paris to the Palace of Versailles
• A day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris
• Top romantic things to do in Paris for couples
• Two days in Bordeaux
• One day in Montpellier in the south of France
• Avignon in Provence: how to spend your time here
• Top things to do in 2 days in Lyon
• One day in Annecy
• Best things to do in Menton on the Cote d’Azur

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