Paris, the City of Light, is a destination filled with history, art, gastronomy, and breathtaking architecture. If you only have one day to explore this magnificent city, you need a well-structured itinerary that optimizes time and transportation. This guide will take you through the best sights, ensuring you experience the essence of Paris while keeping your travels efficient with public transport.
Morning: Start with a Classic Parisian Breakfast (7:30 AM – 8:30 AM)
Begin your day the Parisian way—with a traditional breakfast. Find a café near your starting point and enjoy a croissant, baguette with butter and jam, and a café crème.
Best Café Options:
- Café de Flore (Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Metro Line 4 - Saint-Germain-des-Prés)
- Le Petit Cler (Near the Eiffel Tower, Metro Line 8 - École Militaire)
- Angelina Paris (Near the Louvre, Metro Line 1 - Tuileries)
📍 Nearest Metro Stop: Based on your café choice, the best metro line to start the day is Line 4 (Saint-Germain-des-Prés) or Line 1 (Tuileries).
Stop 1: The Eiffel Tower (8:45 AM – 10:00 AM)
Your first major stop is the Eiffel Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Arriving early ensures fewer crowds and beautiful morning light for photos.
Tips for an Efficient Visit:
- Take the Metro Line 8 to École Militaire and walk through the Champ de Mars for a breathtaking approach.
- If you plan to go up the tower, book tickets online in advance.
- If short on time, admire the tower from Trocadéro Gardens (Metro Line 6 - Trocadéro).
🚇 Metro: Line 8 (École Militaire) or Line 6 (Trocadéro for the best view).
⏳ Pro Tip: Please read our post Hidden Gems Near the Eiffel Tower to find the best places around the Eiffel Tower.
Stop 2: Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées (10:15 AM – 11:15 AM)
From the Eiffel Tower, take Metro Line 6 from Bir-Hakeim to Charles de Gaulle-Étoile to reach the Arc de Triomphe.
Why Visit?
- Panoramic view of Paris from the top (book tickets in advance).
- A quick photo opportunity at the base if short on time.
- A stroll down Champs-Élysées for window shopping and Parisian vibes.
🚇 Metro: Line 6 from Bir-Hakeim to Charles de Gaulle-Étoile.
Stop 3: Louvre Museum (11:30 AM – 1:30 PM)
Take Metro Line 1 from Charles de Gaulle-Étoile to Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre.
Louvre Visit Options:
- Quick Visit: Prioritize the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory.
- Extended Visit: If art is your passion, a guided tour can help maximize time.
- Alternative: Admire the glass pyramid from the Cour Napoléon if you’d rather spend more time outdoors.
🚇 Metro: Line 1 (Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre).
⏳ Pro Tip: Please read our post Best Time to Visit the Louvre Without Crowds to pick the right time visiting the Louvre Museum.
⏳ Pro Tip: Buy your ticket online before accessing the Museum to save time.
Lunch Break: Traditional Parisian Lunch (1:30 PM – 2:30 PM)
After an immersive museum visit, take a well-deserved break at a traditional brasserie.
Recommended Lunch Spots:
- Le Procope (Oldest café in Paris, near the Louvre, Metro Line 4 - Odéon)
- Chez Georges (Steak frites, Metro Line 7 - Palais Royal)
- Café Saint-Régis (Charming bistro on Île Saint-Louis, Metro Line 4 - Cité)
🚇 Metro: Closest stop based on your chosen restaurant.
Stop 4: Île de la Cité & Notre-Dame (2:45 PM – 3:30 PM)
From Louvre-Rivoli, take Metro Line 1 to Châtelet, then walk to Île de la Cité, home to Notre-Dame Cathedral. Since the Cathedral has reopened, the entrance will cost you 5 EUR per person.
Highlights:
- Admire Notre-Dame’s Gothic architecture (restoration ongoing after the 2019 fire).
- Visit Shakespeare and Company, the famous English-language bookstore.
- Relax by the Seine River Banks for classic Paris views.
🚇 Metro: Line 1 (Châtelet) or walk from the Louvre.
⏳ Pro Tip: Please read our post concerning How to Get the Best View of Notre-Dame & Seine River.
Stop 5: Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM)
Next, take Metro Line 4 from Cité to Barbès-Rochechouart, then switch to Line 2 for Anvers to reach Montmartre.
Why Visit Montmartre?
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica: Best panoramic view of Paris (free entry, take the funicular to save time).
- Place du Tertre: See street artists painting Parisian scenes.
- Hidden Vineyards: Discover a lesser-known Parisian charm.
🚇 Metro: Line 4 to Barbès-Rochechouart, transfer to Line 2 (Anvers).
Dinner: Seine River Cruise Dining (6:00 PM – 8:30 PM)
End your perfect day in Paris with a romantic dinner cruise on the Seine, offering breathtaking views of illuminated landmarks like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. It's a very nice opportunity to see Paris by night while spending a good moment to finish the day.
Best Seine Dinner Cruises:
- Bateaux Parisiens (Departing near the Eiffel Tower, Metro Line 9 - Alma-Marceau)
- Le Calife (Smaller, intimate cruise departing from Pont des Arts, Metro Line 7 - Pont Neuf)
🚇 Metro: Line 9 (Alma-Marceau) or Line 7 (Pont Neuf).
⏳ Pro Tip: Reserve your cruise online to be sure to get your place.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Day in Paris
By following this itinerary, you’ll have experienced Paris’s most iconic landmarks, charming streets, and cultural highlights in just 24 hours. Utilizing public transportation efficiently ensures a seamless journey, allowing you to see as much as possible without exhaustion. You'll appreciate the Seine River Cruise to finish this day.
✨ Looking for more Paris travel tips? Subscribe to our newsletter for insider guides! ✨
